When applying for jobs in the pet industry, you’ll often hear the term “Fear Free” thrown around. Fear Free refers to a certified training program designed to help pet care professionals provide better care to their clients and customers. We provide education to understand animals and techniques to promote a safe and comfortable environment for animals.
Although Fear-Free certification is not necessarily a requirement for employment, many veterinary practices and other pet care facilities have their employees complete Fear-Free training. This helps create a positive working environment that benefits employees, animals, and animal caretakers and handlers. Read on to understand how Fear Free works and how it can benefit you.
How does it work?
Fear Free was founded in 2016 to provide online educational resources for veterinarians and other professionals in the animal and pet industry. Their goal is to “prevent and reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating pet caregivers.”1
Fear Free founder, Dr. Marty Becker, created Fear Free to help veterinary professionals and their patients feel happy and safe during veterinary visits. Currently, Fear Free offers training for pet care professionals that promotes a stress-free work environment. They educate people about techniques and workplace practices that can help reduce anxiety and stress in pets, and reduce aggression and emotional distress. The sense of safety and well-being felt by pets often makes the workplace safer and more comfortable, and also increases workplace morale and employee satisfaction.
What are the different types of Fear Free certifications?
Fear Free offers a variety of certification courses for pet professionals such as veterinarians, groomers, trainers, and animal shelter workers.
Veterinary specialty course options include individual training and practice-wide training. Individualized training allows veterinarians, technicians, and other veterinary hospital employees to reduce or eliminate anxiety factors in animals, improve the quality of care provided to patients, and improve safety for the entire veterinary team. You can. Individualized training also provides guidance on how to instruct pet parents in preparing and transporting their pets in a manner that promotes pet calmness and reduces anxiety.
This hands-on training applies to veterinary practices that already have employees who have taken individual Fear Free training. It builds from training and helps create workflows and operating protocols that align with Fear Free’s goals and values.
When it comes to other pet professionals, Fear Free has official certification courses for animal trainers, groomers, pet sitters, and pet boarding and child care facilities. Training courses cover a wide range of topics, including creating a pet-friendly work environment, reading animal body language, and proven techniques for reducing anxiety and stress in animals.
Fear Free also created the Fear Free Shelter program to improve the emotional experience of shelter animals while in animal shelters. They provide guidance and strategies for every part of the shelter process, including accepting animals, setting up humane kennels, adoption programs, and meeting potential adoptive families.
Where is it used?
One of Fear Free’s biggest audiences is veterinary practices. Because veterinary practices play an important role in the health and well-being of pets, Fear Free offers a thorough certification program and ongoing support for professionals in the field.
Fear Free doesn’t just apply to the veterinary field. The company’s certification program is applicable to all types of environments involving animals. If taking an entire course doesn’t apply to your situation, you can explore Fear Free’s education library and take individual courses. Although it does not offer official certification, it still contains valuable information that will help you feel prepared and stand out from your peers.
Benefits of Fear Free Certification
Fear Free certification allows people to understand animal behavior and body language. They educate and equip people to interact with animals in safe ways and prevent emotional distress and physical harm. Fear Free’s approach advocates for animal welfare by supporting practices and techniques that allow animals to feel calm and safe while reducing stress. Happy animals contribute greatly to a happy work environment, but it’s not just beneficial for the animals. There are also benefits for owners and professionals involved in animal life.
Disadvantages of Fear Free Certification
Fear Free certification requires a significant investment of time and money. Basic training typically takes approximately 7 hours to complete. If you want to earn elite status, you must complete 35 hours of continuing education. You must also pay an annual fee to maintain your certification and re-certify every three years.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does Fear Free certification take?
The basic Fear Free certification program can be completed in less than one day. Consisting of several learning modules with a quiz at the end, the entire program can be completed in approximately 7-8 hours. You must pass each quiz with at least 80% to move forward, complete the course, and earn your certification.
Fear Free also offers other training modules of varying lengths. These modules are designed to supplement the training you receive from the Fear Free Certification Program.
How does Fear Free benefit veterinarians?
Fear Free offers many benefits to veterinarians. Create a safer working environment by allowing animals to feel safe and relaxed. It also incorporates tips for communicating with pet owners to improve the relationship between veterinarians and their customers. Fear Free also provides veterinary clinic employees with techniques to build trusting relationships with patients and reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injuries.
Is fear-free training a must for veterinarians?
No, Fear Free is not required for veterinarians. However, your resume can be a good resume if you are applying for a job at a new veterinary practice. Fear Free certification allows you to demonstrate your ability to work with both pets and their owners and understand animal behavior. You can also emphasize compassionate care and show that you truly care about your animal patients.
Do other companies offer fear-free training?
without fearTM is a trademarked company and certification program, but there are other charities and companies that offer training, and some even offer certifications on how to reduce stress and reduce fear in animal handling. something like Low stress handling® Founded by Dr. Sophia Yin We offer courses for veterinarians and pet owners. ISFM cat friendly and cat friendly homes Provides a framework for veterinary practices to achieve certification.
conclusion
Fear Free aims to benefit all individuals and animals in professional animal spaces. Educate people about the humane treatment of animals and effective techniques that promote calmness and safety. Keeping animals healthy reduces the risk of accidents and injuries, and pet care professionals often find their jobs more fulfilling when customers and patients are happy.
Considering all the benefits that Fear Free training can provide, it’s worth considering completing it and earning your certification. This is a great way to develop your professional skills and provide quality care to animals.
Featured image credit: Kzenon, Shutterstock
