Low Stress Handling and Restraint
Low Stress Handling and Restraint was created by the late Dr. Sophia Yin, a world-renowned veterinarian and veterinary behaviorist who spent years developing smarter, kinder and gentler ways to work with patients. At The Pet Clinic, our entire team is trained in these techniques to make every visit safer, more rewarding and less stressful for pets. When our patients are happy, we are happy.
What Is Low Stress Handling?
Dr. Yin produced books and videos teaching veterinary professionals how to use better, safer and kinder techniques for every type of visit. Instead of forcing a frightened pet, low stress handling focuses on reading body language, moving slowly, using minimal restraint and rewarding calm behavior. We are proud to practice these methods every day.
How We Make Visits Better
- Separate dog and cat waiting areas and a private back entrance
- Calming Feliway and Adaptil pheromones throughout the hospital
- Plenty of treats and warm fleece blankets
- Exams on the table, in your lap or on the floor, wherever your pet is most comfortable
- Gentle carrier handling, with no scruffing of cats and minimal restraint for dogs
- Breaks when a pet needs them, because we never rush or force a situation
Behavior Modification and Desensitization
In addition to gentle handling, we use behavior modification techniques such as desensitization. By working slowly and gradually with your pet, we can help procedures like nail trims become far less scary over time. If your pet is nervous about coming to the clinic, we have behavior modification strategies for that too, and many pets benefit from short, positive “happy visits.” For pets with ongoing fear, a behavior consultation or pre-visit medication can help. Learn more about pet anxiety.
Low Stress Care in Every Service
These techniques are part of everything we do, from wellness exams and vaccines to sick visits, surgery and hospital stays in our enriched environment. Read more about our patient care approach.
Tips for Getting Your Cat to the Vet
Leave the carrier out at home with a soft blanket and treats so your cat sees it as a safe space, and spray it with Feliway before travel. For more tips on bringing your cat in with minimal stress, visit this resource from the American Association of Feline Practitioners: Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian.
Low Stress Handling FAQs
What is low stress handling?
Low stress handling is a set of gentle techniques developed by Dr. Sophia Yin that use minimal restraint, treats and careful body language to keep pets calm during veterinary care.
Is the whole team trained in low stress handling?
Yes. Our entire team is trained in low stress handling techniques.
Do you scruff cats?
No. We never scruff cats and use minimal restraint with dogs.
Can you help my pet get used to nail trims?
Yes. We use desensitization, working slowly and gradually so nail trims and other procedures become less frightening.
What if my pet is very fearful at the vet?
We can schedule happy visits, recommend pre-visit medications and create a behavior plan to make future visits easier.
How can I make car rides to the vet easier?
Practice short car rides, use a familiar carrier, spray Adaptil or Feliway beforehand and bring favorite treats.
Can I stay with my pet during the exam?
Yes. We welcome you to be as involved as you would like in your pet’s care.
Experience a Gentler Vet Visit
See the difference low stress handling makes for your pet. Call The Pet Clinic at (402) 330-3096 or request an appointment in Omaha, NE .