Fear Free - Vet in Berea | MetroPet Veterinary Clinic

MetroPet Veterinary Clinic – A Fear Free Certified Practice

Schedule your Fear Free appointment today

The only standard is excellence.

At MetroPet, we believe veterinary care should be gentle, calm, and respectful. We’re proud to be one of only a few Fear Free Certified practices in Ohio—a distinction that shows our commitment to making every visit easier for pets and their people.
What “Fear Free” Really Means

Care that values emotional well-being as much as physical health.
We don’t “take them in the back” for simple vaccines, exams, or lab work. Your pet is calmer with you there. We believe that you should see what is going on every step of the way.
Gentle handling, patience, and letting your pet set the pace.
Environments designed to minimize stress: quieter rooms, soothing scents and sounds, less harsh lighting.
Nervous or reactive behavior is seen as communication—not “bad”—and we respond with kindness and a well designed plan, not “man handling”.

Welcome to Compassion-First Veterinary Care

Step Inside a Fear Free Exam Room

A Fear Free exam room is carefully designed to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress for pets while building trust for future visits.
Key Elements You’ll Notice:

Calming Environment
- Species-specific rooms: Dedicated cat rooms and dog rooms reduce anxiety.
- Pheromone diffusers: Calming, species-specific scents.
- Calming music: Background sounds chosen to ease stress.
Comfortable Surfaces
- Non-slip mats: Secure footing on floors and tables.
- Lowered tables, couches, and benches: More homelike, less intimidating.
Positive Reinforcement
- High-value treats: Used throughout the visit to reward and distract.
- Enrichment toys: Stimulate the mind and redirect attention.
Gentle Handling & Techniques
- Soft voices & patience: Pets are never rushed or forced.
- Flexible exam locations: On the floor, owner’s lap, or table—wherever your pet is most comfortable.
Distractions
- Live Bird TVs: For cats, watching birds provides a soothing focus.
- Other visual engagement: Designed to keep pets curious and relaxed.

Step Inside a Fear Free Exam Room

A Fear Free exam room is carefully designed to minimize fear, anxiety, and stress for pets while building trust for future visits.
Key Elements You’ll Notice:

Calming Environment
- Species-specific rooms: Dedicated cat rooms and dog rooms reduce anxiety.
- Pheromone diffusers: Calming, species-specific scents.
- Calming music: Background sounds chosen to ease stress.
Comfortable Surfaces
- Non-slip mats: Secure footing on floors and tables.
- Lowered tables, couches, and benches: More homelike, less intimidating.
Positive Reinforcement
- High-value treats: Used throughout the visit to reward and distract.
- Enrichment toys: Stimulate the mind and redirect attention.
Gentle Handling & Techniques
- Soft voices & patience: Pets are never rushed or forced.
- Flexible exam locations: On the floor, owner’s lap, or table—wherever your pet is most comfortable.
Distractions
- Live Bird TVs: For cats, watching birds provides a soothing focus.
- Other visual engagement: Designed to keep pets curious and relaxed.

Sometimes, pets need an extra tool to feel safe at the vet. A PVP is a gentle medication used alongside Fear Free strategies—not as sedation, but to reduce anxiety. This is no different than people who are anxious at the dentist and need a little extra help to get the care that they need.

Helps make visits more positive and less traumatic.
Tried at home first to see how your pet responds.
Adjusted with care, always combined with environmental and behavioral strategies.

What Is a PVP? (Pre-Visit Pharmaceutical) AKA "The Chill Protocol"

More accurate exams and tests – less stress means better results with less interference.
Safer for everyone – fewer struggles and fearful reactions.
Healthier long-term care – pets (and owners) are less likely to skip vet visits.
Happier pets – veterinary visits become less scary and more trusting.

Why Fear Free Matters for You & Your Pet

A warm welcome and, if needed, check-in directly from your car or separate cat/dog areas.
Time for your pet to settle, sniff, and relax before the exam begins.
Gentle handling with treats, toys, and patience at every step.
Adaptable exams based on your pet’s comfort—on the floor, in your lap, or on a mat.
Discussion of PVPs if your pet shows significant anxiety.

What to Expect at MetroPet

One of only a handful of Fear Free Certified Practices in Ohio.
All staff—from front desk to veterinarians—trained in Fear Free techniques.
Our facility is intentionally designed to reduce stress. Our colors, flooring, sounds, smells, even uniforms, are all chosen with intent to promote a better experience for your pet.
We focus on making every visit safer, calmer, and kinder.

Why Choose MetroPet Over Other Clinics?

Introduce carriers or car rides in positive ways.
Bring your pet hungry, and bring their favorite treats!.
Bring their favorite toys or blankets from home to have near during their visit or hospital stay.
Let us know ahead of time if your pet is anxious, and they may use our alternate entrance.
Use treats, praise, and calm touch to build trust with handling.
If needed, trial PVPs at home under veterinary guidance.

Helping at Home

Schedule your Fear Free appointment today

At MetroPet, we combine advanced medicine with genuine compassion. By choosing Fear Free care, you choose less stress, more trust, and better health for your pet.

Schedule your Fear Free appointment today—because your pet deserves gentle care.

Experience the MetroPet Difference

MetroPet Veterinary Clinic – A Fear Free Certified Practice

The only standard is excellence.

Step Inside a Fear Free Exam Room

Step Inside a Fear Free Exam Room

Fear Free Content Library

What to Expect/ General Fear Free Info

How to Prepare and Travel to and From the Vet and go home

Recognizing Fear / Stress / Body language

How to at Home

Enrichment / Games

Training

Fear Free Content Library

What to Expect/ General Fear Free Info

How to Prepare and Travel to and From the Vet and go home

Recognizing Fear / Stress / Body language

How to at Home

Enrichment / Games

Training