MSPCA-Angell Headquarters

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-7400
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Angell Animal Medical Centers – Boston

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-7282
angellquestions@angell.org
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Angell West

293 Second Avenue, Waltham, MA 02451
(781) 902-8400
For on-site assistance (check-ins and pick-ups):
(339) 970-0790
angellquestions@angell.org
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Angell at Essex

565 Maple Street, Danvers, MA 01923
(978) 304-4648
essex@angell.org
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Boston

350 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-5055
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Cape Cod

1577 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632
(508) 775-0940
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Nevins Farm

400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844
(978) 687-7453
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Animal Care and Adoption Centers – Northeast Animal Shelter

347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-9888
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Fear Free Certified Angell Professionals

Angell Animal Medical Center’s Fear Free Certified Professionals

The mission of the MSPCA-Angell is to protect animals, relieve their suffering, advance their health and welfare, prevent cruelty, and work for a just and compassionate society.

Our goal is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in our patients. One way we achieve this is through Fear Free methods. Many members of our Angell team have undergone training to become Fear Free Certified professionals.

Overview of Fear Free Standards

To become a Fear Free Certified professional, team members must first undergo 9 hours of formal training on how to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in patients. Coursework covers a wide range of topics such as therapeutics, alternative therapies, behavior management products, and pharmaceuticals that may aid in reducing fear and stress during car travel and veterinary visits, as well as promoting low-stress, gentle control for handling and veterinary procedures. Dr. Hamilton-Seid of the MSPCA-Angell West team provides more information on Fear Free methods in her article.

Angell is proud to have Fear Free professionals on our team

 

 

We work hard to provide the best care to our patients and are committed to looking after our patients’ physical and emotional well-being. Angell’s “Kitty Kruiser” carts and feline friendly exam rooms are additional steps we have taken to ease the stress of our patients. Click here to learn more about our Feline Friendly initiatives.

 

 

The Fear Free Veterinary Visit

During a typical Fear Free veterinary visit, the practice team members might use the following strategies:

  • Provide non-slip surfaces for patients to stand/rest on to improve balance and stability
  • Initially, avoid eye contact with pets and focus on clients instead
  • Use gentle pressure to soothe the pet, using a warm towel or compression garment
  • Create a calming environment with pheromone diffusers
  • Use mobile check in away from the busy front desk
  • Actively work to reduce stressful noises
  • Use elevated Kitty Kruisers, carrier covers, and feline friendly exam rooms
  • Prescribe anti-anxiety or other calming medications & supplements
  • If a patient is showing excessive signs of fear, anxiety, or stress, the team may delay or postpone the exam/procedure until a time when the pet is calmer and more relaxed

 

 

For more tips, visit fearfreepets.com