The Fear Free Pledge
Based on feedback from our members (that’s you!), we feel it’s vital to defend the commitment, integrity, and quality of what it means to be Fear Free Certified. In doing so, we kindly ask that all of our members—both those in the process of completing certification and those who have already completed it—read the pledge below and “e-sign” the document at the bottom of the page. It only takes a second—we promise.
BONUS: After completing, print out your auto-generated signed pledge and show off your Fear Free commitment by displaying it across your practice!
Whether it’s a veterinary professional, trainer, groomer, or other pet professional, the one thing all of our members have in common is a love for pets and a passion for making their lives better. For all of our members, Fear Free is extension of that love and passion—but certification is only the beginning. We teach our professionals that every single patient interaction is an opportunity (and yes, sometimes a challenge) to put their Fear Free skills into motion and to do everything in their power to look out for their patient’s emotional wellbeing in addition to their physical wellbeing.
It’s for that reason, in addition to many of our members voicing a desire for a means to hold ourselves accountable, that we have created the Fear Free Pledge! The Fear Free Pledge is mandatory for all members and is incorporated into your certification program.
With my signature, I pledge:
To hold each pet’s emotional as well as physical wellbeing in mind at all times as I provide care for them, realizing that is’t not possible to treat one without the other.
To learn to recognize even the subtle signs of fear, anxiety and stress (FAS) in pets in my care
To use the skills I learn in Fear Free courses, including considerate approach, gentle control, touch gradient and others to prevent FAS whenever possible.
To recognize that Fear Free is a whole-lifestyle approach to pet care and belongs in the home, the car and places where pets receive professional servies, such as when being groomed, boarded or trained.
To respond immediately to signs of FAS in a pet with the actions recommended in the Fear Free courses.
To continue to education myself in Fear Free techniques and seek always to elevate my professional commitment to preventing and relieving FAS.
To provide my expertise and recommendations to pet owners and otehr pet professionals to enable them to prevent and relieve FAS in every moment of pets’ lives, not only in the veterinary hospital. This includes recommending against methods that use fear or force to motivate pets, such as prong/pinch collars, choke chains or electronic shock collars.
To at all times be in full compliance with all applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations and directives of any nature related to the housing, handling, transporting, nutrition, sanitation and humane treatment of any and all animals owned or otherwise held and/or created for
To actively read and remain current in research related to pets’ emotional wellbeing, including its intimate relationship with physical wellbeing and the practice of great veterinary medicine.
To encourage my colleagues to adopt the Fear Free approach in order to relive and prevent the suffering of all animals cared for by our profession.
Signed,
Fear Free Certified Professional
If you have already taken the Pledge, go to your “Certificates” page to view, download, and print your signed Pledge. If you have not taken the Pledge, please read and complete the Pledge above.