Canine & Feline
Veterinary Professional Certification Program
As veterinary professionals, we understand the emotional demand of the veterinary field, and we know the impact that stress and anxiety can have on your patients, your team, and your practices. Our goal: Provide veterinary professionals with the tools and knowledge to address different levels of fear, anxiety, and stress; improve client communication; and increase workplace safety.
Veterinary Professional Membership
This membership is designed for all individuals employed at a practice, from veterinarians and veterinary nurses/technicians to customer service representatives and practice managers. The certification programs included in this membership are seen as the foundation for Fear Free and designed to give individuals the knowledge and tools required to start implementing Fear Free in their workplace.
This membership provides access to all Veterinary Professional Certification Program courses emphasizing different species. It is renewed annually from the date of purchase or date of membership assignment by a Team Administrator.
Course Overview
The Veterinary Professional Certification Program – Canine & Feline teaches you how to use Fear Free concepts to ensure that veterinary visits go as smoothly as possible. Video clips and interactive slides show you how to recognize signs of stress in companion animal patients, how to use simple tools to provide Gentle Control, how to train cooperative behaviors and more.
This course is approved through the following organizations:
- 7 hours of RACE CE
- 6 hours of CVPM-qualified CE through VHMA
Introduce foundational concepts in learning theory, basic behavior modification, and the core principles of Fear Free: Considerate Approach, Gentle Control, and Touch Gradient.
Focus on strategies to prepare patients before they arrive at the veterinary practice.
Cover methods for preparing the veterinary environment to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS), along with guidance on communicating FAS signs effectively to pet owners.
Provide in-depth instruction on patient handling techniques and Fear Free approaches to performing procedures.
Present pharmacological protocols that support the delivery of veterinary care in a Fear Free manner.
Member Benefits
Discover the exclusive benefits included with the Veterinary Professional Membership. In addition to the applicable certification programs, your membership gives you access to so much more!
Additional Courses
Deepen your Fear Free knowledge and earn more CE. Explore all courses here.
Marketing Resources
Download logos, email signatures, social media graphics, and more!
Educational Resources
Peruse client communication handouts, fear, anxiety and stress assets, questionnaires, and more!
Directory Listing
Once individually certified, members have the opportunity to opt-in to be found in our online directory. Find a Fear Free certified professional or practice near you.
Certification Kit
Once individually certified, members are able to order a complimentary gift to celebrate their new certification.
Facebook Community
Join our exclusive, members-only Facebook group to share advice and connect with other Fear Free professionals.
Product Discounts
Enjoy special pricing on products and services that are aligned with our values. View Friends of Fear Free.
Merchandise & Swag
Our online store is exclusive to active members who can purchase merch and swag to promote certification status.
Certification kit and online directory listing benefits are not eligible with the Academia Membership.
I have been in practice for 30 years and this is a game-changer. I have been so pleased at how quickly and effectively I have been able to integrate Fear Free practices into my daily work, even in areas outside of primary care. It has had a significant side effect too: happy, less stressed doctors and staff.
— Suzanne Cook Olson, DVM, DACVIM
Requirements
To successfully attain and maintain certification, all members must:
- Pass each online module with a score of 80% or higher.
- Sign and uphold to the Fear Free Pledge, a commitment to follow a humane, emotionally protective code of conduct and ethical standards.
- Keep an active membership.
Earning Elite Designation
Becoming an Elite Certified Professional is for veterinary members who want to go above and beyond in their commitment to Fear Free. Elite Certified Professionals are individuals who are continually committed to a higher level of education and this status allows the opportunity to set themselves apart from the rest.
The requirements to achieve this designation are:
- Completion of one Veterinary Professional Certification Program (any species)
- Completing 35 total hours of Fear Free-provided CE
- Keep an active membership
To track your progress towards achieving Elite status, check your Member Homepage in the My Learning section.
Veterinary Professional Membership Pricing
This membership is renewed annually from the date of purchase or date of membership assignment by a Team Administrator. All pricing is in USD.
Number of Members
Annual Renewal
Interested in becoming a Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice?
To find out more about certifying your practice, Certified Practice benefits and pricing, visit the Practice Certification page.