It’s no secret that most humans hate going to the doctor—and the same can be said for their furry best friends. At Parker & Ace, we’ve designed the space with calmer colors and an open design so that both pets and their parents can be as relaxed as possible. 

We’ve put together a few tips to help prepare you for the vet visit and ensure it’s an anxiety-free experience. Of course, once you’re at Parker & Ace, you both won’t want to leave!

#1: Use distractions to your advantage

Many pets have travel anxiety when they know they—or their owners—are going somewhere. They can pick up on signals as small as picking up keys or putting on shoes.

While your pet is in another room or distracted with a toy, start preparing everything you need to leave the house (phone, wallet, keys, harness and/or pet carrier, etc).

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#2: Engage in positive reinforcement (and behavior)

Provide your pet with their favorite treats, tell them how good they are being (in that voice they love), and try to remain as calm as possible (since they can pick up on your anxiety).

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#3: Try calming sprays or collars

Prior to leaving the house, spray their bedding/carrier with a feline hormone product (for cats) or canine pheromone spray (for dogs). These sprays are safe to use and can help make the journey less stressful. 

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#4: Bring everything you need

Ensure that the visit to Parker & Ace is as productive as possible (so your anxious pet doesn’t have to return unnecessarily). Talk to your vet team about what to bring to each appointment, see if you can get multiple assessments done at the same time, and be proactive with your timing—your pet will thank you.

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Keep in mind: some pets might need additional intervention, and this is where therapeutics and anti-anxiety medication can play a role. Talk to your Parker & Ace veterinarian about these options at your next visit or during a virtual call.

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