How to Prepare Your Pet for a Visit to the Vet

 

Regular visits to the vet are important for your pet’s health and wellness. Similar to how going to the doctor can be a stressful endeavor for us, visits to the veterinarian can be nerve-wracking for pets. To help avoid this and encourage a smooth, stress-free experience, all you need to do is prepare in advance. Whether you’re going for a routine annual check-up or something more urgent, here are some ways to prepare your pet for their upcoming visit.

Work on socializing your pet

Some animals are fearful of the vet because they are shy or uncomfortable around new people and rarely interact with others outside of your household. When you put a pet like this into a situation that is out of their comfort zone and they are being handled by strangers, it can result in aggressive, out of the ordinary behavior. The best way to help avoid this is to socialize your pet by introducing them to new people and situations when you can. Through these interactions they can learn to be more comfortable and trusting around strangers and in turn it helps curb potential aggressive interactions.

In addition to socialization, you’ll also want to acclimate your pet to handling through touch training. If you gradually get your pet used to being handled in ways the vet might, you can help them become more comfortable with these scenarios. Practice touching and examining their paws, ears, tail, belly, and mouth so they are more familiar with these sensations when a vet does them during a visit. It’s also a good practice to include treats and praise with these practices so they learn to associate handling with rewards and make it a more positive experience for all.

Familiarize your pet with a crate

One of the most important things to do when first introducing your pet to their new home is to familiarize them with a crate. If your pet isn't already comfortable with a crate, you’ll want to introduce it well before any vet visit. To make it a comfortable space for them, leave it out at home with the door open, and place treats, toys, or a cozy blanket inside to create positive associations. Whether they will be placed in a crate for a few hours during a longer vet visit or you will use it as a carrier when driving to and from the appointment, this safe space and comfort will go a long way to easing anxiety.

Keep calm throughout the whole experience

As you may know, pets pick up on our stress, so it’s important to remain calm and positive before and during the visit. Speak in a soothing tone and avoid rushing or sudden movements to maintain a calm environment. When you’re at ease, your dog is more likely to feel the same way. Remember that you’re there for your dog’s benefit and well-being so try to stay positive even if you’re worried.


By developing positive coping skills like those mentioned above, you can help ensure a safe and pleasant experience at the vet for both you and your pet. In addition to these, the AVMA suggests minimizing distractions, arriving on time or early for your appointment, and bringing a copy of your pet’s medical records. Remember, visiting the vet doesn’t have to be a negative experience, so be sure to offer your dog reassurance during the visit. With the right preparation, patience, and understanding, your dog can develop a more positive attitude toward vet visits. To schedule an appointment at Bregman Veterinary Group, click here to get started.