28/08/2025
Why Fear Free Veterinary Care Matters: Sasha's Story
Article featured in The Pet Times July 2025 issue.
"Late last year, our beloved dog Sasha, a Singapore Special,
began showing troubling symptoms that we couldn’t ignore. She started stumbling into objects around the house, losing her balance, and showing signs of eye inflammation. Most notably, her third eyelid became visible, which was alarming. Deeply concerned about her sudden decline, we brought her to our trusted regular
veterinarian. After an initial check-up, the vet recognized the urgency of her condition and immediately referred us to a clinic that specializes in ocular health. We were fortunate to get an appointment the very same day—a small blessing in what would become a long and emotional journey.
Although Sasha’s initial bloodwork came back within normal ranges, the ophthalmic specialist suggested a more in-depth evaluation to determine the root cause of her symptoms. The veterinary ophthalmologist recommended a comprehensive set of diagnostic procedures, including specialized eye exams, ocular
ultrasounds, X-rays, and even a CT scan. We were overwhelmed by the complexity of the testing required but equally grateful when the ophthalmologist managed to squeeze us into their already packed schedule. It gave us hope that we were doing everything we could for Sasha.
Following the ophthalmology visit, Sasha was referred once again—this time to an internal medicine specialist at another animal hospital. They were able to schedule us in just three days later, which, considering the demand for such specialists, was remarkably quick. In the interim, Sasha’s primary vet coordinated a consultation with a veterinary radiologist at a Fear Free Certified clinic, which took place the very next day.
Within a span of just three weeks, Sasha went through nine veterinary appointments with various clinics. These included a CT scan, a vitrectomy, an abdominal ultrasound, an ocular ultrasound, and nine intraocular pressure tests. Remarkably, she only required sedation for the CT scan, which minimized the additional stress
on her body. Unfortunately, despite the rigorous efforts and the extensive array of tests, we were delivered the heartbreaking news: both of Sasha’s retinas had completely detached due to a rapid and unexplained increase in intraocular pressure. The damage was
irreversible, and she had gone permanently blind. The most frustrating part was that the root cause of the pressure spike remained unknown, leaving us with as many questions as emotions.
The diagnosis hit us hard—not just the physical implications, but the emotional toll it would take on Sasha, a once-vibrant and playful dog. We knew that adjusting to blindness would be difficult, but our immediate concern was her mental and emotional
health, particularly during the vet visits that were becoming more frequent and invasive. Sasha has always been somewhat anxious in clinical settings, so it was a small mercy that, apart from the vitrectomy and CT scan, we were allowed to stay by her side during almost all procedures—even the abdominal ultrasound, which often requires a sterile setup. Our presence made a profound difference in keeping her calm and grounded through it all.
As a certified Fear Free Trainer, I have always advocated for pet guardians to remain present during veterinary procedures, especially when sedation is not required. Our experience with Sasha reaffirmed just how critical this support can be. She handled most of the tests with surprising resilience—except for the vitrectomy.
That procedure required her to be away from us in a sterile environment. The separation triggered extreme anxiety for her, and she suffered a bout of stress induced diarrhea—commonly known as stress colitis— immediately afterward. Witnessing her go through that made it crystal clear: the emotional welfare of animals
should never be overlooked or sidelined for the sake of clinical efficiency. Going forward, we are committed to ensuring that Sasha is never left alone during procedures again unless absolutely necessary.
This belief also drives my work as a trainer. In my Puppy Foundation Program and other training sessions, I emphasize the importance of making veterinary and grooming experiences non-traumatic. These appointments must be rooted in compassion,
cooperation, and patience—not force. This is where cooperative care training becomes invaluable. The foundation of cooperative care is building trust between pets and their humans, and helping animals feel safe and respected during medical or grooming procedures. By using positive reinforcement and giving pets a degree of choice and control, we can teach them to voluntarily
participate in care routines—like nail trimming, brushing, or even injections. When pets understand what to expect and are allowed to opt in, they become less fearful and more cooperative. This not only improves their behavior but can also reduce the need for restraint or sedation.
Research backs this up. In a 2019 study by Edwards et al., 41% of dogs exhibited mild to moderate fear during vet visits, while 14% experienced severe fear. These statistics are alarming and highlight the urgent need to shift away from outdated practices that rely on forced compliance. Fear is not just unpleasant for pets—it’s a major trigger for aggression in clinical settings, which can put both
animals and humans at risk.
Dr. Marty Becker founded the Fear Free initiative in 2016. Since its inception, Fear Free has been dedicated to educating veterinarians, pet owners, trainers, and groomers in methods that reduce fear, anxiety, and stress in animals. Their comprehensive courses—developed by experts in behavior, anesthesia, pain management, and animal welfare—are based on science-backed methods that prioritize emotional well-being alongside physical health. Especially in an age flooded with misinformation, the Fear Free approach empowers pet professionals and guardians with practical, humane strategies that elevate the overall standard of care. (Source: www.fearfreepets.com)
While it might seem faster or more efficient to simply restrain a pet to get a procedure over with, doing so can have long-term consequences. I’ve seen many dogs develop handling-related aggression and fear-based reactivity towards strangers—behavioral issues that are often rooted in traumatic vet or grooming experiences. Once trust is broken, it can take months—or even years— to rebuild.
During a recent trip to Taiwan, my partner and I had the opportunity to connect with a Fear Free Certified trainer and veterinarian. They shared encouraging news: all newly graduated veterinarians in Taiwan are now required to obtain Fear Free certification. This policy change marks a significant step forward in prioritizing animal welfare and demonstrates growing global
awareness of the importance of low-stress handling.
Whether you’re selecting a vet, groomer, trainer, pet sitter, or boarding facility, seek out professionals who are either Fear Free Certified or who genuinely advocate for low-stress practices. Doing so not only safeguards your pet’s physical health—it protects their emotional wellbeing, too. Our pets deserve to feel safe, understood, and respected, especially when they are at their most
vulnerable."
