For many pets, a trip to the vet can be a positive, even exciting experience. But for others, it can cause Fear, Anxiety and Stress — also known as FAS. At The Village Vet, we’re committed to helping every pet feel safe and supported, and we believe that with the right preparation, a vet visit can be a calm and even enjoyable part of their life.

This guide walks you through what FAS is, how to spot it, and — most importantly — how to prepare your pet for a stress-free veterinary visit.

What Is FAS (Fear, Anxiety and Stress)?

FAS is a shorthand term used in veterinary medicine to describe a pet’s emotional and physiological response to stress. It’s measured on a universal scale from 0 to 5, with 0 being completely relaxed and 5 being extremely distressed.

Stress can be caused by many factors, including:

Unfamiliar environments
Past trauma
Handling by strangers
Loud noises
Travel or confinement

If we recognise and address FAS promptly, we can:

Minimise the effects of short- and long-term stress
Perform thorough, low-stress physical exams
Administer treatments safely
Ensure a positive experience for pets, owners, and the veterinary team

How to Recognise Stress in Pets

Immediate Effects (Fight-or-Flight Response)

Elevated heart rate
Panting or rapid breathing
Increased blood flow to muscles
Decreased perception of pain
Reduced rational thinking

Delayed Effects (Chronic Stress)

Weakened immune system
Delayed wound healing
Behavioural issues
Muscle loss or fatigue

Chart showing Body language and signs of FAS in cats

Chart showing Body language and signs of FAS in dogs

How to Prepare Your Pet for Their Vet Visit

Pre-Visit Planning

Preparing in advance is one of the best ways to reduce FAS. Here’s how:

1. Create a calm home environment the night before.

Avoid overstimulation (no rough play or big disruptions).
Keep lights low and sound soft.
Use calming music or pheromone diffusers if needed.

2. Ask your vet about pre-visit pharmaceuticals.

If your pet is highly anxious, your vet may prescribe safe, short-term medications. These:

Are tailored to your pet’s age, size, and health
Help reduce FAS before it escalates
Allow for more accurate exams and safer handling
Read more in our Pre-Visit Medications blog

Conditioning to the Carrier

Many pets associate carriers with fear. Let’s change that.

Leave the carrier out a few days before the visit in a familiar spot (e.g. near their bed or food bowl).
Add bedding, toys, or treats inside to build positive associations.
Use a carrier with a removable lid — see image

Calming at Home & During Travel

Help your pet stay relaxed before you even leave the house:

Play calming music the night before and in the car.
Use pheromones like Adaptil (dogs) or Feliway (cats). Spray it lightly on a towel placed over or inside the carrier.
Control the temperature to avoid overheating or chills.
Keep movement gentle and avoid sudden starts/stops during transport.

Safe, Stress-Reducing Transport Tips

Secure the carrier in the footwell behind the passenger seat for stability.

Carry it with two hands from the base, close to your chest. This makes your pet feel more secure than swinging it by the handle.

Bring your pet hungry if they’re food-motivated — we can use treats for positive reinforcement. Let us know if they have any allergies!

What to Expect at the Clinic

In the Waiting Room

Call ahead if your pet gets stressed in busy areas — we can arrange for you to wait in your car or a quiet consult room.
Avoid contact with other pets, unless both are relaxed and the owners agree.
Use carrier stands or chairs to elevate small pets away from potential stressors.
Keep the carrier covered to block visual triggers and scents.

Inside the Consult Room

Let your pet come out of the carrier on their own — no pulling.

Bring a favourite treat or toy to distract and comfort them.

Stay calm and use gentle tones. We’ll work with your pet’s comfort level and may examine them on the floor, in the carrier, or on your lap if appropriate.