We know your pets are members of the family, and it's not always easy taking them to the vet.
The stress on both you and your dog or cat can get the best of you and them, but we found an effort to make the whole experience "fear free."
Kensington Veterinary Hospital is part of a growing trend of fear-free clinics across the country where the staff focuses on reducing stress for pets and pet owners.
Fear-free vets prefer to work with animals on the floor instead of using cold, hard exam tables.
They tend to offer more treats, and many also spray dog or cat pheromones around the office.
It's an odorless scent that helps the animals relax.
"When I have animals that are stressed, it stresses me out because I know I can't do my job as well," Dr. patty Ungar, a veterinarian, said. "If I can't do a full physical exam, I'm going to have a harder time diagnosing them."
Doctor Marty Becker, a nationally known veterinarian, is leading the way.
Dozens of practices in the U.S. are already using the fear-free approach.
Later this year, the movement will begin certifying veterinarians and hopes to one day accredit hospitals and animal shelters.
