The Fear Free Revolution: Why It Matters
Many people feel anxious about visiting the doctor or dentist, where uncertainty and discomfort often go hand in hand. This is why modern medical facilities go to great lengths to make patients comfortable, with cushioned chairs, warm, well decorated rooms, and refreshments; and so, we go willingly, knowing full well what to expect.
For pets, however, the experience is vastly different. They're taken to unfamiliar, noisy environments, often against their will, where they face stress-inducing procedures and cold, noisy steel cages. Many clinics still have this kind of inhospitable infrastructure, which no amount of affection can overcome. This is why Fear Free principles are so vital.
What is Fear Free
Fear Free addresses these challenges by encouraging veterinary professionals to give equal consideration to their patients’ emotional well-being and physical health. Dr. Temple Grandin has been especially influential in this area, advocating tirelessly for sensory-friendly environments, gentle handling techniques, and ongoing staff education. As a Fear Free Ambassador, her mission is to help thousands better understand how animals perceive the world, so that veterinary care can be made as stress-free as possible. This is important because low-stress environments support better health outcomes, quicker recovery, and calmer, more contented pets. It also benefits veterinary teams, who are empowered to work in spaces shaped by compassion as well as clinical efficiency. This philosophy is clearly resonating, with over 100,000 veterinary professionals earning their Fear Free certification since 2016.
"This is the perfect kennel for Fear Free. It’s quieter and warmer, with customizable features that enhance comfort and reduce noise, creating an environment that’s ideal for sleeping and recovery."Marty Becker - Founder of Fear Free
"CASCO Pet WELLKennels are significantly quieter than alternatives. Simple yet thoughtful features, like frosted panels, can make an immense difference in lowering stress levels for pet patients."Temple Grandin - PhD, TED Talks speaker and Fear Free’s Director of Animal Wellbeing
CASCO Pet's Commitment to Fear Free Principles
Our goal at CASCO Pet is to thoughtfully integrate Fear Free principles into every aspect of our design. Our modular, noise-reducing WELLKennels are a strong example of this approach. These kennels offer secure, quiet spaces that help reduce distractions and potential stressors throughout a pet’s stay. With integrated heating, patented DRC lighting, and an all-glass construction, our kennels are designed to support both clinical efficiency and patient comfort, while also helping to create a calmer ward environment by reducing vibrational sound.
Our bespoke cabinetry and storage solutions have also been designed to embody these principles, providing spacious overhead cupboards, versatile pull-out compartments, and foot operated bins built with pet-friendly soft close mechanisms. Our complimentary design service ensures that these solutions can fit the layout and needs of your clinic to a tee, facilitating streamlined workflows, clinical efficiency and staff satisfaction. We know that pet wellbeing depends on the dedicated veterinary staff who care for them, which is why our cabinetry and storage solutions are designed to make their day to day less stressful and more efficient.
Watch what Marty Becker has to say about WELLKennels commitment to Fear Free
Why It’s Crucial: The Future of Veterinary Care
With 90% of pet owners saying their pet’s health is as important – if not more so – than their own, veterinarians will have to adapt and innovate to meet these expectations for a higher standard of care. Our surveys say as much, finding that pet parents are willing to travel further and pay more for veterinary practices that feature WELLKennels, suggesting that the embrace of a new standard in patient comfort might be essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Fear Free’s growing impact clearly demonstrates as much, indicating that practices which adopt these principles will set the stage for the next generation of veterinary care.
Much like Fear Free, we are proud to support this ongoing evolution in veterinary care. We provide housing solutions that help veterinary professionals transform their clinics into environments shaped by comfort, safety, and thoughtful design. Our aim is to ensure that veterinary facilities visibly reflect the deep compassion professionals already bring to their work. By integrating Fear Free principles, clinics can not only enhance the standard of care, but also enrich the overall experience for pets, their caregivers, and the teams who support them.