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Home β€Ί Your pet's care β€Ί Nervous & anxious pets

Fear-free veterinary care

Anxious at the vet?
We are built for
pets like yours.

Fear-free veterinary care is not a box-ticking exercise at TWC β€” it is how we work with every patient, every day. We go at your pet's pace, use positive associations throughout, and never rush. Many of our most loyal clients came to us because their pet struggled at their previous vets. It does not have to be that way.

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Unhurried appointments
If your pet needs time to settle, we give them time. The appointment proceeds when they are ready.
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Wait in your car
If the waiting room would cause anxiety, call us on arrival and we will collect you directly. Just mention it when booking.
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Treat-based, positive approach
We use high-value treats and positive reinforcement throughout every appointment.
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Dedicated cat facilities
Cats go directly into their own waiting area β€” completely separate from dogs, with Feliway diffusers throughout.

How we work

Fear-free principles β€” in practice

These are not occasional accommodations β€” they are part of how every appointment at TWC works.

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Floor-level examinations
Dogs are often examined on the floor, not the table. Lower, less exposed, more comfortable β€” especially for large or anxious dogs. We follow their lead.
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Settling time built in
First appointments are given extra time. We let pets sniff around, explore and decide when they are ready β€” we never force interactions.
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Positive associations
Treats, calm voices, gentle handling. Every visit should end with your pet's overall feeling about the vet being slightly better than when they arrived.
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Brief before you come
Tell us about your pet's anxiety when you book. We plan accordingly β€” extra time, a quieter slot, specific preparation β€” before you even walk through the door.
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Pre-visit medication
For very anxious patients, we can discuss pre-visit calming medication. If your pet is extremely distressed by vet visits, this conversation is always worth having.
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A familiar face, every visit
We schedule appointments to help your pet see familiar vets and nurses β€” building trust over time rather than starting from scratch at every visit.

Hello visits

Come in just to say hello.

One of the most effective things you can do for a nervous pet is bring them in when nothing clinical needs to happen. A treat, a friendly face, a sniff around β€” and then home. It changes the association entirely.

No appointment needed β€” just pop in

You are always welcome to bring your pet in during opening hours simply to say hello. No appointment, no charge, no clinical procedure. The team will be delighted to meet them, give them a treat, and let them explore at their own pace.

It is one of the most valuable things you can do for a pet that has previously found vet visits stressful.

Your pet comes in and explores reception and the waiting area
The team gives them treats and a friendly greeting
If comfortable, a brief introduction to a consulting room
Then home β€” on a positive note, every time
Repeat a few times before the first clinical appointment
Mon–Fri 8:30am–6pm Β· Sat 9am–12pm
Dogs, cats and small furries always welcome

What our clients say

From owners of nervous pets

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He would shake and panic at our last vets. Now he's excited to come in and see everyone β€” which has never happened at any vet before. Seeing a familiar face each time is fantastic.

Morag T. Β· Facebook Β· Recommended

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My young dog was very frightened due to past experience. The staff have been accepting of this and with flexible approaches to build up his trust, he is happy to call in just to say hello.

Elizabeth H. Β· Facebook Β· Recommended

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Our experience has been very positive here. The whole team have gone out of their way to help our dog feel comfortable when he visits. He is a very nervous boy and was very scared at our previous vet but he manages really well here all thanks to the wonderful VWC staff. The care is very personal, I feel listened to, I don't feel rushed and they really have our dogs best interests at heart.

Lois Β· Google

Ready to give it a try?
We are here for you both.

Tell us about your pet's anxiety when you book and we will plan accordingly. Or simply pop in to say hello β€” no appointment needed.