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A North East veterinary practice is the first in the region to earn accreditation designed to make vet visits less stressful for pets.
Harrison Family Vets in Callerton, Newcastle, has earned international Fear Free certification for reducing animals’ fear, anxiety and stress during vet visits.
Kristie Faulkner, operations director at Harrison Family Vets, said: "We are delighted that our Callerton team have achieved Fear Free practice certification and particularly proud that this is the first certified practice in the North East.
"Callerton was designed with the emotional wellbeing of pets in mind from the very beginning, so achieving certification is an important recognition of the work our team puts into reducing fear, anxiety, and stress for every patient."
The certification followed a thorough assessment of the team, facilities and animal-care procedures, with emotional wellbeing a key focus.
It is the sixth Harrison Family Vets site to achieve the certification, after branches in Stockton, Didsbury, Doncaster, Reading and Kingswinford.
The company’s Reading branch made history in 2023 as the first practice outside North America to be certified.
Harrison Family Vets opened the Callerton site in June after investing £400,000 and creating six jobs at its 10th UK location.
The clinic was purpose-built around Fear Free principles, featuring ambient lighting, pet waiting pods, separate dog and cat wards, and calming consultation rooms.
Animals can pick treats from a help-yourself stand or choose a toy to make visits more enjoyable.
Ms Faulkner said: "Becoming a Fear Free accredited practice is about more than the physical environment.
"It involves the whole team and the way we approach every interaction throughout the veterinary visit with pets and their owners."
Every member of the Callerton team has completed individual Fear Free certification.
American vet Dr Marty Becker founded the Fear Free programme in 2016.
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The programme improves animal welfare by minimising stress and anxiety through careful handling, facility design and patient interaction.
The group runs 10 UK practices in Reading, Kingswinford, Manchester, Middlesbrough, Doncaster, Wigan, Leeds, Stoke, Sheffield and Newcastle.
For more information, visit www.harrisonfamilyvets.co.uk.