Study shows positive impact of Fear Free Certification in veterinary practices
DENVER, CO (November 4, 2019) – Veterinary practices show stronger performance across major industry KPIs after implementing Fear Free techniques, according to a two-year-long study conducted by VetSuccess, a data and analytics company specializing in the delivery of data-driven practice management solutions.
“The message of Fear Free has always been that we can ‘do well by doing good,’” said Dr. Marty Becker, founder and CEO of Fear Free. “The trend demonstrated in this research affirms that message, demonstrating that both our patients’ emotional health and our finances benefit when we integrate Fear Free approaches throughout our practices.”
Since 2016, Fear Free has provided online and in-person education to more than 60,000 veterinary and pet professionals. By closely listening to the needs of the veterinary profession, Fear Free focuses on emotional wellbeing, enrichment, and the reduction of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. Both individuals and veterinary practices can become Fear Free Certified.
“Fear Free addresses every aspect of what I call the ‘circle of care’–patient care, client service, team performance, and business success,” says Louise S. Dunn, founder of Snowgoose Veterinary Management Consulting. “When Fear Free techniques are implemented, the veterinary team is able to treat every pet in the household.”
To identify survey participants, VetSuccess matched existing clients to the list of Fear Free Certified® Practices. All practices showing up on both lists were enrolled into the survey. In addition, Fear Free reached out to all other Certified Practices to encourage participation. From these two lists, 20 veterinary practices in the United States and Canada participated in the survey.
In addition to 12% growth in overall revenue, Fear Free Certified Practices saw a 6% increase in the number of patients per practice and were also 306% over benchmark.
“It’s very exciting to see hard evidence confirming what we know intuitively: What’s best for the pet and client is also great for the business,” says Fritz Wood, globally renowned business and financial consultant to the veterinary industry. “Pets and pet owners are less stressed, and this leads to higher compliance with recommendations. The pet owner can focus on discussing the pet’s medical needs with the veterinary team, rather than wanting to get out of the exam room as quickly as possible due to fear, anxiety, and stress.”
The study results also showed an increase in feline patient visits after implementing Fear Free.
“The Bayer Veterinary Care Usage Study proved that feline patients had fewer visits and received less veterinary care than canines,” says Dunn. “The Fear Free data shows that when the veterinary team takes steps to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress, more cats receive veterinary care. Finally, there is proof that there is a return on investment for the business.”
To read more about the study and its results, visit fearfreepets.com/practice-certification.
ABOUT FEAR FREE
Developed by “America’s Veterinarian,” Dr. Marty Becker, Fear Free offers online and in-person education to veterinary professionals, the pet professional community, and pet owners. Fear Free provides both professionals and pet lovers alike with the knowledge and tools to look after a pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
Veterinary and pet professionals can learn more about becoming Fear Free Certified® by visiting fearfreepets.com. Pet owners can visit fearfreehappyhomes.com to access educational videos, articles, and more that will help improve the physical and emotional health of their pets right at home.
