Stress-free veterinary trips: A guide for pet owners
September 18, 2025
For many pets, the veterinarian’s office is a stressful place. Unusual smells, people, and places can be overwhelming, and pets don’t understand why they are being examined and touched by strangers, leading to more anxiety.
Vet trips can be a challenge, but here are some tips to make visits less stressful for both you and your pet.
Bring a piece of home with you
Many pets — cats especially — rarely leave their homes. During a visit to the veterinarian, your pet’s little world gets a whole lot bigger, with new sensory experiences and a lot of uncertainty as they move from the comfort of their own home to a car, waiting room, and exam room.
You can help your pet feel more at ease by bringing a bed or towel from home. This object can provide a sense of comfort for your pet, bringing some familiar smells and feelings to an unfamiliar environment.
“Using Feliway spray on cat bedding in the carrier or Adaptil collars for dogs can be a great way to help relieve mild stress,” said Virginia Edwards, collegiate assistant professor of small animal sciences at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
Make the carrier/crate a positive experience
When your pet only goes into the carrier/crate for a veterinarian visit, he or she will learn to associate the carrier with stress.
“I often recommend a secure carrier that opens from both the top and sides and offers flexibility in how a pet chooses to leave the carrier,” said Edwards.
Well before your veterinary appointment is scheduled, get your pet acclimated to the carrier or crate. Instead of keeping it in storage, keep it out in the open, where your pet can see it, smell it, and walk inside if they want.
Give your pet treats when he or she approaches the carrier. Some pet owners place their pet’s food bowl in the carrier/crate to encourage their pet to associate it with positive feelings.
First year students participated in a restraint lane with community owned pet volunteers. They learned different restraint techniques and medication administration. Photos by Margie Christianson for Virginia Tech.
Go for a ride
Just like with a crate, for many pets, the only time they ride in the car is when they’re going to the vet. The unfamiliar feeling of being in motion and being confined can cause discomfort and anxiety.
Get your pet used to the feeling of riding in the car so they will experience less stress when it’s time for their appointment.
Start off slowly and use treats to make the car a positive experience. You can start by simply putting your pet into the parked car, wait a minute, and then take your pet back into the house. In small increments, you can work your way up to short car rides.
“Discuss any concerns regarding motion sickness with your veterinarian, as there are medications that can be given before a car ride to alleviate those symptoms,” Edwards advised.
By getting your pet accustomed to being in the car, you can build confidence and make your trip to the vet less overwhelming.
First year students participated in a restraint lane with community owned pet volunteers. They learned different restraint techniques and medication administration. Photos by Margie Christianson for Virginia Tech.
Desensitize
Physical exams and nail trims are key to maintaining your pet’s health, but from a pet’s perspective, the veterinarian’s office is full of strangers who want to poke and prod at sensitive areas.
Get your pet accustomed to having body parts like the paws, mouth, ears, and stomach touched. Treats are a great way to reward your pet for tolerating touch and will get them to associate touch with eating a delicious snack. Just like with car training, start slowly and work your way up!
“Some veterinary hospitals offer socialization/fun hours, where you can bring your pet into the clinic just to visit,” said Edwards. “This is an excellent way to acclimate your pet to the office, where they are just saying ‘Hi!’ and getting positive reinforcement.”
Write it down
Here’s a tip to make humans less stressed at the vet — write everything down!
Taking your pet to the veterinarian is probably just one part of your busy day, and you have a lot on your mind, especially if your pet is stressed out.
Before the appointment, write down any concerns you have about your pet’s health, including any changes of behavior. Make a note of your pet’s food brand, treats, medications, and amounts so you and your veterinarian are on the same page.
If you write these things down, you won't have to rack your brain in the exam room trying to remember any details.