The Fear Free organization, which has taught tens of thousands of veterinary professionals to reduce fear, anxiety and stress in feline and canine patients, has launched an online program designed to support feathered animals.
The avian certification program is a nine-module course that offers eight RACE-approved continuing education hours. Among the lessons covered in video clips and slides are:
- How to recognize signs of stress in avian patients.
- How to use simple tools to provide gentle control.
- How to train cooperative behaviors.
“We know veterinary visits can be a source of stress for cats and dogs,” said Fear Free founder Marty Becker, DVM. “For birds, the negative emotional response to veterinary visits and routine care is even more significant, creating an urgent imperative for us as veterinary professionals to alleviate their suffering.
“This course will result in happier birds and owners as well as birds getting more and improved veterinary care.”
Heading the avian certification program is Alicia McLaughlin, DVM, co-medical director of the Center for Bird and Exotic Animal Medicine. Assisting are Anneliese Strunk, DVM, DABVP (Avian); Barbara Heidenreich, exotic animal training consultant and former president of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators; and parrot behavior consultant Pamela Clark, CVT, CPBC.
More information is available at www.fearfreepets.com.
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