The Roanoke Valley SPCA operates under the Fear Free philosophy. The Fear Free mission is to prevent and alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress in pets by inspiring and educating the people who care for them. Fear Free Happy Homes is just for you—the loving, doting pet owner. We want to provide you with free access to the most cutting-edge content and education that will enable you to help your pets live their happiest, healthiest, fullest lives at home, at the vet, at the trainer, and everywhere in between. Fear Free contributors are recognized as the leading experts in their fields of veterinary medicine, animal handling, training, and research. 100% of Fear Free content is reviewed by boarded veterinary behaviorists. The Roanoke Valley SPCA recommends that you seek assistance from a trainer, veterinarian, or another animal professional before beginning any behavior modification program.

Cats

 

Meeting the Basic Needs of Your Cat

 

How Cats Learn

 

Cat Body Language 101

 

Dogs

 

A Fear Free Approach to Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog

 

Choosing and Using Dog Collars, Harnesses, and Leashes

 

Crate Training Your Dog

 

Teaching Your Dog to Sit

 

The Fair Trade Approach to Teaching a Dog to ‘Drop It’

 

Overcoming Your Dog’s Fear of Everyday Objects

 

Preventing Separation Anxiety

 

Canine Separation Anxiety Solutions Part 1

 

Canine Separation Anxiety Solutions Part 2

 

Redirection and “Leave It”

 

If Your Dog’s Doing This, He Can’t Do That: How To Use Redirection

 

Fear Free Approach to Canine Counter Surfing

 

The Simple Signals That Help Your Dog Learn

 

Canine Noise Phobias (Part 1): An Introduction

 

Canine Noise Phobias (Part 2): Managing and Preventing Noise Phobias

 

Treating Your Dog’s Noise Phobias

 

Visiting the Vet

 

How to Prepare Your Pet for a Veterinary Visit

 

How to Make the Trip to the Veterinary Hospital Fear Free

 

Fear Free Veterinary Visits 101

 

Fear Free Vaccine Visits

 

Giving Medications to Your Pet: Putting the Treat Into Treatments

 

10 Things Your Veterinarian Should Know About Your Pet

 

The Fear Free Method

 

Training and Socialization 101

 

Activities and Enrichment 101