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Fear-free veterinary care

Anxious at the vet?
We are built for
pets like yours.

Fear-free veterinary care is not a box-ticking exercise at TWC — it is how we work with every patient, every day. We go at your pet's pace, use positive associations throughout, and never rush. Many of our most loyal clients came to us because their pet struggled at their previous vets. It does not have to be that way.

Call to book Hello visits ↓

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Unhurried appointments

If your pet needs time to settle, we give them time. The appointment proceeds when they are ready.

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Wait in your car

If the waiting room would cause anxiety, call us on arrival and we will collect you directly. Just mention it when booking.

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Treat-based, positive approach

We use high-value treats and positive reinforcement throughout every appointment.

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Dedicated cat facilities

Cats go directly into their own waiting area — completely separate from dogs, with Feliway diffusers throughout.

Fear-free principles — in practice

These are not occasional accommodations — they are part of how every appointment at TWC works.

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Floor-level examinations

Dogs are often examined on the floor, not the table. Lower, less exposed, more comfortable — especially for large or anxious dogs. We follow their lead.

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Settling time built in

First appointments are given extra time. We let pets sniff around, explore and decide when they are ready — we never force interactions.

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Positive associations

Treats, calm voices, gentle handling. Every visit should end with your pet's overall feeling about the vet being slightly better than when they arrived.

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Brief before you come

Tell us about your pet's anxiety when you book. We plan accordingly — extra time, a quieter slot, specific preparation — before you even walk through the door.

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Pre-visit medication

For very anxious patients, we can discuss pre-visit calming medication. If your pet is extremely distressed by vet visits, this conversation is always worth having.

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A familiar face, every visit

We schedule appointments to help your pet see familiar vets and nurses — building trust over time rather than starting from scratch at every visit.

Come in just to say hello.

One of the most effective things you can do for a nervous pet is bring them in when nothing clinical needs to happen. A treat, a friendly face, a sniff around — and then home. It changes the association entirely.

No appointment needed — just pop in

You are always welcome to bring your pet in during opening hours simply to say hello. No appointment, no charge, no clinical procedure. The team will be delighted to meet them, give them a treat, and let them explore at their own pace.

It is one of the most valuable things you can do for a pet that has previously found vet visits stressful.

Your pet comes in and explores reception and the waiting area

The team gives them treats and a friendly greeting

If comfortable, a brief introduction to a consulting room

Then home — on a positive note, every time

Repeat a few times before the first clinical appointment

Mon–Fri 8:30am–6pm · Sat 9am–12pm
Dogs, cats and small furries always welcome

From owners of nervous pets

★★★★★

He would shake and panic at our last vets. Now he's excited to come in and see everyone — which has never happened at any vet before. Seeing a familiar face each time is fantastic.

Morag T. · Facebook · Recommended

★★★★★

My young dog was very frightened due to past experience. The staff have been accepting of this and with flexible approaches to build up his trust, he is happy to call in just to say hello.

Elizabeth H. · Facebook · Recommended

★★★★★

Our experience has been very positive here. The whole team have gone out of their way to help our dog feel comfortable when he visits. He is a very nervous boy and was very scared at our previous vet but he manages really well here all thanks to the wonderful VWC staff. The care is very personal, I feel listened to, I don't feel rushed and they really have our dogs best interests at heart.

Lois · Google

Anxious at the vet?
We are built for
pets like yours.

Fear-free principles — in practice

Come in just to say hello.

No appointment needed — just pop in

From owners of nervous pets

Ready to give it a try?
We are here for you both.

Anxious at the vet?We are built forpets like yours.

Fear-free principles — in practice

Come in just to say hello.

No appointment needed — just pop in

From owners of nervous pets

Ready to give it a try?We are here for you both.

Anxious at the vet?
We are built for
pets like yours.

Ready to give it a try?
We are here for you both.