Westport Veterinary Clinic has become Scotland's first Fear Free Certified Veterinary Practice

Fear Free was founded by Dr. Marty Becker and developed by hundreds of experts in behaviour, medicine, and handling. Fear Free is a global initiative that offers online and in-person education that empowers veterinary professionals, the pet professional community, animal shelter staff and volunteers, and pet owners to create low-stress environments for pets.

Fear Free provides both professionals and pet lovers alike with the knowledge and tools to look after a pet's physical and emotional wellbeing thereby reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in animals during veterinary visits and other interactions, i.e. grooming, pet sitting, daycare and boarding visits.

Dr. Jennifer Merlo, Vice President of Operations, was pleased to announce this in person at the 2024 London Vet Show, recognizing Westport's pioneering efforts to advance Fear Free care in Scotland. Westport's certification represents a significant achievement for the clinic and a pioneering effort in advancing the standard of care for pets across Scotland. The Westport team exemplifies Fear Free values, demonstrating an openness to positive change and a commitment to ongoing learning and improvement.

Since their initial inquiry, Westport's team has worked closely with Fear Free, embracing every step of the Practice Certification journey. With a commitment to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in pets, each Westport location has successfully integrated Fear Free protocols into their operations, ensuring a consistent, calm, and comfortable experience for all patients and clients.

Randy Valpy, CEO, Fear Free:
"Westport Veterinary Clinic's certification as the first Fear Free Certified Practice in Scotland is an exciting step for Fear Free and the Scottish veterinary community."

"Their dedication to enhancing patient care and emotional wellbeing reflects the transformative impact that Fear Free principles bring to veterinary practices worldwide."

Fiona Leathers, Practice and Clinic Manager at Westport Veterinary Clinic:
"I first encountered Fear Free almost 15 years ago and have built my clinical life around its principles. To now be part of a team that shares this vision has been incredible."

"Our team embraced the certification process with passion, working tirelessly to make each branch as calming as possible. I'm grateful to our vets, nurses, customer care team, and especially to our Director, Stuart McMorrow, for his unwavering support throughout this journey."

Dr. Marty Becker, Founder of Fear Free:
"A pet cannot be optimally healthy unless they feel safe and happy. Westport's commitment to implementing Fear Free protocols ensures that pets experience a stress-free environment, strengthening the bond between animals and their caregivers."

Stuart McMorrow BVM&S MRCVS, Managing Director and Head Vet at Westport Veterinary Clinic:
"It's been great becoming the first practice in Scotland and first in the UK with all sites gaining the fear free accreditation."

"We already worked in a fear free way, but by going through the process we became better and learned more ways to treat our patients in a way that worked best for them."

"This continued improvement is what drives us at Westport Vets. We just want to keep getting better, and learning more. And doing the best we can."

All of the Westport Vet branches - Linlithgow, South Queensferry and Edinburgh, are always welcoming new clients. They are also setting up their own out of hours emergency care, a service which will be launched in 2025.