Handling fixation and animal welfare

Animals at the clinic are often scared or in pain and scared animals can bite, scratch, or flee. Good handling is about reading the animal's signals and using as little force as possible while still working safely.

Body language tells how the animal is feeling. Signs of fear or stress can be crouched posture, flat ears, piloerection (raised hair), yawning, growling or attempts to hide. A stressed animal should be handled calmly and predictably.

• 01Create calm: reduce sound light and rapid movements.
• 02Use the minimum force that is still safe.
• 03Keep a secure grip on the right places so the animal cannot harm itself or you.
• 04Work as a team so fixation and treatment are coordinated.
• 05Give breaks if the animal becomes too stressed.

Reducing stress is not only pleasant for the animal — it also makes the examination easier and safer. A calm, patient approach, treats where allowed, and letting the animal get used to its surroundings can make a big difference. Always think about animal welfare: suffering should be minimized as much as possible.

The owner knows the animal and can often calm it. Explain what needs to happen and give clear instructions if the owner needs to help hold the animal. But always prioritize safety — in case of bite or injury risk, staff take over restraint.

“The best fixation is the one the animal barely notices — because the preparation and calm made restraint unnecessary.”