Fear Free Certified® Approach
Gentle. Trust-Based. Stress-Reducing.
Because pets deserve care that feels safe—not scary.
Why Fear Free® Matters
At Pet Sitting 4 Comfort® (PS4C), we know even routine care—like feedings, leash clips, or medications—can trigger fear or anxiety in pets.
That’s why we follow the nationally recognized Fear Free Certified® standards to ensure every visit is calm, predictable, and stress-reducing.
What is Fear Free®?
Fear Free® is a science-backed care philosophy that promotes emotional wellness alongside physical health. We prioritize your pet’s comfort, body language, and consent.
Key principles include:
✔ Low-stress handling – No force, no fear
✔ Positive reinforcement – Treats, praise & toys
✔ Trigger reduction – Avoid loud noises, strong smells & rushed handling
✔ Reading stress cues – We adjust based on what your pet tells us
Who Benefits from Fear Free Visits?
Fear Free techniques are ideal for:
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Rescue pets with past trauma
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Shy, sensitive, or elderly dogs & cats
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Pets with noise or leash sensitivities
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Pets on medication or post-surgery care
We meet your pet where they are—physically and emotionally.
Our Certifications & Ongoing Training
You’re not just hiring a sitter—you’re getting a certified pet care professional.
We’re trained in:
🟠 Fear Free Certified® Pet Sitter
🟠 PetTech® Pet First Aid & CPR
🟠 Continuing Education via PSI & NAPPS
🟠 Karen Pryor Academy feline & canine behavior
🟠 Dog leash reactivity and enrichment planning
What to Expect During a Fear Free Visit
Here’s how we care for your pet with intention:
✅ Choice & Control – Your pet sets the pace. No forced contact.
✅ Treats & Praise – Positive reinforcement every step of the way.
✅ Handling with Consent – Muzzles only when necessary & with approval.
✅ Routine-Driven – We follow your pet’s routine to reduce stress.
✅ Personalized Logs – We track triggers, body language, and preferences in the Time To Pet portal for future visits.
Fear Free is Built Into Every Service
We apply Fear Free principles across all visits:
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In-Home Pet Sitting – Calm routines and gentle interactions
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Cat Visits – Feline-specific enrichment and soft introductions
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Dog Walking – Positive leash work, no harsh corrections
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Medication Support – Fear Free vet tech techniques for pills, topicals & injections
Have a leash-reactive pup? A cat that hides? A pet recovering from surgery? We tailor our care plan to their individual needs.
Tools & Resources We Use
We actively reference trusted training platforms including:
Questions? Let’s Build the Right Plan.
Every pet is different—and we’re happy to take the time to learn what works for yours. Whether you’re onboarding a new rescue, caring for a senior pet, or managing medical care, we’ll make it easier.