Why Our Veterinary Team is Getting Low Stress Handling® Silver Certified (And What It Means for Your Pet) 

Going to the vet shouldn’t feel scary—not for you, and definitely not for your pet.

If you’ve noticed us using more treats, specialized towels, or taking extra time during exams lately, there’s a great reason for it: Our entire practice is currently becoming Low Stress Handling® Silver Certified.

Here is a quick look behind the scenes at what this means for your furry family members.

Why We Chose This Path

Many pets experience “vet anxiety.” In the past, traditional veterinary care sometimes relied on heavy restraint just to get an exam done.

We believe there is a better, more compassionate way. We are pursuing this certification to eliminate fear from the clinic. By recognizing anxiety before it escalates, we make visits safer for our staff, calmer for you, and infinitely more comfortable for your pet.

What “Silver Certified” Means

Low Stress Handling® is a rigorous, science-based protocol originally developed by world-renowned veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin.

Achieving Silver Certified Status means our entire hospital—from the front desk to the surgery suite—is trained in advanced techniques, including:

• Reading Body Language: Recognizing subtle signs of stress (like a lip lick or ear tilt) before a pet panics.
• Gentle Restraint: Using fluid, “less-is-more” handling methods so pets never feel trapped.
• Sensory Environment: Tweaking our lighting, sounds, and scents to cater to sensitive animals.

Our Commitment to Continuing Education

Medicine and animal behavioral science are constantly evolving. For us, earning this certification isn’t a one-time checkbox—it’s a core part of our commitment to ongoing education. We invest this time and energy because your pets deserve a team that never stops learning how to care for them better.

What to Expect Next Time

At your next visit, you might see us examine your cat right inside their open carrier, or ask you to bring your dog in hungry so they can be easily distracted by treats.

We are incredibly proud of our team for taking this step, and we can’t wait for you and your pet to experience the difference!

Case Veterinary Hospital — Caring for Savannah’s pets since 1909. 111 Eisenhower Dr, Savannah, GA 31406 · (912) 352-3081 · casevet.com Open Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. For an after-hours emergency, contact your nearest emergency veterinary hospital right away.