Having the tools at your side to deliver the Low Stress care experience is important, especially when creating a new culture of care. It is important that the treats, paper bowls, towels and other tools are stocked every night just like the cotton balls, alcohol and syringes.

Here are photos from various clinics who are taking the lead in Low Stress Handling™:
    

     
1. Have a shelf with a variety of treats following the hierarchy of rewards and offer hypoallergenic ones. Break the treats into small pieces, the size of a Cheerio and store in jars. You want to deliver rewards frequently and in small tidbits. (Okaw Veterinary Clinic, Tuscola IL)
     

     
2. Keep lift tables down and covered with a mat so they do not see the stainless steel. Create a place for towels, bowls and target items which are stored in the organizer units here. (Okaw Veterinary Clinic, Tuscola IL)
         

         
3. Keep a small caddy filled with presprayed adaptil bandanas in a Ziploc bag, and the variety of treats handy if you do not have a shelf. This can move from one area to another and is easy to gather from all the exam rooms for restocking. (VCA Kankakee West Veterinary Clinic, Kankakee IL)
         

       
4.This stationary cabinet table shows storing a cat cubby basket, towels, mat on the table all in one spot. (Woodstock Veterinary Clinic, Woodstock IL)
           

     
5. Adaptability – the pedestal exam table was removed; the low platform was placed with two mats next to it and now you have an open exam room for dogs who trigger to exam tables and need open space. Lake Mills Veterinary Clinic schedules their special handling animals on certain days of the week, so changes like this are used for multiple patients. (Lake Mills Veterinary Clinic, Lake Mills Wisconsin)
    

     
6. These muzzles are stored next to the treat drawer. ZipLoc containers with carboard dividers are simple and easy to create for muzzle storage. It is easy to find the right size and labeling the drawers reminds people where to find the treats to feed through the muzzles. (Town and Country Veterinary Clinic, Bloomington IL)
         

     
7. Create open space to prevent congestion around the front desk. Treats in containers at the desk where it is easy for clients to give to their pets. A small table prevents dogs from pulling towards each other and creates quiet corners to wait. (Okaw Veterinary Clinic, Tuscola)
      

        
Dr Foote’s tour of her Low Stress Handling Certified clinic