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Proud to Be a Fear Free® Certified Practice

Join Us in Our Commitment to a Higher Level of Care

As a veterinarian, you treat every patient with hands-on care delivered straight from the heart, ensuring their comfort from the moment they step into your exam room. That’s why you deserve to be part of a medical team that is just as committed to a pet’s emotional well-being as their physical health.

When you join Hawthorne Animal Hospital, you join a Fear Free Certified Practice, where all pets – and the people who care for them – feel safe, seen, and supported. Every member of our team receives Fear Free continuing education courses courtesy of Hawthorne, connecting you to renowned behavioral experts who will share their proven insights on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.

It’s just part of Hawthorne’s dedication to creating a safe, comfortable environment for pets and the vets who treat them!

The Benefits of Becoming a Fear Free Vet

Fear Free certification is more than a badge. It’s a philosophy that guides how Hawthorne approaches every patient interaction and a foundation for building more trusting, long-lasting relationships with the families we serve.

As part of our Fear Free team, you’ll be empowered to:

  • Discover new low-stress handling techniques – Fear Free provides behavioral science-backed training to help you reduce patient anxiety and encourage more compliant clients.

  • Tailor care to each patient – Hawthorne believes every veterinarian should have the time, support, and tools to adapt your care approach to each individual pet. You don’t want to rush your patients, and we don’t want to rush you!

  • Work in a culture of empathy – Fear Free isn’t just designed for animals, but also for the medical team who cares for them. The lessons we promote create a kinder, calmer space for both clients and staff.

  • Continue your learning – In addition to your initial training, Hawthorne covers the cost of your annual renewal to ensure you always have access to expertise that can enhance your practice.

Removing the Stress From the Exam Room

Fear Free continuing education benefits providers and pets alike. A pet who is calm and relaxed is a safer pet to treat, reducing the risk of bites, scratches, and other threats to your safety. In addition, when anxiety (and all the cowering, fleeing, and wiggling that come with it) is under control, you can better diagnose and treat possible conditions that stress often masks. Most important, you’ll get to do the job you love in a way that’s humane, kind, and deeply rewarding.

If you’re ready to be part of a veterinary practice where comfort and care matter as much as clinical excellence, you’ll find it at Hawthorne Animal Hospital. See our current career openings and apply today!

Hawthorne Animal Hospital, a small animal hospital and veterinary clinic, serves St. Louis Metro East area, including the communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Troy, Alton, Granite City, Collinsville, Highland, Wood River, Roxana, Bethalto, Godfrey, Worden, and Hamel.

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