Making visits to the V-E-T as exciting as a W-A-L-K

A Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University Bachelor of Veterinary Technology graduate with a passion for animal behaviour and low-stress handling, Renee was introduced to the concept of ‘happy visits’ through continuing education and quickly recognised their value in reshaping animals’ experiences of the veterinary clinic. These visits, sometimes as simple as popping into reception for a weigh-in and a treat, help dilute negative associations formed through necessary procedures such as vaccinations, dental checks and routine exams.

Seeing the benefits of these short visits, Renee evolved the concept into structured nurse consults, using counterconditioning, positive reinforcement and desensitisation to address specific fears or prevent young pets from developing them in the first place.

“For many pets, a visit to the veterinary clinic can be overwhelming. Strange smells, unfamiliar people, restraint and needles – even the calmest animal can develop fear, anxiety or stress over time,” Renee says.

Whether a patient struggles with injections, nail trims, ear exams, paw handling or simply being in the clinic environment, Renee’s goal is to create calm, positive experiences that set animals up for lifelong veterinary success.

“When pets are calmer, it makes a real difference for everyone involved. The veterinary team can work more safely and effectively, it improves the animal’s experience and eases the emotional and financial strain on owners by reducing the need for things like sedation. It also makes owners more likely to keep up with regular check-ups, helping to catch health issues earlier.”

Running at Massey’s Companion Animal Hospital in Palmerston North, Purely Pawsitive is open to animals of all ages, but Renee strongly encourages puppy and kitten owners to attend early.

One notable success story involved a pug who previously required sedation for every nail trim due to extreme distress. By her fourth Purely Pawsitive session, Renee was able to trim all her nails while she held still, patiently waiting for more chicken.

Motivation plays a key role in these sessions, with Renee tailoring rewards to each patient. High-value food rewards such as chicken are commonly used, alongside soft foods, peanut butter, lick matts and toys for play-motivated dogs.

“Sometimes animals are initially too anxious to eat, but as their confidence grows, they realise it’s worth being brave for chicken,” Renee laughs.

While the programme has predominantly attracted canine patients, Renee has also worked with cats and hopes to expand its reach to more feline clients.

Consults are typically offered in sets of three half-hour sessions, with many clients committing to multiple rounds. While each animal progresses at their own pace, Renee reports significant improvements are often seen within the first three sessions.

“There’s the occasional one you can’t win, but for most of them, you see a lot of progress which is incredibly rewarding. Even if we can’t fully achieve a desired outcome, I can work with the owners to find the best alternative to keep everyone healthy and happy.”

Placing a strong emphasis on supporting owners, Renee’s sessions include education on recognising body language, understanding how fear, anxiety and stress are exhibited and learning how to reinforce positive behaviour at home.

Renee’s longest-running patient is Sheba, a four-year-old German Shepherd who has completed 18 sessions. Initially prescribed monthly injections for itching, Sheba showed early signs of nervousness that could have developed into more serious anxiety over time.

Within the first few sessions, she showed such improvement that her owner Sandra was keen to carry on. Renee implemented cooperative care training, helping Sheba become comfortable with behaviours that assist veterinary procedures such as being held for blood draws, radiograph imaging and the noisy fur clippers.

For Sandra, she says the Purely Pawsitive sessions have been invaluable.

Renee shares her knowledge with Massey’s veterinary students, delivering tutorials on behaviour, socialisation and low-stress handling. She hopes these principles will be carried into future clinics nationwide.

“If I can show students the value of this approach, they can take it with them and improve animal welfare across the country,” Renee says.

To date, Renee has worked with 42 patients across more than 230 Purely Pawsitive sessions and is excited to see the programme grow.

“Watching animals become more confident and seeing their stress levels drop is incredibly rewarding. Knowing you’ve made a meaningful difference to their experience – that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

Find out more about the Companion Animal Hospital