653: Fear Free Tools for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers with Melissa Spooner-Raymond

Fear Free Certification for taking the 'pet' out of 'petrified'. Get 10% off the with promo code PSC10.

What does it really mean to be Fear Free certified as a pet sitter or dog walker? In this episode, Collin talks with Melissa Spooner-Raymond, a licensed veterinary technician and veterinary behavior specialist with Fear Free, about practical ways to reduce fear, anxiety, and stress for pets in our care. They explore reading body language, setting realistic goals for each visit, and using "the three Fs"—food, fun, and favorites—to create positive associations. Melissa shares real-world scenarios, from cautious chows to under-socialized COVID pets, offering strategies for short visits and multi-staff teams. The conversation highlights how consistency, documentation, and collaboration with the pet's wider care team can transform both the pet's experience and the sitter's safety.

Main topics:

• Reading and respecting pet body language

• Applying the "three Fs" to build trust

• Strategies for short, time-limited visits

• Multi-staff consistency and SOPs

• Collaborating with the pet's full care team

Main takeaway: "Stop and assess and watch—what is that animal trying to communicate?"

So often, our love for animals makes us want to rush in, but the best care starts with observation. Every ear twitch, tail flick, or subtle shift tells a story about how that pet is feeling. When we slow down, we can adapt our approach to meet them where they are—turning fear into trust. As pet sitters and dog walkers, we aren't just completing a task; we're building a relationship, one respectful moment at a time.

About our guest: Melissa is a passionate and skilled professional with a rich background in the animal care industry. Her experience spans general veterinary medicine, behavioral specialty medicine, and nonprofit organizations, where she has held a variety of roles supporting pets and their people. She holds an Associate of Applied Animal Science and is a Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior, a Certified Training Partner through Karen Pryor Academy, an Elite Fear Free Certified Veterinary Professional, and a TAGteach Certified Practitioner. Driven by a deep commitment to making a difference, Melissa strives to create meaningful, positive impacts for animals and their human companions through education and advocacy in veterinary behavior and training.

Links:

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Fear Free Certification for taking the 'pet' out of 'petrified'. Get 10% off the with promo code PSC10.

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Full show notes and transcript

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest.

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