At VCA Pinnacle Animal Hospital, we help pets live long, healthy and happy lives. We deliver the best medical care for pets and the best experience for pet owners.
Our veterinarians, technicians and other pet-friendly support staff are trained to the highest standards. Their thorough knowledge of the latest procedures and medications ensures that all our patients receive the best in preventive and healing care.
Our mission at VCA Pinnacle is to provide top-notch veterinary care in an atmosphere that is welcoming and comfortable for pets and people alike. Our clients and patients are part of our Pinnacle family, and our entire team works together with you to make sure all of your pet’s needs are met. We invite you to stop in and meet our team, and we’re confident you and your pet will feel right at home!
Low Stress Handling
At VCA Pinnacle Animal Hospital, we handle every patient with care and consideration using Low Stress Handling, so that both pets and owners can have positive, relaxing visits with us.
What is low stress handling?
Low stress handling means we consider our patient’s perspective first and look at the visit through the pet’s eyes to remove any fear or anxiety triggers. We also try to find ways to work cooperatively with our patients rather than forcing them. While this takes more time and can be quite challenging in many cases, we feel it is the kinder and safer way to approach veterinary care.
At VCA Pinnacle Animal Hospital, you’ll see that we take the extra time to greet our patients and allow them to warm up to us before starting the check-up. We make efforts to keep our exam rooms quiet and calm, and exam tables always have a soft surface. We may offer special treats or fun toys to create positive associations. For example, rewarding a nervous dog for following basic commands like sit or high-five helps build confidence and trust. Peanut butter covered pretzel sticks and squeeze cheese can help many nervous animals agree to procedures like nail trims and blood draws. Low-stress handling also means using techniques like counter-conditioning and desensitization to help the very nervous or fearful pets get accustomed to working with the vet.
Why do we use these techniques? Isn’t it easier to just “get the job done”?
We are often asked this question, whether it’s regarding a nail trim or a blood draw or ear exam. Can’t we just hold the patient down and do what we have to do? While that might seem easier in the short term, the pet may be more fearful or reactive at the next visit, which makes things worse in the long run. Low-stress methods are also safer for the pets and our staff.
How do you know which techniques will work for a nervous pet?
Our staff is trained to identify which handling techniques may work for an individual pet. Sometimes we have to get creative for positive reinforcement; for example, many dogs will allow a blood draw while licking frozen chicken broth, while others prefer squeeze cheese on a pretzel. We always encourage owners to bring anything from home that they know will be a positive motivator for their pet during the visit. For highly anxious animals, it may take multiple attempts to figure out what works best, but in the long run, it leads to easier visits and better long term relationships between the pet and their VCA Pinnacle vet.
How does your staff learn to use these methods?
Our staff receives training throughout the year from an expert in the field of low-stress handling. All of the writings, videos, and educational materials from Dr. Sophia Yin are an inspiration to us everyday. Our veterinary staff and clinic overall are working towards Low Stress Certification as well as Fear Free Certification.
Cat Friendly Features
VCA Pinnacle Animal Hospital is not just the only AAFP Cat Friendly Practice in San Jose, but we also received the highest level of certification: Gold Status! We appreciate that cats have medical, behavioral, and environmental needs that are unique, and we cater to them. At VCA Pinnacle, our cat patients have an entire wing of the hospital to themselves where they never have to see or encounter a dog. Our cat wing is the ultimate in feline-friendly!
We know that many cat owners put off coming to the vet simply because of the stress on their kitty. But just like dogs, cats also need regular preventative care to help them stay healthy. So what do we do differently at VCA Pinnacle that keeps our feline patients so happy? Our philosophy is that cats are most likely to accept a thorough veterinary exam when they are handled with respect and patience. Whenever possible, we perform all exams and basic procedures in the exam room because we have found that cats feel most comfortable when their family is nearby. Cats by nature don’t like feeling forced to do things, so we don’t resort to using harsh restraint methods such as “scruffing.” We always use low-stress handling techniques such as towel wraps. Working cooperatively with our feline patients keeps their anxiety level low and makes future visits much easier for everyone!
The feline wing of our hospital includes five distinct cats-only spaces:
Helpful Hints for a Stress-Free Visit
There are also many things you can do as a pet owner to help your kitty have a positive visit with us. A cat that arrives calm and relaxed at our clinic is more likely to have a pleasant experience. But a cat that is scared from the get-go may end up feeling more stressed during the visit. So what can you do to help your cat arrive at VCA Pinnacle Animal Hospital in a better frame of mind? Here are some ideas:
For more ideas to get your cat to VCA Pinnacle with minimal stress, check out this information from the AAFP.
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ASPCA Poison Control Center Hotline
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is staffed 24 hours with veterinary health professionals who have been specially trained in veterinary toxicology. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call the ASPCA 24 hour emergency Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435.