Does your dog wag her tail, solicit pats from the staff, lick the faces of the veterinarian and otherwise generally exhibit “smiling” behavior? Or does she cower behind your legs, avoid eye contact, tuck her tail and avoid interacting with new people?

Does your cat raise his tail and rub up against the legs of the care team, eagerly accept treats and curiously explore the exam room? Or does he loudly vocalize his fear, exhibit “crazy cat eyes,” and hunker down in the corner of the room or his cat carrier?

All of these signs of your pet’s comfort level are indicators of their relative fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS).