Cat Friendly Practice
APPOINTMENTMake your cat’s next vet visit stress free!
Happy Valley Veterinary Hospital is a Cat Friendly Practice. The Cat Friendly Practice® program is leading the movement to make veterinary care less stressful for cats and their caregivers.
Established by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the International Society for Feline Medicine (ISFM), the Cat Friendly Practice® program is a global initiative designed to elevate care for cats by reducing the stress for the cat, caregiver, and also the entire veterinary team.
What can you expect at a Cat Friendly Practice?
Cat-Friendly Attitude
The veterinary team is trained to speak softly, avoid direct eye contact with your cat, and move slowly. They know these actions help keep your cat calm and feeling in control. If any team member sees your cat becoming stressed or anxious, they will pause the check-up, let your cat take a break, and resume when she is calmer.
Educated Staff
Each Cat Friendly Practice® has at least one Cat Advocate who ensures all team members are trained to understand and handle them gently and respectfully. They can answer all of your questions and explain the specific cat-friendly features at the practice.
Gentle Handling
Team members use a u201cless is moreu201d approach when examining your cat, without using heavy restraint which could frighten, stress, or arouse your cat. Your cat’s check-up may take place on the table, floor, or in the veterinarian’s lap wherever your cat is most comfortable.
Advice
Cat Advocates provide you with feline-specific tips, like how to get your cat comfortable with the carrier before the visit. They can also advise you on how to transport your cat to the veterinary office in a way to reduce stress associated with the visit for you both.
Contact Info
Phone: 503-395-1649
Fax: 503-676-3288
Hours
Saturday-Sunday: Closed
Location
15957 SE Happy Valley Town Center Dr.
Happy Valley, OR 97086
We are located next door to the New Seasons!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Preventive Care
Preventive care can change as pets become more active, travel more often, or encounter different environments. These questions address situations that may be especially relevant for pet owners in Happy Valley.
Does Oregon’s rainy climate affect parasite risk for pets?
It can. Moist environments and vegetation can support conditions where fleas and ticks may be encountered. Pets that spend significant time outdoors may need preventive recommendations that reflect that exposure.
Does my dog need different preventive care if they visit daycare or boarding facilities?
Possibly. Shared environments can increase contact with unfamiliar animals and certain infectious diseases. Let your veterinarian know if daycare or boarding is part of your dog’s routine.
Are pet wellness exams and annual vet exams the same as preventive care?
No. Pet wellness exams and annual vet exams are two names for the same routine examination service. They assess your pet’s current health and track physical changes. Pet preventive care is separate and focuses on reducing future risk through measures such as vaccination and parasite protection.
Can an indoor cat still need preventive care?
Yes. Indoor cats can still encounter certain risks through insects, other household pets, occasional outdoor access, travel, or changes in the home environment. Recommendations should be based on the individual cat’s exposure.
When should I review my pet’s preventive care plan?
Reviewing the plan can be useful when your pet’s routine changes. Starting daycare, traveling more frequently, spending more time outdoors, moving, adding another animal to the household, or entering a new life stage can all affect preventive needs.
