At Page Point Animal Hospital & Pet Resort, we believe care isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we do it. Every touch, every word, and every moment with your pet matters. That’s why our team practices gentle handling, an approach inspired by Fear Free® and low-stress care principles that focus on creating calm, comfort, and trust in every interaction.

What Gentle Handling Really Means

Gentle handling is more than being careful—it’s a mindset. It’s about slowing down, observing each pet’s body language, and adjusting our approach to meet their individual comfort level. Whether a pet is curious and confident or shy and uncertain, our goal is to make them feel safe, respected, and in control.

We use calm voices and unhurried movements, allowing pets time to sniff, settle, and process new surroundings. If a moment of reassurance is needed, we’re happy to pause. That patience builds confidence over time and helps pets learn that a visit to Page Point can be a positive experience.

In the Hospital

For many pets, the sights and sounds of a veterinary hospital can feel overwhelming. Our team works to change that narrative by creating a space that feels more like a calm retreat than a clinical environment. Soft lighting, open floor space (where our docs bring the medicine to the pet), and gentle handling help minimize stress before an exam even begins.

We take time to earn each pet’s trust. Treats and quiet praise are a common first step, helping them associate care with comfort. When a pet prefers to stay in their carrier or sit beside their pet parent, we adjust our positioning to meet them where they feel most secure. Even small choices—like examining a cat in the bottom of their carrier or allowing a dog to stand on a soft mat instead of a metal table—can make a world of difference.

The result is a visit that feels safe, calm, and personalized. Pets learn that they are not being forced into care—they are being guided through it with kindness.

In the Resort

The same philosophy carries over to our resort, where every stay is designed around relaxation, enrichment, and reassurance. Our resort team understands that each guest—whether they’re a social butterfly or a quiet companion—has their own comfort zone, and we honor that from the moment they arrive.

New guests are welcomed at their own pace. We give them time to explore their suite, meet their caregivers, and adjust to the sounds and rhythms of the resort before playtime or grooming begins. Familiar comforts like soft bedding, a favorite toy, or even a t-shirt from home help ease anxiety and create a sense of belonging.

Once guests are settled in, we focus on keeping them engaged through enrichment activities that encourage curiosity, confidence, and calm. For dogs, this might include puzzle feeders, scent games, splash time, or cozy cuddle sessions with a team member. The team here at Page Point has partnered with Animal Insight to determine several activities that keep your pets engaged. Cats enjoy similar stress-reducing activities—gentle play with feather toys, vertical climbing spaces, and quiet time in sunlit areas—all designed to let them express natural behaviors in a safe, relaxed environment.

For group play, we take a thoughtful, safety-first approach. Daycare dogs are grouped by temperament and play style, not just size, to ensure that every pup has fun in a way that matches their energy and comfort level. Our team also maintains pet-to-staff ratios that meet or exceed state recommendations, ensuring close supervision and plenty of personalized attention throughout the day.

Grooming is handled with that same gentle philosophy. Whether it’s a bath, facial, or Fresh n’ Fluff, our team uses calm voices, warm towels, and unhurried movements to help pets feel relaxed. Our canine guests receive spa treatments tailored to their comfort, complete with breaks when needed and lots of quiet reassurance.

Every member of our resort team is trained to recognize signs of stress or fatigue, partnering with the veterinarian before individual limits are reached. With this attentive approach, we’re able to give each guest not only quality care but genuine comfort, confidence, and calm.

Why It Matters

When pets feel safe, everything changes. Their hearts slow, their muscles relax, and their confidence grows. Fear-free handling enables us to perform exams, grooming, and care more effectively—and with less stress for both the pet and for pet parents.

Over time, this builds lasting trust. Pets begin to recognize Page Point as a place where they are understood, not overwhelmed. Clients feel reassured knowing their companions are treated with genuine compassion, and our team can deliver the exceptional care each pet deserves.

The Page Point Way

At Page Point, gentle handling isn’t a technique—it’s a philosophy that defines everything we do. Whether your pet is here for a check-up, a spa day, or an overnight stay, they’ll be met with patience, empathy, and care that’s truly tailored to individual needs.

Because your pet’s comfort is just as important as their health—and that’s The Page Point Way.