San Pedro, CA – Pet-sitting visits can be stressful for many pets, but pet owners need not fear if their pets are cared for by The Animal Academic in San Pedro. Company founder Lisa Goetz is part of an impactful initiative known as Fear Free, which is designed to ease the fear, anxiety, and stress so many pets experience while their humans are away.

Fear Free’s pet sitter certification program equips pet sitters with a scientifically sound knowledge base in animal body language, dog walking, behavior and training basics, enrichment, home life, travel, administering medications, and more so that they can offer top-level Fear Free care to pets and provide owners with basic support and advice.

“I became Fear Free Certified in July 2021, and the timing was perfect,” said Goetz. “Many new clients had adopted pets during the pandemic, who may be shy or fearful around strangers because they haven’t been able to socialize as much. For some pets, I’m the first person they’ve met outside their family, so it’s important to make that first introduction a positive one.”

Founded by Dr. Marty Becker and developed by hundreds of experts in behavior, medicine, and handling, Fear Free® offers online and in-person education to veterinary professionals, the pet professional community, animal shelter staff and volunteers, and pet owners. Fear Free provides both professionals and pet lovers alike with the knowledge and tools to look after a pet’s physical and emotional well-being.

“Providing pet professionals with the tools they need to ease this burden of fear and anxiety for pets is the pinnacle of my decades-long veterinary career,” said Dr. Becker, who was dubbed “America’s Veterinarian” by Dr. Oz and appeared on Good Morning America for 17 years. “Pet professionals are hungry for this information. Animals and their humans need and deserve it.”

To become certified, pet sitters are required to complete a comprehensive educational course and exam. They also have to take continuing education to remain certified.

“Winning the trust of a fearful pet is one of my favorite things about this job,” said Goetz. “The Fear Free program was a natural fit for me, and I know my knowledge and skills will continue to have a positive impact on my clients.”

Pet owners who would like their pets to experience the Fear Free difference can contact The Animal Academic by visiting theanimalacademic.com, or on Instagram @the.animal.academic.

About The Animal Academic

The Animal Academic is dedicated to educating the public on humane and effective behavior solutions for our animal companions. Services include in-home pet sitting, dog walking, positive dog training, and behavior modification. The company is owned by Lisa Goetz (VSA-CDT), who has an extensive background working in animal rescue, veterinary hospitals, and studying animal behavior.  She also holds a Fear Free Shelter Program certification through volunteer work with Angel City Pit Bulls. Learn more at theanimalacademic.com.

About Fear Free

Founded by Dr. Marty Becker and developed by hundreds of experts in behavior, medicine, and handling, Fear Free® offers online and in-person education to veterinary professionals, the pet professional community, animal shelter staff and volunteers, and pet owners. Fear Free provides both professionals and pet lovers alike with the knowledge and tools to look after a pet’s physical and emotional well-being.

Veterinary or pet professionals can learn more about becoming Fear Free Certified® by visiting fearfreepets.com. Pet owners can visit fearfreehappyhomes.com to access free videos, articles, and more that will help improve the physical and emotional health of their pets right at home. Shelter, rescue, and animal welfare employees and volunteers can visit fearfreeshelters.com to enroll in the complimentary program.