Our Values
Care that starts with trust.
At A&S Pet Care, we believe every pet deserves to feel safe, heard, and respected. Our values aren't just a philosophy; they shape every visit, every interaction, and every decision we make on behalf of the animals in our care.
Your pet becomes our friend, because real care starts with a real relationship.
Fear Free & Force Free
Reducing fear, anxiety & stress - always.
We are proud to follow the Fear Free approach across all of our services. The Fear Free philosophy centers on minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress during every interaction with a pet. This means paying close attention to body language, moving at each animal's pace, and creating an environment where pets feel genuinely safe.
For nervous, reactive, elderly, or specially-abled pets, this approach isn't just a preference; it's essential. Pets who feel safe are better able to build trust, cope with new situations, and thrive over time.
Calm, intentional energy: We're mindful of our tone of voice, body posture, and movement to keep every interaction low-stress.
Positive reinforcement: We use treats, toys, love, and patience to build positive associations with our visits.
Tailored to each pet: Every animal is an individual. We adjust our approach based on your pet's specific triggers, history, and comfort level.
Consent-Based Care
We let pets lead.
Consent-based care means giving pets a voice in their own interactions. Rather than pushing a pet to accept handling or contact before they're ready, we invite them to engage on their own terms, and we respect it when they say no. We watch carefully for signals of discomfort, stress, or hesitation, and we respond by adjusting our approach, not pushing through.
This shows up in practical ways: slow, gentle introductions; no-pressure meet and greets; letting a pet sniff and approach us rather than reaching toward them. These aren't small details, they are the foundation of every relationship we build.
Slow & gentle, every time: Before we begin any new care arrangement, we always schedule a meet and greet. This gives your pet the chance to get comfortable with us in their own space, at their own pace, before any care takes place.
Position Statement
We do not use aversive equipment.
As part of our commitment to Fear Free principles and the most current science on animal welfare and humane training practices, A&S Pet Care does not use any tools designed to create fear, pain, or physical discomfort in dogs.
Equipment we will not use: Electronic fence collars, e-collars and electric shock collars, prong collars, and choke collars. These tools work by creating discomfort, fear, or pain - outcomes that are fundamentally at odds with our values and with the research on humane, effective animal care.
We understand that families sometimes come to us having used these tools before, and we approach those conversations with compassion and without judgment. Our role is to support you and your pet - and that always means offering alternatives grounded in trust-building. We are your partner in pet care!