The door clicks shut, and the sound tightens every muscle in the room. Fear arrives before the veterinarian. The air hums with the scent of disinfectant and tension. Fear crouches in carriers, slides under tables, and trembles on cold steel. A happy dog leaning into its vet captures what fear-free care looks like when pets feel safe. Image: Shutterstock In a  2019 study of over 26,000 dogs , more than half exhibited fear during veterinary visits. One in seven shook in terror.

Minnesota lawmakers are considering legislation that would ban the elective declawing of cats, positioning the state to follow New York and Maryland in restricting the controversial procedure. The proposals, filed as SF 1935 and HF 1857, would permit declawing only when deemed medically necessary to treat illness or injury.

On January 22, NYC Second Chance Rescue responded to a call from a foster parent who had discovered a severely malnourished puppy