International 'No Stress' conference in Tartu focuses on animal welfare in clinics

An international conference titled 'No Stress' was held on May 9–10 at the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu, bringing together specialists from Estonia and abroad to discuss improving animal welfare in veterinary clinics. The event covered topics including animal behaviour, stress reduction, and pain recognition. The goal was to introduce more science-based and animal-friendly approaches to veterinary medicine.

An international conference called 'No Stress' took place on May 9 and 10 at the Estonian University of Life Sciences in Tartu, gathering veterinary professionals and animal welfare specialists from Estonia and several other countries. The event focused on a growing concern in modern veterinary practice: how to make clinical visits less stressful and more comfortable for animal patients.

Participants examined a wide range of topics central to animal-friendly care, including how animals behave in clinical settings, methods for reducing anxiety, and techniques for recognising pain in pets and other animals. The discussions aimed to bridge the gap between scientific research and everyday veterinary practice, encouraging clinics to adopt evidence-based approaches when handling animal patients.

Organisers and speakers emphasised that stress during veterinary visits is not only a welfare issue but also a practical one — stressed animals are harder to examine and treat, which can compromise the quality of care. By creating calmer environments and using gentler handling methods, clinics can improve outcomes for both animals and their owners.

The conference highlighted that Estonia is actively participating in the international conversation around veterinary welfare standards, with local specialists contributing to and learning from broader European and global developments in the field.