Fear Free names first chief veterinary officer

Fear Free has appointed Rebekah Zahedi, DVM, as its first chief veterinary officer, effective July 20, 2026. The move gives the animal-wellness organization a senior clinical leader to steer education, certification and industry collaboration across veterinary and pet care settings.

Why it matters: - Fear Free is putting a veterinarian in charge of its clinical education strategy at a time when emotional wellness is becoming a bigger part of animal care. - The new role is meant to strengthen the link between veterinary science and day-to-day practice across clinics, shelters, boarding and daycare facilities, grooming, training and pet care. - The appointment adds executive-level focus to veterinary team wellbeing and career sustainability, two pressure points for the industry.

What happened: - Fear Free named Rebekah Zahedi, DVM, as chief veterinary officer, effective July 20, 2026. - The appointment makes Zahedi the first person to hold the CVO title at Fear Free. - Zahedi will join the Fear Free Leadership Team. - Her remit includes guiding clinical education strategy and direction. - She will also lead the evolution of Fear Free certification and education standards. - She will represent Fear Free across the veterinary and pet care industries. - She will lead the Fear Free Advisory Group and Speakers Bureau.

The details: - Doug Korn, CEO of Fear Free, said Zahedi brings clinical expertise, executive leadership and empathy for pets and veterinary professionals. - Korn said Zahedi’s experience scaling organizations and supporting the veterinary workforce makes her a fit to drive clinical education strategy and collaboration. - Zahedi previously served as executive vice president of My Pets Wellness, where she led organizational growth and strategic initiatives. - She also serves on the board of directors for Paisley Paws, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to veterinary care for clients in need. - Zahedi’s background spans companion animal practice, veterinary operations, organizational strategy and executive leadership. - Her interests include animal wellbeing, grief, veterinary career sustainability and the role of emotional health in veterinary medicine. - Zahedi earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. - Fear Free, founded in 2016, focuses on improving the emotional wellbeing of animals through education, certification and practical tools. - The organization says it has hundreds of thousands of certified professionals and members worldwide. - Fear Free supports veterinary professionals, practices and pet care providers globally.

Between the lines: - The hire signals that Fear Free wants to deepen its influence beyond training materials and into broader clinical standards. - Zahedi’s mix of practice, operations and leadership experience suggests the organization wants a voice that can translate science into workflow changes people can actually use. - Her focus on emotional health fits Fear Free’s core message that animal welfare and caregiver wellbeing are connected.

What's next: - Zahedi is expected to help shape future certification updates, education priorities and public-facing industry engagement. - Fear Free will use her leadership to expand collaboration across veterinary and pet care sectors. - The organization will continue building on its network of certified professionals, practices and providers worldwide. - More information is available in Fear Free's announcement.