Q&A: Katrine Hammer of Hundeklinikken on stress-free dog care in Copenhagen
Hundeklinikken is a Copenhagen vet clinic focused on stress-free care for dogs. Read about their approach, early signs of stress to watch for, and practical seasonal health tips.
In Østerbro, on Ryesgade between Fælledparken and The Lakes, is a vet clinic where everything is designed with dogs in mind. Katrine Hammer, veterinary nurse and dog trainer, co-founded Hundeklinikken after years in traditional practices, determined to make vet visits calmer, kinder and better for dogs.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and what makes Hundeklinikken different from other clinics?
We offer the same veterinary services as other clinics in Copenhagen, but with a much stronger focus on the dog's experience of the visit. We actively work to prevent vet anxiety by respecting the dog's boundaries and signals of discomfort or fear.
We are specially trained in stress-free handling, which allows us to create the best possible conditions for a positive visit. We take pride in advocating for dogs and giving them the best treatment, both physically and mentally.
The owner is an important source of reassurance for the dog, so we keep them present at all times while the dog is awake. This requires flexibility from both sides, but it results in much better experiences with things like anaesthesia and hospitalisation than the traditional approach, where the dog is dropped off in the morning and collected after a day in a cage. In fact, we do not have cages at the clinic at all.
We also have special expertise in handling training and can help owners teach their dogs to feel comfortable with grooming tasks such as brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, vet visits and other regular care routines that come with having a dog.
Why did you decide to create a dog-only clinic?
I worked in traditional animal clinics for many years before founding Hundeklinikken with Mai. I saw how vet anxiety develops over time when the dog's experience of the visit is not considered. I have seen how little it takes to create lasting trauma around handling, and how much harder it is to fix that fear than to prevent it in the first place.
After 17 years in the field, I had enough. I wanted to do things differently and better for the dogs, with an innovative and unconventional approach to vet visits. Over the following years, I trained in stress-free handling and, with this alongside my many years as a dog trainer, became a sought-after speaker on the subject for both the general public and veterinary professionals.
One day, I met Mai, and together we decided to create Hundeklinikken, a place that puts the dog's wellbeing first in every possible way.
What does stress-free care actually look like, day to day?
It means we constantly read and monitor the dog's body language for signs of stress or discomfort. We categorise the level of unease and respond accordingly.
If stress reaches certain thresholds, we stop and try a different approach. If that does not help, we stop completely and make a new plan to complete the procedure in a way the dog can handle.
We also use plenty of treats during handling because we know it increases the likelihood the dog will form positive associations with what we are doing.
What advice would you give to first-time dog owners preparing for a vet visit?
Practice handling at home in positive contexts. Touch your dog's paws, ears, and mouth regularly while giving treats. This makes examinations at the vet much easier.
Bring high-value treats to the appointment. Most vets are happy for you to feed treats during the examination to keep the experience positive.
Choose a clinic that respects your dog's comfort level and doesn't rush through procedures. Your dog's emotional wellbeing is just as important as their physical health.
How do you help owners recognise early signs of stress in their dogs?
We teach them to look for subtle body language cues like lip licking, yawning when not tired, panting when not warm, or freezing in place. Many owners think their dog is "being good" when they freeze, but it's often a stress response.
We also explain the difference between a dog who is cooperating because they feel safe versus one who has simply given up trying to communicate their discomfort.
What seasonal health advice do you find yourself giving most often?
In summer, we see a lot of grass seed injuries in paws and ears. Check your dog's paws after walks, especially if they've been in tall grass or fields.
Winter brings different challenges — salt on pavements can irritate paws, and the contrast between warm indoors and cold outdoors can affect some dogs more than others. Watch for limping or excessive paw licking.
Year-round, we always remind owners that prevention is better than treatment. Regular grooming, nail trims, and dental care at home can prevent many problems from developing.
Any recent moments at the clinic that made you laugh or stayed with you?
It is both funny and heartwarming when owners cannot get their dogs to leave after an appointment, or when we are tagged in Instagram videos of dogs refusing to walk past our door when we are closed. It says a lot about how comfortable they feel here.
What do you find most rewarding about working with dogs every day?
The deep gratitude we receive from both the dogs and their owners. Many see their dogs as full members of the family, and the personal relationships we form mean a lot to us.
Helping in ways that truly change a dog's life, especially those who are nervous or have had bad experiences, is uniquely rewarding. Seeing them become more confident and relaxed over time is something special.
The trust our clients place in us, and the bond between people and dogs, makes the work incredibly meaningful.