I think if both the animal and the owner were more comfortable with the process, everyone would be less stressed! Vaccinations are pretty easy to simulate. For dogs, clipping nails and cleaning ears are also easy to simulate. It’s good as well to have strange people practice holding and touching the dog.

For horses, farrier work can be simulated (using pliers, a hammer, or other tools). Electric clippers can be simulated using things like a hand-held massager or electric toothbrush. Giving de-wormer can be simulated using applesauce.

All these prepare the animal and ultimately should make them more comfortable with the procedure, if done correctly.