1. We request that you complete a behavior history form 7 days prior to your appointment. Please note that your appointment may be subject to cancellation if we have not received your behavior history form by the week prior to your appointment. Also, please ask your veterinarian to send your pet’s full medical record in advance. This is essential so that our team can review ALL of your pet’s relevant information prior to your appointment.

2. Let us know if you are not certain whether a particular pet and/or person should attend the consultation. Once our team has reviewed your completed behavioral history form, we will be able to advise you.

3. You are encouraged to send photos of your home environment. Please include video recordings of interactions and behaviors that you would like our team to see directly. Short video recordings can be sent by sharing a Google Drive link with our team.

NOTE: Do NOT put yourself, your pet, or other people/animals at risk to capture a picture and/or video recording of the undesirable behavior.

What to bring:

• You and your pet
• Special equipment that you use for training and/or the behavior problem
• Favorite treats
• Any written training plans/notes from previous trainers or behaviorists

If your dog has bitten a person or other animals, he/she should wear a basket muzzle when coming into the building and until settled in the consultation room, if they have acclimated to wearing one. If your dog has not worn a basket muzzle prior to scheduling your appointment, please contact our office. Please contact our clinic if you have any questions regarding your dog wearing a basket muzzle.

Who should attend:

Please consider bringing the members of your household who directly interact with your pet so that they can hear the clinician’s diagnosis and recommendations and ask any questions.

It is not recommended to bring small children to the appointment for safety and due to appointment length.

What to expect:

At the initial behavior consultation, our team will spend time with you and your family to gather more information in order to make a diagnosis and treatment plan that is tailored to your family and your pet. We also will observe your pet to gain insight into his/her behavior problem in a safe manner.

Our team will discuss the diagnosis and prognosis, as well as safety, management, and behavior modification. In some cases, anti-anxiety medication may be recommended in addition to the behavior modification plan.  Any medical problems that may be contributing to your pet’s behavior problem also will be discussed.

You will be provided with a detailed, written summary of the consultation. A copy will be emailed or faxed to your primary care veterinarian.

After the visit:

Follow-up communication is critical to a successful outcome!

The frequency of follow-up communication can vary depending on the presenting case.  We do request that you contact us by email with updates at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 2 months after your initial appointment; we will reply to emails or phone calls within 72 hours business hours.

A recheck visit is scheduled at 3 months to review your pet’s progress and modify the treatment plan accordingly.