Behavior Consultation


When your pet has a behavior problem, you and/or your family may experience many emotions including frustration, fear, embarrassment, resentment, anger, and desperation. Your pet is also suffering as he or she may be confused, afraid, anxious, and conflicted. Avery Animal Hospital is sympathetic to your needs and to the needs of your pet, which is why we offer behavior consultations.

Several of our doctors and technicians have a special interest in behavior. Dr. Vesper, Dr. McLaughlin, and Sherrie Yuschak, R.V.T., all receive ongoing additional education regarding dog and cat behavior problems and have attended an intensive study course through Purdue University called DOGS.

  

The first step in treating a behavior problem by out hospital involves completing a behavior history form about your family and your pet. Once the history is completed and returned to our hospital, a behavior consult is scheduled with your pet, your family, and Dr. Vesper or Dr. McLaughlin.

The behavior consult usually lasts one hour and may include:
1. Thorough review of your pet's behavior history
2. Physical examination to rule out any physical ailments that could by exasperating a behavior problem
3. Collection of samples for bloodwork and any other tests that may help to diagnose your pet's problem
4. Discussion about your family's lifestyle and needs
5. Discussion about realistic expectations for behavior improvement
6. Outline a behavior and lifestyle modification technique that may be involved in your pet's treatment

Shortly after your consult, you will receive a phone call to schedule a technician appointment with Sherrie for your behavior plan review. During this 30 minute appointment, the behavior plan for your pet will be discussed and specific behavior modification techniques will be explained. It is best if all adult family members can attend.

Communication with us is integral to your pet's improvement and we welcome your questions. You will receive follow-up calls from Sherrie after your plan review appointment in one week, one month, three months, and then as needed. The phone calls usually last 15 minutes and are necessary to assess and improve your pet's progress. Sherrie will consult with the doctor after each call to determine if changes in the behavior plan are necessary. occasionally, if a pet is not improving or if another behavior problem needs to be addressed, a second behavior consult with the doctor may be necessary at an additional charge.

The charge for the behavior consult includes review of your behavior history form by Dr. Vesper or Dr. McLaughlin and Sherrie Yuschak; a physical exam; a 60-minute behavior consult; a 30-minute behavior plan review; a Gentle Leader fitting or basket muzzle fitting if recommended; a written behavior plan; and three 15-minute follow-up phone calls. There may be additional charges associated with your pet's behavior problems including laboratory tests, enrichment toys, educational books, and private or group training classes.

We realize that solving behavior problems can be costly and time consuming. We strive to provide you with the best information and support so that the process can be carried out efficiently and minimize additional charges. Cooperation by you, your pet, and your family offers the best chance for a favorable and timely outcome.

Use the following link to access our behavior history forms:
http://www.averyanimalhospital.com/site/edit/67548_Forms.pml