SF SPCA – Mission Campus
201 Alabama Street
San Francisco CA 94103
415.554.3000
SF SPCA – Pacific Heights Campus
2343 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
415.554.3000
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Call Today: 415-554-3074
Struggling with separation anxiety?
We can help!
If you’re dealing with Separation Anxiety, you’ve probably experienced some of the following when leaving your pet alone:
- Barking, whining, or howling when left alone.
- Neighbors complaining.
- Chewing or destroying objects in the home (furniture, doors, flooring, clothing or shoes,
- Jumping and nipping when you return home.
- Peeing or pooping inside your home.
- Breaking out of or biting your pet’s crate.
Fortunately, separation anxiety is treatable!
If you’re tired of dealing with the stress of separation anxiety, the good news is that we can help. Our Veterinary Behaviorists, Veterinary Technician, trainer and support team are here to provide expert care and guidance for any behavior query or issue you may be facing.
Ready to get started?
Call Today: 415-554-3074
Separation Anxiety 101
Dogs generally don’t enjoy alone time. They are highly social animals, genetically programmed to be in a pack with other individuals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Dogs can learn to be alone for moderate periods of time, but it doesn’t come naturally and some dogs can develop separation-related behavior problems.
In severe cases, the dog may be suffering from separation anxiety, a serious and heart-breaking disorder. Dogs who suffer from separation anxiety experience the canine equivalent of panic attacks every time they are left alone. They might urinate, defecate, bark and cry, lose interest in any food left for them, and frantically scratch and chew at doorframes in an attempt to get out to find their owners.
It’s important to understand that these dogs are not getting back at their owners for leaving or behaving the way they do out of spite or anger. Rather, they are consumed with terror at being left alone. To them, it’s a matter of survival.
Treatment possibilities include various medications and a formal program of systematic desensitization to change the dog’s deeply ingrained emotional reaction to departure. Some dogs with severe separation anxiety need to be on medication if they are ever to be left alone for any length of time.
If you suspect your dog suffers from full-blown separation anxiety, you need help from a qualified professional. Our Behavior & Training team is standing by and ready to help you determine the best course of action for your pet.
Call us today to get started.
(415) 554-3074
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How We Work
Our Veterinary Behaviorists, Veterinary Technician, trainer and support team are here to provide expert care and guidance for any behavior query or issue you may be facing.
Our pet’s behavior issues can seem frustrating or impossible!
If you’re dealing with Separation Anxiety, you’ve probably experienced some of the following when leaving your pet alone:
- Barking, whining, or howling when left alone.
- Neighbors complaining.
- Chewing or destroying objects in the home (furniture, doors, flooring, clothing or shoes,
- Jumping and nipping when you return home.
- Peeing or pooping inside your home.
- Breaking out of or biting your pet’s crate.
Fortunately, separation anxiety is treatable!
If you’re tired of dealing with the stress of separation anxiety, the good news is that we can help.Did you know?
There are fewer than 75 board-certified veterinary behaviorists in the entire United States! Including two of our own: Dr. Wailani Sung and Dr. Jeannine Berger.
On the other hand, there are no restrictions on who can call themselves a dog trainer! You’ll see all kinds of people claiming to be “expert trainers” but there’s no way for you to tell whether they are certified, or studied animal psychology, or if they’re any good at all.
If you’re serious about solving your pet’s behavior challenges, you should be working with true professionals who have a holistic understanding of your pet’s medical and psychological needs.
Appointment
Contact us at behaviorinfo@sfspca.org or at 415-554-3074 to arrange your consultation or to get answers to your questions.
Consultation
Consultations are available Monday through Friday with no long waits for appointments. Your consultation will include a physical exam where possible.
Diagnosis
You will receive a diagnosis, prognosis and a personalized treatment plan to address your exact issues, working towards your specific goals.
Our Staff, dedicated to helping you and your pet.
Dr. Jeannine Berger
Our Pioneer, who established the clinic in 2011. Now serving as VP of Rescue and Welfare at the SF SPCA and as an expert behavior consultant, presenting globally on advanced behavior and welfare topics. See more on Dr. Berger here
Dr. Wailani Sung
Dr. Sung joined the clinic in 2017 after running her own private practice in Seattle. Dr. Sung has been working as a behavior consultant since 1995 and sees Dogs, Cats, Birds and more!
Full Bio Here
Dr. Sophie Liu
The SF SPCA’s first ever behavior resident. Dr. Liu is a native of the Bay Area with a strong interest in working dogs. Read her Bio here!
Why Choose Us?
Why Choose Us?
♥ We are the largest and most qualified behavior resource center in the Bay Area
♥ We provide 2 months of phone and email support while working on your treatment plan
♥ Full consultations may be covered by your pet insurance, with referral from your regular veterinarian
♥ We only use humane, effective training techniques, backed by scientific research
♥ We have large training facilities, enabling us to work with difficult behaviors such as reactivity
