Why are behavior medications used?
Behavior medications are used to reduce suffering, support fundamental emotional change, and improve quality of life, not to sedate pets or change their personality. For many pets, fear, anxiety, and […]
Will there be hands-on training during the appointment?
Behavior consultations are medical evaluations, not training sessions. Our role is to diagnose behavioral conditions, assess medical contributors, and create a long-term treatment plan that supports emotional health and quality […]
Will the doctor try to elicit or provoke my pet’s aggressive behavior?
For safety and ethical reasons, we never provoke aggressive behavior during an evaluation. Doing so increases risk and rarely provides helpful clinical information. Instead, diagnosis is based on your pet’s […]
Is the SF SPCA Veterinary Behavior Service right for my pet?
This service is designed for pets experiencing fear, anxiety, aggression, reactivity, compulsive behaviors, or other behavior problems. It’s a good fit for pet parents seeking a medical, evidence-based evaluation and […]
Can you guarantee a successful outcome?
We cannot guarantee a specific outcome, as behavior is complex and influenced by many factors. Every pet responds differently to treatment, and progress depends on the nature of the behavior […]
How long do treatment plans tend to take?
Behavioral change takes time and varies by pet. Treatment duration depends on factors like behavior severity, health issues, and adherence to the plan. Typically, an intensive treatment phase lasts 3-6 […]
Do you accept pet insurance?
Pet insurance coverage for behavior consultations varies by policy. We recommend reviewing your policy for specifics on coverage and exclusions. If needed, we can provide documentation for submission. Please note […]
Do you offer alternatives for those who need a more affordable option?
Yes! We offer 15-minute vet-to-vet consultations, where our behaviorist reviews your pet’s records and discusses treatment options with your primary vet. This is a cost-effective way to access our expertise […]
How much will treatment cost?
The initial consultation costs $595. Total treatment costs vary depending on factors like diagnostic tests, follow-up visits, and additional services. On average, intensive treatment lasts 3-6 months, with costs ranging […]
How long is the waiting period for an appointment?
We have lots of availability! We’ll get you scheduled as soon as possible, usually within a week.
What if my dog barks during the entire consultation or becomes too stressed in an exam room? Are there other options for my pet’s consultation?
If your pet finds clinic visits stressful, we can do a brief physical exam (sometimes just visual) outside our facility to meet legal requirements, then complete the consultation virtually. This […]
Do you need to see my pet’s problem behavior?
No, seeing the behavior in person isn’t necessary. We rely on your detailed observations, medical records, and, if available, naturally recorded videos (never staged). These insights are often more valuable […]