What is a veterinary behaviorist?
A board-certified veterinary behaviorist is a veterinarian with advanced specialty training in behavior medicine who has been certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB)—think of them as pet […]
What’s the difference between a dog trainer and a veterinary behaviorist?
Dog trainers teach skills and work on behavior modification, but their field is not regulated, and they cannot diagnose or treat medical or behavioral disorders. Veterinary behaviorists are licensed veterinarians […]
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 […]
Why does the training method matter?
The methods and tools used to train your pet can have a lasting impact on their behavior, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Punishment-based tools like shock or prong […]
Can I work with a behaviorist and a trainer at the same time?
Yes! A veterinary behaviorist evaluates and treats the medical, emotional, and environmental factors contributing to behavior concerns, while a skilled trainer can help implement the behavior modification plan in a […]
What species can you treat?
Veterinary behaviorists are trained to treat all domestic species. While we may not have hands-on experience with every type of animal, we have the expertise to develop effective treatment plans […]
What happens during a behavior consultation?
Your appointment takes place in a standard clinical exam room in the SF SPCA Hospital, designed to support safety and reduce stress. Many pets feel anxious in unfamiliar settings, so […]
Do you offer telemedicine consultations?
Yes, but with some limitations. To comply with federal and state regulations, we require that the initial consultation be conducted in person. At least one in-person visit per year is […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]