Veterinary behavior is a specialized area of veterinary medicine that focuses on diagnosing and treating behavioral issues in animals. Because behavior is complex and influenced by various factors, a veterinarian must draw from multiple fields of study, including evolutionary biology, neuropsychology, and internal medicine, to fully understand the issue.

You can think of a veterinary behaviorist like a psychiatrist for animals. Both professionals are doctors who evaluate their patients’ symptoms to determine whether they stem from physical illness, mental health conditions, environmental factors, or a combination of all three. This comprehensive approach ensures a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to the individual animal’s needs.

No, Dr. Racine is not a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

A board-certified veterinary behaviorist is a veterinarian who specializes in the field of veterinary behavior and is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.  To become a diplomate, a veterinarian must complete 3-6 years of residency training under the mentorship of a board-certified veterinary behaviorist.  During this time, the veterinarian must also complete additional studies in topics relating to veterinary behavior, conduct original veterinary behavior research that is published in a peer-reviewed journal, author three formal case reports, and pass a rigorous two-day certifying examination.

Only after a veterinarian has completed these requirements and received approval from the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists can they legally call themselves a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and use the credentials DACVB.  As of this writing, there are only about 120 board-certified veterinary behaviorists located in the United States and Canada.

Although Dr. Racine is not a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, she provides an essential intermediate step between general veterinary practice and specialty care.  She is qualified to see canine and feline patients with behavioral issues, diagnose their conditions, develop and implement treatment plans, and prescribe medications.  If your pet’s case requires more advanced intervention, Dr. Racine can refer you to a board-certified veterinary behaviorist to ensure the best possible care for your pet.

When you visit your veterinarian in general practice, there are often many things that need to be addressed in a limited amount of time: vaccines, preventive medications, routine wellness tests, and more.  There is often very little time to discuss your pet’s behavior, and many veterinarians are not comfortable treating behavior disorders.

At The Behavior Vet, your consultation is entirely dedicated to your pet’s behavioral health.  Dr. Racine reviews your pet’s medical and behavioral history before you arrive for your appointment, so she is already on the same page with you when your consultation begins.  You’ll have plenty of time to describe what you’ve experienced with your pet, ask questions, and have your concerns addressed.  Your initial consultation is up to 90 minutes in length, and you set the pace – unlike other veterinary practices that make you feel like you’ve been rushed out the door.

A veterinary behavior consultation isn’t like a typical veterinary visit where the veterinarian is in and out of the exam room in 15 minutes or less.  A behavior consultation is more expensive because the veterinarian is dedicating several hours to your pet’s case – before, during, and after your appointment time.

Before your appointment, we acquire your pet’s complete medical records from any veterinary practices you’ve visited, a thorough behavior history from you, and any other information you may have available.  Dr. Racine reviews these documents in detail before your appointment and takes notes on your pet’s case, including factors that may be contributing to your pet’s behavior and questions she wants to clarify with you during the consultation.

During your consultation, you’ll have up to 90 minutes in person with Dr. Racine to discuss your pet’s behavior, ask questions, and have your concerns addressed.  Dr. Racine will also perform a comprehensive physical examination on your pet and observe your pet’s behavior in consultation room.  She’ll then work with you to develop a treatment plan for your pet that will work best for your pet’s needs and lifestyle.  If medication is recommended for your pet, you’ll receive these prescriptions at the end of the appointment.

After the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed written report of your pet’s treatment plan within 3 business days.  Your primary care veterinarian will also receive this report along with your pet’s medical records.  You’ll also be able to reach out to us by phone or email for any routine questions you may have during the next 8 weeks as you implement your pet’s new treatment plan.

Consider this an investment in your pet’s behavioral health and quality of life – one that can last a lifetime!

Veterinary behavior is a team effort.  Both the veterinarian and the dog trainer play essential roles in addressing your pet’s behavior.  An experienced, credentialed dog trainer using positive reinforcement methods is a valuable part of the team, helping your dog learn new skills and develop positive associations.  A good dog trainer also trains you, the pet owner, just as much as they train your dog, so you can learn to communicate and work with your dog moving forward.

However, many pets with behavior problems don’t just need training.  Behavior issues like anxiety, aggression, or compulsive disorders are medical conditions that require a veterinarian’s expertise to diagnose and treat.  A veterinarian can also identify and treat other medical concerns, such as pain, that may be contributing to your pet’s change in behavior.  A veterinarian can perform a physical examination, order diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and develop a treatment plan that includes working with an experienced trainer to ensure your pet receives comprehensive care.

Absolutely!  The best outcome for your pet occurs through collaboration between our practice, your primary care veterinarian, your trainer, and, of course, you!  When everyone is on the same page and working together, we can ensure that your pet receives comprehensive care to address all their needs.

Sorry, we cannot give diagnostic or treatment recommendations over the phone for pets we have not seen.  Often, we cannot gather enough information during a brief phone call to give accurate advice.  More importantly, without seeing your pet, we don’t have a complete picture of their health and behavior.  We’re happy to have you come in for a consultation instead!  You can schedule an appointment online at www.vetbehavior.com/schedule/ or call our office at (860) 458-4424 to schedule by phone.

Our office is located at 191 W Stafford Road, Stafford Springs, CT 06076.  It’s the brown office building across the street from Napa Auto Parts!

You’ll see our logo on the first door facing the road when you arrive.  Enter by that door and our office is the second door at the top of the stairs – you’ll see our logo there, too!

Please note that our office is open by appointment only.  If you’d like to arrange a visit, please contact us by phone (860-458-4424) or email (info@vetbehavior.com) first.

The non-refundable fee for an initial behavior consultation is $350.  This cost includes:

• Obtaining your pet’s complete medical history, behavior history, and any other available documentation, such as records from trainers or rescues.
• An in-depth review of these documents by the doctor before your appointment.
• An in-person consultation with the doctor lasting approximately 60-90 minutes, which includes a thorough history-taking and discussion of your pet’s behavior, observation of your pet, a comprehensive physical examination, and the development of an individualized treatment plan for your pet.
• A detailed written report of your pet’s treatment plan sent to you via email within 3 business days following your consultation.
• Detailed medical records and the above report sent to your primary care veterinarian within 3 business days following your consultation.
• Phone and email support for routine questions for 8 weeks following your consultation.

Yes, we see cats!  You are welcome to schedule an appointment for your cat either online or by calling our office at (860) 458-4424.

Yes!  Medical and behavioral issues are often closely intertwined, and many behavioral problems have an underlying medical cause.  When you schedule an appointment with our practice, we review your pet’s medical history in detail before your consultation to identify any concerns that could be contributing to your pet’s behavior.  Following your consultation with the doctor, both you and your primary care veterinarian will receive a detailed report describing any recommended diagnostic testing or medical treatments for your pet.

Yes!  Whatever the behavior, we’re happy to discuss it with you.

No, we do not perform house calls.  All in-person consultations occur at our office, located at 191 W Stafford Road, Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076.

Due to Connecticut state laws regarding veterinary telehealth and the importance of establishing a veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR), all new patients must have their initial consultation in person at our office in Stafford Springs, Connecticut.  Established patients must also have a physical examination performed in person once every 12 months to continue receiving treatment from our practice.  However, after the initial consultation, many patients can receive their follow-up consultations virtually via Zoom for the next 12 months.  Following your initial consultation, the doctor will discuss the timing and location of any necessary follow-up consultations with you.

If you are unable to bring your pet to our office for any reason, we can also offer a professional consultation to your referring veterinarian.  In a professional consultation, your primary care veterinarian performs a physical examination and remains the veterinarian of record for your pet’s care.  Your primary care veterinarian then consults with Dr. Racine virtually to discuss recommendations for your pet’s behavioral care.  If you would like to arrange a professional consultation for your pet, please have your primary care veterinarian contact our office directly.

Yes!  We offer professional consultations to veterinarians anywhere in the United States.  You will remain the veterinarian of record for your patient and will be responsible for any treatment you choose to prescribe following your consultation with Dr. Racine.  A professional consultation can be an excellent option for patients who are unable to travel to a behavior practice or for referring veterinarians interested in taking a more active role in behavior medicine.  To learn more about professional consultations or schedule an appointment, please contact our office by phone (860-458-4424) or email (info@vetbehavior.com).

Unlike human health insurance, most pet insurance companies require the pet owner to pay out-of-pocket for their pet’s veterinary care and then be reimbursed.  We are happy to provide an invoice for you to submit to your insurance company upon request.  We do not contract with any pet insurance companies and cannot receive payment from the insurance company directly.

Unfortunately, we are not able to accept CareCredit at this time.

You can read our practice policies here: www.vetbehavior.com/policies/

A veterinary behavior consultation is a little different than a typical visit to your veterinarian.  Because we can’t do a blood test for OCD or take an x-ray to diagnose anxiety, a veterinarian must take a very detailed patient history to get a thorough understanding of the patient’s behavior and the factors that may be contributing to it.

Before your appointment, we’ll ask you to complete a behavior history form for your pet.  This is where you’ll answer questions about your pet’s health, behavior, lifestyle, and environment.  Some of the questions may seem a little repetitive, but they are important for us to understand what your pet has been experiencing.  The form takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Meanwhile, we’ll also be reaching out to your primary care veterinarian to get a copy of your pet’s complete medical records.  You’re also welcome to submit any other documents you may have, such as information from rescues or reports from trainers you’ve worked with.  If you have photos or videos of your pet’s behavior, you’re welcome to send those to us as well.  However, for everyone’s safety, we ask that you never provoke or trigger a behavior for the sake of obtaining a video.  We don’t want anyone to get hurt or to cause your pet undue distress.

Once we’ve gathered all this information, Dr. Racine reviews it all in detail before you arrive for your appointment.  By the time you arrive, she’s already developed a list of ideas and questions that she’ll want to discuss during your consultation.

You and your pet will then spend 60-90 minutes in consultation with the doctor.  The exact duration of the consultation can vary depending on the complexity of your pet’s case and how much information you share!  During the consultation, you’ll have plenty of time to share what you’ve observed about your pet and Dr. Racine will ask questions to gather more information as well.  Dr. Racine will also observe your pet’s behavior in the room and will perform a comprehensive physical examination.  She’ll then work with you to develop a treatment plan for your pet.  If medication is recommended, you’ll receive those prescriptions at the end of the appointment.

Following your consultation, you will receive a detailed written report of your pet’s treatment plan within 3 business days.  These reports are typically 5-10 pages long, and Dr. Racine needs to write several of them every day, so we ask you to please be patient while she completes the report!  Your primary care veterinarian will also receive a copy of this report and a copy of your pet’s medical records.

We provide support by phone and email for any routine questions for 8 weeks after your initial consultation.  You are always welcome to reach out us during this time if you have any questions or concerns about implementing your pet’s treatment plan.  If you need further assistance, we may ask you to schedule a follow-up consultation so we can discuss your concerns in more detail.

Anyone involved in your pet’s care is welcome to attend the consultation, including children.  Your pet will make the most improvement if everyone is on the same page.

Yes, you are required to bring your pet to the initial consultation and any in-person follow-up consultations.  If your follow-up consultation is conducted via Zoom, we ask that you try to have your pet present for the consultation, but we understand that this may not always be possible.

Your pet should continue to take any medication that is prescribed for them to take daily.  If your pet typically takes medication before a veterinary visit, it is your choice whether you would like to give this medication before your visit to our practice.  Our office is not like a typical veterinary practice – instead of metal tables and busy waiting room, you’ll find a quiet consultation space with couches, toys, and treats.  Many pets are less fearful here than they are at their primary care veterinary hospital.  However, if you think your pet will still be anxious or if your pet needs medication to feel comfortable during the car ride to our practice, you are certainly welcome to give any pre-visit medications you typically use.

No, we will never intentionally provoke or trigger a behavior.  We are well aware of what problem behaviors look like, and we do not need to see your pet perform a behavior in order to make a diagnosis or prescribe treatment.  Provoking the behavior can be dangerous for everyone and it causes distress for your pet, so we ask that you do not do this at home, either.

Dr. Racine will occasionally demonstrate some simple training exercises during the consultation.  However, Dr. Racine is not a dog trainer, and your consultation is not a training session.  If your pet requires training as part of their treatment plan, you will be referred to a credentialed trainer in your area.

Our practice does not have diagnostic testing equipment available.  If diagnostic testing is recommended for your pet, you will be referred to your primary care veterinarian for these procedures.

No, we are not a full-service veterinary practice.  We do not stock vaccines, preventive medication, or diagnostic tests.  If your pet needs these services, you will be referred to your primary care veterinarian.

Whether your pet will receive medication depends on various factors, including the specific behavior problem, your pet’s individual needs, and their overall health.  In many cases, medication is necessary to help manage certain behavioral issues effectively.  However, it should not be viewed as a standalone solution.  Pet owners should not rely solely on medication to resolve behavior problems.  A comprehensive treatment plan will also include behavior modification techniques, as well as necessary changes to the pet’s environment and lifestyle.  Together, these elements can provide a more effective and lasting approach to improving your pet’s behavior.

It’s important not to set a strict timeline for your pet’s progress, as behavior issues take time and effort to resolve.  The length of time it takes for your pet to improve can vary widely based on several factors, including the complexity of the issue and your dedication to following the treatment plan.  Trying to rush the process may lead to setbacks rather than progress.

To help your pet succeed, focus on setting small, achievable goals.  By creating opportunities for “easy wins,” you’ll build confidence in both you and your pet, allowing for steady, positive progress over time.

You can schedule an appointment right here on our website by visiting www.vetbehavior.com/schedule/ or by calling our office at (860) 458-4424.

If two pets are involved in the same behavior problem, such as when two pets in the same household are fighting with each other, both pets must be seen.  You may schedule one appointment for both pets if both pets can safely attend the same appointment together.  If your pets are at risk of fighting while traveling together in the car or during the appointment, please schedule a separate appointment for each pet.

If your pets have different behavior problems, please schedule one appointment for each pet so that we can devote enough time to each of their concerns.

All new patients are required to attend an Initial Behavior Consultation.  This is a 60-90 minute consultation in-person at our office in Stafford Springs, Connecticut.

If your pet is an established patient of our practice and has been seen by the doctor within the last 6 months, you may schedule a follow-up consultation.  Most follow-up consultations can be scheduled either in-person or by Zoom, depending on your preference, unless the doctor has indicated otherwise during your previous appointment.

If your pet is an established patient of our practice and it has been more than 6 months since your last appointment with us, please contact our office by phone (860-458-4424) or email (info@vetbehavior.com) before scheduling an appointment.  We may ask you to schedule a longer appointment to ensure there is enough time available to discuss your pet’s needs.

The non-refundable fee for an initial behavior consultation is $350.  This cost includes:

• Obtaining your pet’s complete medical history, behavior history, and any other available documentation, such as records from trainers or rescues.
• An in-depth review of these documents by the doctor before your appointment.
• An in-person consultation with the doctor lasting approximately 60-90 minutes, which includes a thorough history-taking and discussion of your pet’s behavior, observation of your pet, a comprehensive physical examination, and the development of an individualized treatment plan for your pet.
• A detailed written report of your pet’s treatment plan sent to you via email within 3 business days following your consultation.
• Detailed medical records and the above report sent to your primary care veterinarian within 3 business days following your consultation.
• Phone and email support for routine questions for 8 weeks following your consultation.

The non-refundable consultation fee must be paid when the appointment is scheduled.  You can pay the fee online using our appointment scheduler or by calling our office at 860-458-4424.

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please contact our office by phone (860-458-4424) or email (info@vetbehavior.com).  Please note that the consultation fee is non-refundable, and there are no refunds given for canceled appointments.  An appointment may be rescheduled a maximum of two times with at least 48 hours advance notice.  For a complete list of our practice policies, please visit: www.vetbehavior.com/policies/

If you are more than 15 minutes late to your appointment, the appointment will be marked as missed.  We do not provide refunds for missed or canceled appointments.

After your consultation, the work begins!  Within three business days after your consultation, you’ll receive a detailed written report via email that describes your pet’s treatment plan.  It is then your job to implement that treatment plan at home.  For most pets, the treatment plan involves a combination of behavior modification training, environmental and lifestyle changes, and medication.  This will take some time and effort on your part if you want to see improvement in your pet’s behavior, but you will be given all the information you need to make that happen.

Not all pets require medication to address their behavior problems.  For some pets, a combination of behavior modification, lifestyle change, and environmental changes are sufficient to address the issue.  Some behavior problems occur due to underlying medical conditions, and treating the medical condition may resolve the behavior without the need for behavioral medications.

However, many pets that come to our practice do require medication to manage their behavior.  These pets are not neurotypical and are experiencing behavioral disorders that are similar to human mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders, panic disorders, compulsive disorders, or phobias.  In these cases, medication is often necessary to achieve the best possible outcome for your pet.

This is a common concern pet owners experience in the first weeks following their initial consultation.  Before you assume that the medication isn’t working, ask yourself:

• Are you giving the medication correctly? Many medications must be given in advance of an expected trigger or stressful event and will not be effective if given too late.  Be sure you have read your pet’s discharge instructions for full details on the correct administration of your pet’s medication.
• Have you been giving the medication long enough? Many medications take weeks or months of consistent administration before they reach their peak effects.  It may be too soon to see the full effects of your pet’s new medication.
• Is your pet still being exposed to their common triggers? Medication won’t make your pet’s behavior change overnight.  You’ll need to take steps to reduce their exposure while you implement the behavior modification recommendations in your treatment plan.
• Are you implementing all the recommendations in your pet’s treatment plan? Medication alone will not result in significant improvement for your pet.  You will also need to work on the other aspects of your pet’s treatment, such as behavior modification and changes to lifestyle and environment, if you want to see improvement.
• Are your expectations reasonable? We aren’t expecting your pet’s behavior to change overnight, nor are we anticipating a complete 180.  When medication begins to take effect, the changes in your pet’s behavior will be subtle and gradual.  You may notice that your pet does not react as readily as they did previously or recovers more quickly after a stressful event.  When combined with the other recommendations from your pet’s treatment plan, these small changes accumulate and become steady progress in your pet’s behavior over time.

Remember that your pet has spent months, years, or even a lifetime developing these undesirable behaviors and having them reinforced.  It is going to take time and effort to change those behaviors, so please be patient and have faith that you are headed in the right direction!

No, we do not provide training.  We will refer you to a credentialed trainer in your area to help you implement any recommended training for your pet.

Medication alone rarely leads to significant improvement for most behavior problems. While medication can help manage underlying emotional states, it cannot break bad habits, change learned behaviors, reduce exposure to triggers, or teach new skills. These changes require behavior modification, which involves consistent training and environmental adjustments. If you only give medication and ignore the rest of your pet’s treatment plan, you’re likely to be disappointed in the results. Combining medication with a structured training plan is the most effective way to help your pet make lasting improvements.

Behavioral care is an ongoing process, and follow-up consultations are essential for long-term success. Since pets can’t tell us exactly what they’re feeling, adjustments to the treatment plan often require some trial and error.  These follow-up visits allow us to monitor your pet’s progress, assess how the treatment plan is working, and make any necessary adjustments. As your pet improves or new challenges arise, follow-ups ensure that we stay on track and continue moving toward lasting behavior change.

A referral is preferred, but not required.  To refer a patient to our practice, please send the patient’s complete medical record and your assessment of the case to info@vetbehavior.com.  Please ensure that the medical record includes an up-to-date list of the patient’s current medications.  The client can schedule their own appointment on our website (www.vetbehavior.com/schedule/) or they can call our office to schedule an appointment.

Yes!  We offer professional consultations to veterinarians anywhere in the United States.  You will remain the veterinarian of record for your patient and will be responsible for any treatment you choose to prescribe following your consultation with Dr. Racine.  A professional consultation can be an excellent option for patients who are unable to travel to a behavior practice or for referring veterinarians interested in taking a more active role in behavior medicine.  To learn more about professional consultations or schedule an appointment, please contact our office by phone (860-458-4424) or email (info@vetbehavior.com).