Frequently Asked Questions
How can virtual work? Don't you need to interact with my pet to fix them? - Nope! In fact, many cases (eg: most cat cases, fear, aggression. anxiety, etc.) me being in the home can be so overwhelming, the pet can't learn in that moment anyway. As a pet goes over "threshold," survival mode is activated - during which conscious (good) choices and learning are turned off. Furthermore, there is always groundwork for us to do before we can directly address the problem behavior. Finally, most behavior complaints are symptoms of something else that is actually the underlying culprit (Eg: stress, anxiety, confidence, miscommunication, etc.). For example, if your dog is lunging at other dogs, there is a lot we have to work on before we can get other dogs involved (eg: we focus, leash skills, communication, stress/arousal reduction, energy outlets and more), which can all easily be addressed virtually.
Why must I pay ahead of our session? - It is not unusual for owners to schedule an appointment in a moment of desperation, or amidst a very hectic schedule, and then forget about it or change their mind. Prepayment is to prevent me working my schedule around your appointment, only to have it canceled last minute. As the sole human running a business, it's expensive to waste time and it also eliminates an appointment time that another client might have been able to use. Sort of like how hair dressers now ask you to leave a deposit. All payments are refundable with at least 48hrs notice.
Why do I have to fill out a history - can't I just tell you everything? - Yes, you can. However, as you will see by the history form, there are very specific details that are important to me in addressing your behavior concern. Me gathering all of this info during our session eats up your valuable time, and reduces how much detail I can give you to explain what needs to be done to fix things.
How does insurance cover my session? - If you have pet insurance, review your policy or contact your provider to see if "behavior services" are covered. If yes, it is likely that only services from the following will be covered: a DVM (veterinarian), a DACVB (a vet behaviorist), or a CAAB (animal behaviorist). I have the latter credential. Typically, we have our session and you pay me as normal. You then contact your insurance provider (they MAY need specific documentation from me, which will incur no fees), and you are then reimbursed. Note: it is likely that your pet can not have received any documented services pertaining to the problem behavior prior to the start of your policy.
Why are you so expensive when my neighbor knows how to train dogs? - The biggest distinction is that I am not providing training services. I am providing behavior modification services (another beast entirely). I not only have to know how to teach your pet new skills, I also have to figure out what is driving their existing behavior and know exactly how to modify it effectively. I am educated in nutrition, biomechanics, physical health, and more in addition to knowing the psychology of how their brains work. Furthermore, I have to understand three species: cats, dogs, and humans. After all, most of my work is training the HUMAN! You are paying for an expert who knows what to do. Your neighbor may be an amazing, title winning trainer yet wholly unqualified in addressing behavior issues. Likewise, if you want to train your dog in protection work, agility, hunting, obedience, or other sport - I am 100% unqualified for that! If you think I am expensive, wait until you hire an amateur.
How can I trust you know what you're doing? - I did not take this up a few years ago, I've been doing this professionally since 2003. I also did not figure it out as I went nor learn from my uncle or "study under a master trainer" (which, by the way, isn't a thing!) In addition to many years of hands on experience with hundreds of breeds and thousands of individual pets, I also hold an Ivy League master's degree in animal psychology as well as years of continuing ed via courses, conferences, and study (which is mandatory to maintain my credentials.). You can trust that I will know what is going on and how to address it without harming your pet or your relationship with them and without making the situation worse. I have worked with several thousands of pets and know what works. I also hold multiple credentials that one can NOT achieve without demonstrating qualifications.
What if there is an emergency and I have to cancel with short notice,? Do you keep the entire pre-payment? - I get it, life happens. I ask for pre-payment to protect myself. If you cancel with less than 24hrs notice or fail to show up, I retain only part of your fee and refund the balance. In most emergency cases (such as illness), I refund the entire payment immediately.
Are there any policies I should know about? - Yes, as part of your pet's history, you will be asked to sign a waiver and agreement, which you can review and will also receive a copy of. Some of my policies can also be found in my "welcome packet" under the "Pet Consulting" menu above.