Preparation

NOTE: MASKS ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER THE BUILDING. WE ARE CURRENTLY LIMITING THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN THE EXAMINATION ROOM IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE SOCIAL DISTANCING.  ONLY TWO PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND THE CONSULTATION. A SECOND PERSON MAY ATTEND VIA ZOOM OR HEALTH. TELEHEALTH FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS ARE AVAILABLE. 

Preparing for your consultation

1. Please return your completed behavioral history form no later than 72 hours prior to your appointment.  

2. If you are coming in for a behavioral emergency, please bring a copy of your pet's medical history and a list of all current medications including doses.

3. Let us know if you are not certain whether a particular pet or person should attend the consultation. Once Dr. Lindell has reviewed your completed behavioral history form, she will be able to advise you.

4. You are encouraged to send photos of your home environment. If it is safe to do so, please include video recordings of interactions and behaviors that you would like Dr. Lindell to witness directly. Short video recordings can be sent to Dr. Lindell's email (info@lindellvetbehavior.com) or by sharing a Dropbox file.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHOULD YOU PLACE YOURSELF, YOUR PET OR ANOTHER PERSON OR ANIMAL IN DANGER FOR THE PURPOSE OF TAKING PICTURES OR VIDEO RECORDINGS.

What happens during the visit?

During the consultation, Dr. Lindell will discuss the concerns that you have described in your behavioral history form. As your pet becomes more comfortable, Dr. Lindell will take time to observe social interactions and will indicate significant behaviors. She may also perform certain behavioral tests during the visit. She will never attempt to create a situation that is dangerous or frightening.

Behavioral observations, combined with consideration of any underlying medical conditions, will be used to determine the reason for the behavioral concern: the diagnosis. Dr. Lindell will offer you a prognosis as well. She will explain which aspects of the behavior are likely to improve, and which ones might be more challenging to manage. You will receive a written customized treatment plan that will include recommendations for both behavioral and environmental modification. For certain conditions, medication may be recommended. With your consent, Dr. Lindell can prescribe medication for your pet.  

Behavior modification techniques will be demonstrated when applicable. A behavior consultation is not a training class. There may be some training of skills involved, but most importantly, you will learn how to effectively change your pet's behavior as well as how to recognize signs of distress.

Note: If there are multiple serious concerns, Dr. Lindell will help you prioritize or triage, and may advise a follow up visit. Serious behavior problems require concentrated treatment.