Anxiety and fear are experienced by humans and animals alike at one point or another. Sometimes, this is an expected response (like when an animal is running away from a predator), but when the threat isn’t real and hinders daily life, it becomes a disorder.
It’s the intensity, duration, frequency, and context around these behaviours that determine whether there’s an underlying issue. For example, it’s normal for dogs to bark briefly at startling noises. But a dog who incessantly barks and cries while their owner goes to work? This could indicate a deeper issue causing them to worry about a threat that doesn’t exist (you always return home to them, after all!).
Anxiety disorder
Fear and phobia
Aggression
Elimination disorder
Noise sensitivity
Separation distress
Compulsive disorder and abnormal repetitive behaviours
Sleep disorders
Hyperactivity-hypersensitivity syndrome
Excessive vocalisation
Cognitive dysfunction in aging dogs
Anxiety disorder
Toileting outside the litter boxes
Aggression
Sleep disorders
Fear and phobia
Excessive vocalisation
Separation distress
Cognitive dysfunction in aging cats
Prior to your visit, you'll complete a detailed questionnaire covering your pet's behavioural history. We will also review your pet's medical records to identify any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to their behaviour.
An initial behaviour consultation is conducted over two sessions. The first session will take two hours, while the second session will take one hour, depending on the nature of your pet's problem(s). Over the two sessions, we will help you better understand your pet's behaviour and provide ways of modifying and managing the problem. Each pet is individually assessed, and a behaviour modification program is recommended that takes into consideration not only the pet and their problems but also the whole family's lifestyle. Where appropriate, we may recommend further medical investigations or treatment if an underlying health condition is contributing to your pet's behaviour. Some animals also benefit from behavioural medications alongside behaviour modification strategies.
After the consultation, a report is sent out to you and your regular veterinarian detailing our recommendations. Any medications, prescriptions, or blood tests that are recommended are not included in the cost of the behavioural consultation.
Typically, behaviour consultations are held in our consult rooms at The Gap. Home-based or virtual consultations are also available if required.
Initial behaviour consultation (2–3 hours over two sessions)
Thorough review of your pet's history, medical records, and behaviour concerns
Behavioural assessment and diagnosis
Recommendations for further medical investigations and treatment, where appropriate
Behavioural medication recommendation, if needed
Behavioural modification program and environmental management
Behavioural assessment and recommendation report
Liaison with your regular vet for ongoing management (with your permission)
Support for minor adjustments to the treatment plan for two months following the consultation
A follow-up consultation is typically scheduled 6-8 weeks after the initial consultation to review your pet's progress and assess any medications (if prescribed). During this visit, we'll discuss your progress diary, review videos of your pet, and adjust the treatment plan based on their response.
Further follow-up consultations will be recommended at intervals tailored to you and your pet's individual needs and progress.
Most follow-up consultations are conducted in our consulting rooms at The Gap. Home visits or virtual consultations can also be arranged where appropriate.
One 45-minute follow-up consultation and two 15-minute check-ins via email, phone, or Zoom
Review of your progress diary and videos of your pet, including behaviour modification exercises
Medication review and adjustments, if prescribed
Adjustments or modifications to behavioural modification programs and environmental management
Consultation summary and written recommendations, where appropriate
Liaison with your regular vet for ongoing management (with your permission)
Support for minor adjustments to the treatment plan for two months following the consultation
(incl. GST)
In-clinic and virtual consults
Home-based consults (per km from The Gap)
