SAN FRANCISCO PET BEHAVIOR

A VETERINARY CONSULTING SERVICE

more information…

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A TRAINER AND A VETERINARIAN OFFERING BEHAVIOR CONSULTATIONS?:

Veterinarians are in a unique position, as they are specially trained to detect medical problems that may be contributing to behavior problems, as well as manage and treat problems that are purely behavioral. Veterinarians have credentials that are backed by ethical and educational guidelines as well as legal and ethical standards that must be followed in order to maintain licensure. Veterinarians are required to attend Continuing Education to further advance their knowledge. Dr. Keely Commins has specific education in normal dog and cat behavior, abnormal dog and cat behavior, management strategies, learning theory, behavior modification, and the judicious use of anti-anxiety medications when appropriate for the individual patient. Dr. Keely Commins’ practice, San Francisco Pet Behavior, focuses exclusively on behavior problems of dogs and cats in the San Francisco Bay Area. She recommends current and scientifically sound behavior modification techniques rooted in compassion and understanding.

Trainers can play an essential role in improving problem behaviors, though trainers cannot legally diagnose medical problems or recommend medications. Many of my patients are already well-trained (i.e., they follow cues well) yet suffer from fear and anxiety. The goal of a veterinary behavior approach is to improve the underlying emotional state of the pet to reduce or eliminate problem behaviors. Importantly, while there are independent bodies of trainers who regulate their members, there are no educational standards and no state licensing. Some trainers are excellent with an extensive knowledge base and experience. Many of my mentors are trainers. Other trainers use damaging techniques and outdated theories which can cause irreparable harm. We are fortunate to have many wonderful trainers in our community! Before you work with a trainer, please read HOW TO CHOOSE A TRAINER.

WHAT KIND OF PETS DO YOU SEE?: Many of my patients seem scared, anxious, hyperactive, or aggressive. They may be disruptive or destructive in day-to-day life. Some of my patients have injured themselves or others. My patients might be referred by their primary care veterinarians, dog walkers, or trainers who recommended seeking additional help. I see all types of dogs and cats with a wide spectrum of behavior problems throughout the Bay Area.

WHAT IF I HAVE MORE THAN ONE PET?: If you are having relationship problems between your pets, it may make sense to have both pets evaluated. One of the first things to consider in relationship problems between household pets is whether they are two behaviorally normal pets, a behaviorally normal pet and a behaviorally abnormal pet (generally a behaviorally abnormal pet will also struggle in other areas), or two behaviorally abnormal pets. If you aren't certain, you might ask your veterinarian whether both pets should be evaluated, or if we should just focus on one. Importantly, the ‘aggressor’ is not always the pet causing the problem.

Dr. Keely Commins is only able to offer advice about the pet for whom you have booked the appointment by law. If you have more than one pet with problematic behaviors, we recommend booking a two (or more) pet appointment.

ARE “URGENT” APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE?: The nature of my work is rather urgent - the people who find their way to me are often at their wits' end with a problem that's making everyone (pets and people) frustrated and confused. Everyone should have the same chance to work with me as anyone else. I work on a first come first serve basis, because I can't see everyone first. Current and previous clients are sometimes scheduled with priority at our discretion to facilitate addressing the individual needs of the patient.

DO YOU HAVE A WAITLIST?: Yes! You can let us know you’d like to be on the waiting list when you book your appointment. If you forget to tick the box, just email us. We will contact you by email if an appointment becomes available.

IS THE NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT REFUNDABLE?: No. Our deposit system was implemented to reduce cancellations which take time away from client and patient care. We understand that schedules can change. If you need to cancel your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that another client can be seen. Your deposit can be applied to a new appointment booked within 60 days of your original appointment. 

WHAT IF YOUR PET’S PROBLEM BEHAVIOR DOESN’T HAPPEN IN YOUR HOUSE?: If I won’t see the problem behavior, how can I help? You are essential to this process to describe what you see with your pet, when you see it, and to answer other important questions. Your input, combined with my education and my experience, will provide a detailed picture of what's happening. There is no need to see most problems first-hand. I prefer to avoid putting your pet in stressful situations which cause fear, anxiety, and/or aggression. If you think your pet has separation anxiety please provide video footage of your pet home alone. If your pet has urination problems please begin with an appointment with your primary care veterinarian to assess for medical issues.

ONCE YOU BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT: Four forms are required before your Initial Behavior Consultation: The Canine Behavior History Questionnaire or Feline Behavior History Questionnaire for each patient, the Client Information Form, the Practice Policy Acknowledgment, and the Liability Waiver. These forms must be received 24 hours before your scheduled house call appointment. Please note: (1) Your progress on the forms will not be saved. (2) Use TAB between fields, rather than RETURN as that will submit the form. (3) You can submit partially completed forms, yet you'll have to remember where you left off when you resume. We are available by email to help if you have any problems with or questions about the online forms. Thank you for taking the time to fill out these forms thoroughly. This information helps our appointment run more smoothly.

CLIENT PORTAL: The Client Portal on our website has links to all required forms and our Online Support . The Client Portal is only for clients who have already booked an appointment. You can find links to all the required forms, what to expect during your house call appointment, our service rates, and an online messenger. The Client Portal is password protected. 

APPOINTMENT AGENDA:

This appointment takes place at your home. If my arrival for our scheduled appointment is delayed I will send an email with my estimated time of arrival.

GREETINGS(5min): Some patients are nervous when greeting strangers at the front door. If houseguests are a problem for your pet, please keep your pet on leash or in another room until we discuss how to best introduce us. Living rooms and dining areas work best for consultations so we can talk comfortably for the duration of the appointment. I will give your pet treats unless you request that I do not. I am happy to feed particular treats if there are dietary restrictions (please have any special treats available). 

HISTORY(45min): We will spend time discussing your pet's behavioral history. I will ask questions to better understand the situation and everyone's needs. During this time, I also observe the pet's behavior and personality. 

DIAGNOSES & BEHAVIOR TREATMENT PLAN(60min): I will explain the clinical behavioral diagnoses, the reasons why these behavior problems are present, management strategies to maximize safety and decrease anxiety, behavior modification, and, if indicated, medication. 

PAYMENT(5min): The balance of your payment is due at the appointment. If you have questions about your total service fee, please email us before your appointment. I will accept payment by Venmo, cash, check, or credit card during the appointment. If you'd like to use PayPal, please submit your payment 24 hours before your appointment. 

AFTER THE APPOINTMENT: You will receive a Behavior Treatment Plan by email for your pet approximately 15 business days after the appointment via email. Prescriptions will be placed through Covetrus, an online pharmacy. Please notify us through our Communication Form in the Client Portal if you'd like us to phone your pet's prescription to a different accredited pharmacy of your choice. A year of prescription authority is included in the Initial Behavior Consultation. 

ONLINE SUPPORT AFTER YOUR APPOINTMENT: We offer Online Support for either one year or 10 messages, whichever is reached first. The vast majority of our clients (90%+) used less than 10 messages in a year when email support was unlimited.

Online support is encouraged through our Client Portal (if you forgot the password, email us - reminding clients of the password will not count towards your 10 included messages). It is REQUIRED that you list each and every medication, dose, and time given with each message you submit. If this information is not included, you will be asked to provide it before your message is answered. This small step will help our practice run more efficiently and get your questions answered sooner.

WHAT IF I WANT MORE ONLINE SUPPORT BUT I DON’T WANT TO SCHEDULE A FOLLOW UP BEHAVIOR CONSULTATION?: Additional online support is available for an additional service fee. Online support can not extend beyond one year, a California State law. If it has been more than one year since Dr. Keely Commins saw both you and your pet in person, a Follow Up Behavior Consultation is required to continue online support.

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS: Follow Up Behavior Consultations are available to suit your needs. Many clients see me once a year for continued behavior support and to maintain my prescription authority for their pet. Some clients see me more regularly. Some clients see me only once. If patients are on behavior medication, some primary care veterinarians are willing to assume prescription authority for your pet when Dr. Commins’ prescription authority expires. Please plan accordingly to prevent lapses in medication.

PRESCRIPTION AUTHORITY: California state law requires that a veterinarian establish a Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) prior to initiating any treatment or therapy for an animal. This requires an in-person consultation of the animal patient, a diagnosis of the medical condition, assumption of responsibility for making clinical judgments regarding treatment, discussion of the treatment with the animal owner, and availability for follow-up evaluation. Veterinarians cannot prescribe or refill a drug more than one year from the last in-person consultation with the client and the animal patient. Your primary care veterinarian sees your pet for an annual exam and may be willing to assume prescription authority for pets on successful behavior medications protocols. Please plan ahead to keep your VCPR with Dr. Keely Commins intact. We usually book about 2 months or more in advance.

PET INSURANCE: Ask your pet insurance provider if they cover my services before your scheduled appointment to ensure you meet any particular rules for reimbursement. We will provide an invoice upon request. Please email any forms your insurance company needs a veterinarian to complete.

TRAINERS: If my clients need regular help with the behavior modification component of their pet’s Behavior Treatment Plan, I can recommend a few skilled, well-educated trainers who can help implement these strategies. We are fortunate to have many wonderful trainers in our community! Before you work with a trainer, please read HOW TO CHOOSE A TRAINER.