How does it work?
Veterinary Behaviorists use the science of learning and ethology (scientific knowledge of species-specific behavior) to help clients improve their pet’s behavior. Our methods are non-confrontational, humane, and designed to decrease household stress while improving the human-animal bond.
The Process
After assessing your pet's and family's needs, we develop a custom treatment plan to be carried out at home by your family. Plans may include modifications to your daily interaction with your pets and behavior modification training and games. Even 15 minutes a day can achieve results. In general, the more committed you are to working with your pet, the faster and better your improvements will be.
Initial Assessment Appointment - up to 60 minutes
If you’re not sure if you need a veterinary behaviorist, this is a great way to explore what we offer. We can do the assessment on the phone or you can come in to the clinic. You are welcome to bring your pet, but it's not required. We highly recommend that you complete and return a history form (see below) to us 24 hours before your appointment, so we'll have more time to talk about all of the issues during the consultation. After your appointment you’ll receive resources that will help you work more effectively and safely with your companion. After an Initial Assessment most clients also schedule a Treatment Plan appointment so that an individualized program can be developed.
Download a Canine Behavior History Form (MS Word)
Download a Feline Behavior History Form (MS Word)
Download a Pet Behavior History Form (MS Word)
Treatment Plan Appointment - 60-90 minutes
At this appointment we'll create a comprehensive initial plan that your family can safely implement at home. First, we’ll answer any questions you have from your Initial Assessment. Then, we’ll discuss your pet’s diagnosis, make a safe management plan, and discuss medication, supplement, and dietary support options. Finally, we'll design and demonstrate an individualized behavior modification and training plan.
We'll schedule a recheck in a few weeks to see how things are going and make changes to the plan as needed. Occasionally an appointment goes longer than 90 minutes so we make sure to leave extra time in the schedule just in case. Don't worry though, you're only billed for the time that you use.
Find out what to bring to a Treatment Plan Appointment.
Comprehensive Appointments - 90-120 minutes
Many families elect to do their Initial Assessments and Treatment Plan appointments at the same time so they can get started working on their pet's new plan as soon as possible. If you do your Initial Assessment and Treatment Plan appointments at the same time, you should be prepared to be at the office for at least 1 to 3 hours total. Please schedule your appointment at a time when you will not be rushed. We promise we will get you in and out as fast as possible, but it's important that we have time to be thorough.
Find out what to bring to a Comprehensive Appointment.
Rechecks - 45-90 minutes
Most patients need at least 1 to 4 rechecks for the best success. These are generally scheduled every 4 weeks. Some families need more frequent rechecks, especially if they are adding a medication to their pets' treatment plans. Rechecks can be done at the clinic or by phone depending on the situation. Email communications with Dr. C are limited to medication refills and appointment scheduling unless your pet is on a Treatment Package.
Treatment Packages
Many families that are seeing a veterinary behaviorist require ongoing support for the best success. We provide treatment packages to help make premium service more affordable. These packages include expedited phone appointments, in-hospital rechecks, and email access to Dr. Christensen during working days - all for much less than you would pay for each of these services individually.
For pricing, see Fees.
The Process
After assessing your pet's and family's needs, we develop a custom treatment plan to be carried out at home by your family. Plans may include modifications to your daily interaction with your pets and behavior modification training and games. Even 15 minutes a day can achieve results. In general, the more committed you are to working with your pet, the faster and better your improvements will be.
Initial Assessment Appointment - up to 60 minutes
If you’re not sure if you need a veterinary behaviorist, this is a great way to explore what we offer. We can do the assessment on the phone or you can come in to the clinic. You are welcome to bring your pet, but it's not required. We highly recommend that you complete and return a history form (see below) to us 24 hours before your appointment, so we'll have more time to talk about all of the issues during the consultation. After your appointment you’ll receive resources that will help you work more effectively and safely with your companion. After an Initial Assessment most clients also schedule a Treatment Plan appointment so that an individualized program can be developed.
Download a Canine Behavior History Form (MS Word)
Download a Feline Behavior History Form (MS Word)
Download a Pet Behavior History Form (MS Word)
Treatment Plan Appointment - 60-90 minutes
At this appointment we'll create a comprehensive initial plan that your family can safely implement at home. First, we’ll answer any questions you have from your Initial Assessment. Then, we’ll discuss your pet’s diagnosis, make a safe management plan, and discuss medication, supplement, and dietary support options. Finally, we'll design and demonstrate an individualized behavior modification and training plan.
We'll schedule a recheck in a few weeks to see how things are going and make changes to the plan as needed. Occasionally an appointment goes longer than 90 minutes so we make sure to leave extra time in the schedule just in case. Don't worry though, you're only billed for the time that you use.
Find out what to bring to a Treatment Plan Appointment.
Comprehensive Appointments - 90-120 minutes
Many families elect to do their Initial Assessments and Treatment Plan appointments at the same time so they can get started working on their pet's new plan as soon as possible. If you do your Initial Assessment and Treatment Plan appointments at the same time, you should be prepared to be at the office for at least 1 to 3 hours total. Please schedule your appointment at a time when you will not be rushed. We promise we will get you in and out as fast as possible, but it's important that we have time to be thorough.
Find out what to bring to a Comprehensive Appointment.
Rechecks - 45-90 minutes
Most patients need at least 1 to 4 rechecks for the best success. These are generally scheduled every 4 weeks. Some families need more frequent rechecks, especially if they are adding a medication to their pets' treatment plans. Rechecks can be done at the clinic or by phone depending on the situation. Email communications with Dr. C are limited to medication refills and appointment scheduling unless your pet is on a Treatment Package.
Treatment Packages
Many families that are seeing a veterinary behaviorist require ongoing support for the best success. We provide treatment packages to help make premium service more affordable. These packages include expedited phone appointments, in-hospital rechecks, and email access to Dr. Christensen during working days - all for much less than you would pay for each of these services individually.
For pricing, see Fees.
Veterinary Behavior Consultations of NYC
p/f 646.434.1361 email drcdvm@gmail.com
p/f 646.434.1361 email drcdvm@gmail.com
