Consultations

I service an area within a 100 mile radius of Edinburgh, Scotland, so primarily cover the Lothians, the Scottish Borders, Glasgow/Lanarkshire, and Fife.

Behaviour consultations are held at your home, or in the environment the behaviour problem is occurring. This allows me to best analyse the various factors involved in causing or maintaining the problem, so the most effective treatment plan can be developed.

During the consultation I will explore the possible causes for the problem through both conversation with you, and observation of your pet. A diagnosis of the problem will then be made, and a treatment plan outlined to you that is both practical and effective. I will teach you any training techniques that are necessary as part of the treatment plan.

A home consultation includes:

• The consultation itself - for as long as it takes - normally 2 - 4 hours. 
• A summary letter of the recommendations that I make during the consultation. 
• Ongoing telephone and email support if necessary to ensure the treatment program is progressing as effectively as possible.
• Correspondence with your vet.

The cost of a home consultation is £120 (weekdays) or £150 (weekends). Travel will be charged at 40p/mile from East Linton, East Lothian. As I am a member of the APBC, my fees will most likely be covered by pet insurance plans that include behaviour problems. Please check with your insurer.

If you would like to proceed with organising a consultation, call me on 01368 850 314 or email a request for a consultation booking.

Questionnaire: Before our consultation I require that you complete either a dog or cat pre-consultation questionnaire and post or email it to me.

Vet Referral: Due to the importance of ruling out physiological factors for your pet's behaviour problem, and because I view your veterinarian as a partner in the behaviour consultation process, I require that your case is referred to me from your vet. Please print out this referral form and have your vet complete it.

It is important to note that while many problems can be solved very quickly, others can take time and effort to treat. The responsibility of implementing the treatment will rest with you. I can assure you that I can provide the best possible recommendations and techniques to deal with your pet's behaviour problem, but there can be no guarantees when an animal's behaviour is concerned.

Consultation checklist:

• Initial contact via email or phone.
• Completion of either a dog (click here) or cat (click here) pre-consultation questionnaire.
• Completion by your vet of the veterinary referral form - click here.

Follow-up consultations:

During the initial consultation I aim to provide you with all the information and techniques necessary to resolve your pet's behavioural problem. Often this initial consultation and subsequent telephone support is all that is required. However, follow-up sessions are usually very beneficial, and I recommend them. I charge a discounted rate of £60 for these sessions (plus travel).

 

© Mathew Ward 2010