Dogwood Behavior Services

Helping pets feel safer. Helping families feel supported.

Dogwood’s Veterinary Behavior Service provides comprehensive veterinary behavior care for dogs and cats experiencing emotional, mental, or behavioral challenges. Veterinary behavior medicine is similar to psychiatry and behavioral medicine in humans; addressing how the brain, body, learning history, and environment work together to influence behavior.

Our goal is to reduce stress within the household, improve quality of life for pets, and strengthen the human-animal bond through compassionate and evidence-based veterinary care. We do not use punishment, fear, force, intimidation, or pain. All treatment plans emphasize positive reinforcement and Fear Free principles to promote trust and long-term behavioral improvement.

 

Conditions Treated by Our Veterinary Behavior Service

Our veterinary behaviorist commonly helps dogs and cats with:

  • Anxiety disorders (generalized or situational), fear, and phobias
  • Separation-related distress
  • Reactivity toward people, dogs, cats, environments, or noises
  • Aggression toward people or other animals
  • Compulsive behaviors (light or shadow chasing, flank sucking, wool sucking)
  • Destructive behaviors, excessive chewing, or scratching
  • Urinating or defecating in the home or outside of the litter box
  • Excessive vocalization, difficulty settling, high arousal
  • Veterinary visit, grooming, or car travel stress
  • Mouthing or nipping
  • Self-injurious behaviors (barbering, self-mutilation)
  • Cognitive dysfunction and age-related behavior changes
  • Adjustment challenges related to new pets, babies, or lifestyle changes

 

Why See a Veterinary Behaviorist?

Veterinary behavior medicine addresses the medical to behavior.

A veterinary behaviorist is uniquely qualified to:

  • Perform a full medical and behavioral evaluation
  • Diagnose behavioral conditions and contributing medical issues
  • Prescribe and manage behavioral medications when appropriate
  • Coordinate care with your primary care veterinarian and professional trainers

This integrated approach allows for safer, more effective, and longer-lasting outcomes.

Getting Started

Scheduling a veterinary behavior appointment is simple:

Complete the species-specific behavior questionnaire below and email it to behavior@dogwood.vet.

Feline Form
Canine Form

Once we receive your completed questionnaire, our team will contact you to schedule your initial behavior consultation.

Arrival & Check-In

We aim to make your visit as calm and stress-free as possible.

  • Upon arrival, please wait in your car and call the front desk to check in (404) 609-1234
  • We will either:
    • Ensure the lobby is clear before bringing you inside, or
    • Escort you directly to a private consultation room through a separate entrance
  • Treats will be placed on the floor and used throughout the visit to help your pet feel safe and comfortable

During the Appointment

Behavior appointments are longer and more conversational than a typical veterinary visit.

During your consultation, we will:

  • Spend time discussing your concerns in detail
  • Explore what may be driving your pet’s behavior
  • Perform a physical exam when your pet is comfortable
  • Recommend diagnostic testing if medically indicated

We will then create an individualized treatment plan, which may include:

  • Environmental management strategies
  • Enrichment tools
  • Behavior modification techniques
  • Behavior medications, when appropriate

We use humane, evidence-based methods only and do not use aversive or force-based techniques. Our focus is on safety, learning, emotional health, and helping your pet feel more at ease.

At the end of the visit, checkout will occur in the room, and we will escort you out to avoid stressful interactions.

Ongoing Care & Follow-Up

Behavior change takes time, and progress is often gradual. You are not alone in this process.

  • Recheck appointments are typically scheduled every 3–4 months until your pet is stable
  • These visits focus on:
    • Medication adjustments
    • Refining behavior modification strategies
  • Most rechecks are virtual to reduce stress, though in-person visits are available when needed
  • We provide email support between appointments for questions or concerns

Georgia law requires at least one in-person visit each year to continue prescribing medications.

Once your pet is stable and medications are no longer being adjusted:

  • Care may be transferred back to your primary care veterinarian
  • Your pet may “graduate” from the behavior program
We’re Here for You

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure about your pet’s behavior, you’re not alone — and you’re in the right place. We are committed to supporting both you and your pet in building a safer, happier, and more positive relationship. We look forward to working with you.

Pricing

Initial Consultation

at the Clinic

$60060+ minutes
  • In person

Initial Consultation

at Your Home

$85060+ minutes
  • In person, within 20 miles of clinic

Recheck Appointment

$25030 minutes
  • In person or telemedicine

Annual Recheck

$35030 minutes
  • In person

Vet-to-Vet Consultation

$15030 minutes
  • Phone call

Choose Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency for Critical Care – Where expertise meets urgency for the optimal health and well-being of your cherished pets.

Contact us immediately in case of emergencies, or feel free to reach out to schedule a consultation for critical care services.