Scheduling a veterinary behavior appointment is simple:
Complete the species-specific behavior questionnaire below and email it to behavior@dogwood.vet.
Once we receive your completed questionnaire, our team will contact you to schedule your initial behavior consultation.
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
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.
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
