FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is remote or online consulting? It’s the use of easy to use video conferencing e.g. Google Meet, to provide your consultation and affords you with the luxury of convenience whilst in the comfort of your own home, in your pyjamas if you wanted! Click here for a webinar my colleagues created to help you understand a virtual consult better.

Is this better for my pet? Your pets need not have the added stress of a potentially stressful or dangerous situation of a stranger visiting or you leaving them home alone or travelling in the car or trailer. Less stress equals more self confidence and creates a better learning environment. It may be safer for the pet, or me and you may have personal needs that would benefit from online consulting. Cats especially can benefit from online consulting!

Also by reducing the time spent getting to and from a location, getting inside with everything whilst trying to hold a potentially excited or anxious dog or horse, then needing to settle then the reverse after means quality learning can take place, in locations we are most likely comfortable (usually our homes, but I won’t assume this is the case for you).

But what if the behaviour problem occurs outside or on a walk? I can go on a virtual walk with you provided we have phone or 4G signal. This is often much better for dogs who are anxious or lack confidence on walks as there isn’t a stranger talking to you added to the mix. You will likely need a friend to hold the video phone for you and some headphones so we can talk and walk. From experience, this works as effectively as an in person consult.

Do you go to people’s homes? Experience has proven online consultations and classes are actually more effective, but YES in person consultations can now absolutely be performed within current Covid 19 recommendations and guidelines.

What if you recommend an in person consultation or I really want one? In person consultations can be absolutely be considered based on individual cases and will be conducted in compliance with current government guidelines and laws. Travel and accommodation costs may be incurred to you or you may be invited to travel to me in North Bristol. Please note, I restrict most travel to within 40 minutes to minimise stress of commuting but do contact me if you live further afield.

Is online training a new thing then? No, in fact a lot of companies opt for online training due to it’s cost effectiveness and for animal welfare charities, including the one I work for, online consultations are proving to be highly effective at helping adopters and their dogs all over the UK and cuts costs in terms of less travelling and return to kennels. Many in the pet industry are continuing to run online businesses due to efficiency.

What is a vet referral? It’s an agreement by your vet for me as a paraprofessional (as I’m not a vet but in the animal industry) to work with you as their client, for behaviour purposes as they are your primary health provider for your pet. Only your vet can legally diagnose a behavioural or a clinical problem and prescribe medications under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. In gaining their diagnosis we can rule out clinical issues or seek further diagnostics if needed. Your vet and other related professionals can then work collaboratively with me to modify your pet’s behaviours with you as best as we can. For instance, a brand new behaviour or one that has become chronic often has an underlying pain or medical reason. Noise sensitivities are a good example of this.

Can I claim back your fees on my pet insurance? That depends on your individual policy, check with your insurer but generally yes you can with a vet referral and my APBC membership and fees are claimed back from your insurance company. Any insurance questions should be directed to your insurer. Your vets cannot deal with the claim as I am a third party.

How long are consultations? Up to 2-2.5 hours.

How long have you been working in behaviour? Over 20 years! And I’m still learning as there is still much to know, research is being conducted more and more and I’m fascinated by the human behaviour aspect of pet ownership so I’m also studying psychology.

Do you do continued professional development? - All the time! It’s super important to keep up your skills and knowledge and I take this very seriously. Last year alone I completed 124 hours of CPD.

How do I pay? Payment details are sent you at the booking stage. Payment is up front and non-refundable. If payment isn’t received at the time of booking or an agreed point the appointment will be offered elsewhere. If you need to make a claim back from your pet insurance company, let me know and I’ll issue a receipt. Please read their T&Cs regarding behaviour claims.

There’s no booking button or option, how do I book you? Email me, tell me your approximate location and I’ll send the relevant details and an online booking form after a quick email to acknowledge your first email. This is so I can keep it personalised to you and ensure GDPR as much as I can as well as all the ‘paperwork’ being online making it paperless, efficient, safe and as eco friendly as possible and you can access your report anytime without needing to print it each time there’s updates between us. Communication is via email, so that I can keep accurate records for you.

Do I need vet referral for puppy/kitten training? Not usually, only for behaviour consultations usually if your pet is over 16 weeks old. However I may notice something that may need further prognosis and may recommend you seek vet advice. My daughter is a vet nurse so we are very good at spotting pain related issues.

What is the dog welfare charity you work for? It's a worldwide one, the one for life.

Do you guarantee my pet will be fixed after working with you? No. As per my T&Cs it would be unethical and unprofessional to guarantee this when working with animals, as they are of high sentience yet cannot speak our language and as there are so many variables with behaviour it’s impossible to guarantee.

How long before my pet’s behaviour improves? It depends is the best answer, as behaviour is so complicated with so many factors involved including but not limited to internal and external environments, experiences, emotions and genetics. You may find your pet is a work in progress for some time as each case is individual. Your pet may also require further veterinary interventions and or medications requiring a more ongoing prognosis.