Clinical Behavior Service for Pets
Our Approach
We use a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to behavior care that combines behavioral assessment, veterinary evaluation, and individualized training plans. Behavior concerns rarely have a single cause. They are often shaped by learning history, stress, environment, and medical factors such as pain or illness. Our goal is to understand why the behavior is occurring and to create a practical plan that improves safety, welfare, and quality of life for both you and your pet.
What behaviors we address
- Fear & phobias (noise, vet handling, novel environments)
- Reactivity (leash, barrier, territory)
- Handling sensitivity (grooming, nail trims, exams)
- Separation anxiety / isolation distress
- House soiling
- Compulsive behaviors (pacing, tail chasing, flank sucking)
- Resource guarding
- Aggression (toward people / animals)
- Bite risk & safety planning
Contact us at petbehavior@vt.edu for more information.
Clinical Animal Behavior Services at Virginia Tech
Appointments, Referrals, Forms, and Information
We partner with families and veterinarians to assess behavior concerns, improve welfare, and build safer relationships.
In addition to the general public, we do welcome referrals from veterinarians.
Behavioral presentations can involve pain, dermatologic disease, endocrine disease, neurological issues, and more.
What to Expect
- Intake & history (questionnaire + videos if relevant)
- Behavior consultation (in-person)
- Treatment plan (written plan + skills training)
- Follow-ups (behavioral + training + medical: with veterinary support)
What to do while waiting
The goal while waiting is risk reduction + better information for treatment planning.
1) Track patterns. Keep a journal including:
- date/time of incident
- what happened right before (triggers)
- what your pet did (specific behaviors)
- what happened afterward (consequences)
- people/animals present
- environment details (location, noise, proximity, handling)
2) Capture video when safe. If you can do so without increasing risk, record:
- early warning signs (body language)
- the trigger/context
- recovery behavior
3) Prevent rehearsal of unsafe behavior. While waiting, focus on management:
- avoid known triggers when possible
- use leashes/barriers/quiet rooms
- reduce high-arousal situations
If needed, we can provide basic interim safety recommendations after intake.
Important: Do not try to “get it on video.”
Please do not intentionally trigger, provoke, or recreate problem behavior (including aggression, biting, snapping, lunging, or panic behaviors) for the purpose of recording it. Doing so can:
- increase risk of injury to people and animals
- worsen the behavior by rehearsing it
- increase fear/stress and reduce welfare
If problem behavior occurs naturally, you may record it only if it can be done safely (e.g., from a distance, behind a barrier), without approaching or escalating the situation.
When and what fees are due
Costs vary depending on appointment type (initial consultation vs. follow-up services) and whether sessions include trainers, behaviorists, or veterinary involvement.
Behavior Consult - $300 Includes: (Payable at scheduling.)
- Questionnaire review
- 1 hour in-person consultation
- 30 minutes focused on training
- Individualized take-home plan
- Email support
- 1 follow-up via Zoom
Single Behavioral training session - $100 Includes: (Payable at time of training)
- 1 hour in-person, one-on-one with a trainer to work on training plan items
Four Behavioral training sessions - $350 Includes: (Payable at first training session)
(4) 1 hour in-person, one-on-one with trainer to work on training plan items
Veterinary assessment - CPRAC - $70 direct to CPRAC includes: (Payable at time of service)
- Assessment at CPRAC with a focus on pain evaluation or behavioral pharmacology
- Client accompanied by a behaviorist
- Does not include any prescribed medications
Emergency Guidance
- Bite, imminent risk, severe self-injury
If you are concerned about immediate danger to people or animals:
- Immediately separate and isolate the animal from people and other animals (use barriers like doors, baby gates, crates).
- Avoid handling unless absolutely necessary. Increased stress can escalate aggressive behavior.
- Remove others from the animal’s space, especially children and other pets.
- If you feel threatened or unsafe, call 911 immediately.
For urgent (non-emergency) concerns:
- Email: petbehavior@vt.edu
- A staff member will respond within 24 business hours.
We are not an emergency service and do not provide in-home emergency response or animal removal.
- For emergencies, call 911
FAQs
Yes — telehealth appointments are available, with some limitations.
Many cases benefit from meeting your pet and observing behavior in person, so we require an in-person initial consultation before offering telehealth follow-ups.
Telehealth may be recommended for:
- follow-up plan adjustments
- skill coaching and implementation support
- reviewing video and progress data
- In some circumstances (e.g., distance, mobility constraints), exceptions may be considered.
Yes. We evaluate aggression and bite risk, including cases with a bite history. Because safety planning is essential, aggression cases are reviewed on a case-by-case basis to ensure we can provide appropriate support and risk management.
If your pet has:
- bitten a person or animal,
- attempted to bite,
- or you’re concerned about escalating threats,
please tell us during intake so we can prioritize safety guidance and determine the best pathway of care.
Note: We do not provide emergency response or animal removal services.
We provide both training support and clinical behavior services. Our team includes professional trainers and behavior professionals, and many of us have extensive experience in companion animal training in addition to behavioral health care.
What this means for you:
Behavior consults focus on assessment, diagnosis (when appropriate), welfare, safety planning, and treatment design.
- Training sessions focus on skill building and implementation (e.g., muzzle training, cooperative care, desensitization/counterconditioning).
It depends on the behavior concern, safety risk, and your pet’s history. We begin with an initial consultation to assess contributing factors and create a plan.
After the first appointment, recommended follow-up may include:
- trainer-led sessions (in person)
- behaviorist follow-ups (in person or virtual)
- veterinary coordination when medical factors or medication support may be appropriate
Many cases require multiple follow-ups, particularly for fear, anxiety, reactivity, and aggression. We will outline a realistic timeline and goals after the initial consultation.
No. We do not use shock collars, prong collars, or punishment-based methods.
Our plans are grounded in:
- reinforcement-based training
- humane, welfare-centered behavior modification
- management strategies that reduce risk and prevent rehearsal of unwanted behavior
This approach supports learning while prioritizing safety and welfare for both the animal and the people involved.
We primarily treat dogs. We may also see:
- cats
- horses
- and other companion animals on a case-by-case basis
Species availability depends on clinician expertise, safety considerations, and the type of concern.
Please email us at <<link coming soon>> to ask about specific species.
Costs vary depending on appointment type (initial consultation vs. follow-up services) and whether sessions include trainers, behaviorists, or veterinary involvement.
Behavior Consult - $300 Includes: (Payable at scheduling.)
- Questionnaire review
- 1 hour in-person consultation
- 30 minutes focused on training
- Individualized take-home plan
- Email support
- 1 follow-up via Zoom
Single Behavioral training session - $100 Includes: (Payable at time of training)
- 1 hour in-person, one-on-one with a trainer to work on training plan items
Four Behavioral training sessions - $350 Includes: (Payable at first training session)
(4) 1 hour in-person, one-on-one with trainer to work on training plan items
Veterinary assessment - CPRAC - $70 direct to CPRAC includes: (Payable at time of service)
- Assessment at CPRAC with a focus on pain evaluation or behavioral pharmacology
- Client accompanied by a behaviorist
- Does not include any prescribed medications
If you are concerned about immediate danger to people or animals:
- Immediately separate and isolate the animal from people and other animals (use barriers like doors, baby gates, crates).
- Avoid handling unless absolutely necessary. Increased stress can escalate aggressive behavior.
- Remove others from the animal’s space, especially children and other pets.
- If you feel threatened or unsafe, call 911 immediately.
For urgent (non-emergency) concerns:
- Email: petbehavior@vt.edu
- A staff member will respond within 24 business hours.
We are not an emergency service and do not provide in-home emergency response or animal removal.
- For animal control support: <<Link + number for animal control coming soon>>
The first consult typically includes:
- detailed history and review of behavior patterns
- safety and risk assessment
- identifying contributing factors (medical, environmental, learning history)
- initial treatment plan (management and behavior modification)
- discussion of follow-up options and timeline
A referral is not always required, but we strongly recommend involving your veterinarian, especially when behavior changes are sudden, severe, or uncharacteristic. Many behavior concerns can be influenced by pain, illness, medication effects, or sensory changes.
If appropriate, we coordinate with your veterinarian (or your pet’s care team) to support an integrated treatment plan. Medication is not required for every case, but may be recommended by your veterinarian when anxiety, fear, or arousal levels interfere with learning or welfare.
Behavior concerns are common and are rarely caused by a single factor or a single event. They are usually influenced by temperament, learning history, environment, stress, and medical factors such as pain or illness. Our focus is not on blame—it is on understanding why the behavior is happening and creating a practical, humane plan to improve safety and quality of life for both you and your pet.
Behavior problems don’t just affect pets — they affect people, too. Many families feel overwhelmed, discouraged, or judged. We offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can ask questions, talk through challenges, and build confidence while we work together.
Dog Training Classes
In addition to clinical behavior services, we coordinate access to high-quality dog training classes delivered by carefully selected local instructors. Our team conducts an independent review of each instructor’s qualifications, training philosophy, and instructional practices to ensure alignment with contemporary, evidence-based standards. All affiliated trainers use reward-based, humane methods grounded in the current scientific literature on learning theory and behavior change.
A range of classes is offered throughout the year, including puppy socialization, foundational skills, adolescent manners, and specialty skills development. Availability varies seasonally.
Participation in these classes is open to the public. Enrollment is not limited to current behavior clients.
Other Resources
What your pet needs in an emergency
Pet Emergency Supply Kits:
To prepare, assemble animal emergency supply kits and develop a pet-care plan that will work whether you decide to stay put in an emergency or evacuate to a safer location. Keep in mind that what is best for you is typically best for your animals. Create Animal Emergency Supply Kits for each pet for at least three days, carrier that’s ready to go.
Kits should include:
- Pet identification securely attached and current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
- Medications, first-aid kit and veterinary records (stored in a waterproof container.)
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely and ensure that your animals cannot escape.
- Three days’ food supply (one ounce/per pound each day), potable water, bowls, can opener if canned food.
- Pet towel or blanket; pet beds and toys if easily transportable.
- Plastic bags for waste.
- Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
In the event of evacuation, do not leave pets behind. However, if it’s impossible to take them, make sure plenty of dry food and water are available.
Excerpt from publication VCE-414NP
Research
Explore our various publications related to animal ownership
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