How it Works

Thank you for your interest in working with Synergy Animal Behavior! If you are a pet professional of any kind, please contact us to discuss how we can help you. For Pet Owners, the process of working together is initiated by you scheduling an appointment for a 15 minute telephone chat using the button at the bottom of the page or contacting us through the How it Works page. Once you decide to work with us, we will send you a link to sign our service agreement. After we receive notice that you have signed it, we will send you a link to the scheduling calendar. If you do not see a time that you like, please schedule the first available and then email us to let us know what you need for your schedule and we will try to accommodate you. Please be aware that we are not available on evenings and weekends. If your schedule requires evenings or weekends, we can recommend another provider.

We offer many flexible consultation options, including video and telephone meetings. Please note that initial assessments and the first follow-up session are almost always virtual. Most behavior problems can be significantly improved with a thorough analysis of the history, followed by video or in-person sessions to guide you through the treatment plan. We coach you on how to change your pet's behavior! We often collaborate with your veterinarian and other pet professionals involved in your animal's care.

For all consultations, pets should have had a complete medical workup by their veterinarian within six months prior to the appointment. It is ideal, but not required, for all adult humans involved in the care of the pet to be present for the meeting. If this is not possible, sessions can be video recorded by request. During the initial assessment, we will discuss your pet’s history thoroughly and address any safety concerns. Sometimes, there is time to begin working on treatment recommendations during the initial visit, but a second consultation is usually needed. The number of total visits your pet needs will depend on the nature of your specific situation. Follow-up treatment sessions typically, but not always, involve more hands-on work with your pet. Full payment is due at the time of your visit. We will e-mail an Initial Assessment and Treatment Plan to you and your veterinarian within a week of our meeting. Treatment includes an ongoing discussion with your veterinarian if he/she desires. Follow-up appointments may be arranged for 30, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

For in-home visits, cats and dogs over 16 weeks of age must be current on Rabies vaccinations. For animals on an active bite quarantine, in-home sessions may be scheduled after the quarantine's expiration. We will call you from our vehicle when we arrive; we prefer not to knock on your door as many pets are upset by this. Plan to have the pet confined in a secure and separate area, away from where we will be talking initially. If the pet will be distressed by the confinement, let us know in advance, and we can discuss a strategy to make him/her more comfortable. Most animals are comforted by having exercised before the confinement time, a long-lasting food toy (such as a Kong filled with canned food), a comfortable bed, and some classical music. For many dogs, we require that the dog stays on a leash during the appointment. Depending on the exact nature of your animal’s behavior and comfort level with strangers, we may or may not work directly with your pet at first. In many cases, the pet is more comfortable if we coach you through activities instead.