Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A VETERINARY BEHAVIORIST? Board-certified veterinary behaviorists are licensed veterinarians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of behavior problems in pets. Their unique training in both medicine and animal behavior allows veterinary behaviorists to determine if a behavior is “abnormal” or “normal-but-undesirable” and diagnose whether pet behavior problems are due to physical disease, emotional/behavioral causes, or a combination of the two. Veterinary behaviorists offer a wide range of treatment options, including, but not limited to, training, behavioral and environmental modification, and medications to treat both physical and emotional disease. In addition to veterinary school, veterinary behaviorists have received additional training in ethology (the study of animal behavior), learning theory, animal training, neuropsychology (the study of how the nervous system affects behavior) and psychopharmacology (the study of the effects of drugs on behavior). For more information on the background of board-certified veterinary behaviorists, visit www.DACVB.org.
ARE VETERINARY BEHAVIORISTS DIFFERENT FROM TRAINERS? Yes. Trainers and non-veterinary behaviorists do not have the education to determine whether behavior changes may be due to a physical illness. They may assess, but cannot diagnose, a behavioral problem and cannot prescribe medications or treat diseases. It is important to rule out underlying physical causes before assuming undesirable behavior is due to inadequate training. Many trainers and non-veterinary behaviorists possess a wealth of experience and knowledge and pursue continued education. Depending on their background, education, and certifications, they may offer skills and services that are complementary to those offered by a veterinary behaviorist. Working with a veterinary behaviorist does not necessarily exclude the need for a trainer.
WHAT OCCURS DURING AN APPOINTMENT? RECHECK APPOINTMENT? A behavior appointment is typically 1.5 to 2 hours long. Using the information provided in the Behavior History Form(s) as a starting point, Dr. Sueda asks detailed questions about your pet’s past and current medical and behavioral histories. During the appointment she also observes your pet’s behavior and responses to social and environmental triggers. Once she has gathered sufficient information, Dr. Sueda will discuss your pet’s diagnosis and prognosis with you. She will review a specific behavioral treatment plan with you during the appointment. This may include going over training and behavior modification techniques and equipment and discussing whether (or not) behavior medication would benefit your pet. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns you may have before the conclusion of the appointment. Follow-up with Dr. Sueda is strongly encouraged; reasonable communication for two months following your appointment is included in the appointment fee. A paid recheck appointment may be recommended thereafter. Recheck appointments are usually shorter (45 to 60 minutes) since they are focused on a specific diagnosis and “fine-tuning” a previously discussed behavior treatment plan. Rechecks follow a similar format as above. Rechecks also include two months of ongoing reasonable communication following the appointment.
DO YOU OFFER HOUSECALLS? Housecalls are available throughout Los Angeles County and most of Southern California. Our service area extends from San Luis Obispo to San Diego and east to San Bernardino and Riverside counties. An additional travel fee is charged for all housecall appointments based on travel time. Please inquire regarding availability and pricing.
DO YOU OFFER TELEHEALTH (VIDEOCALLS)? Telehealth/Telemedicine appointments via synchronous audio-video call (e.g., Google Meet; FaceTime) are available, provided specific requirements are met and with certain limitations. Please contact us for more information.
WHAT ARE YOUR PRICES? A price list is available upon request. Please contact us for an estimate and additional information regarding our prices.
WHAT IS YOUR SUCCESS RATE? DO YOU OFFER A GUARANTEE? Hiring a veterinary behaviorist is an important decision. Each pet’s outcome depends on a variety of factors and no veterinarian can guarantee a positive result in any particular case. Although we provide, to the best of our ability, an accurate diagnosis, honest prognosis, tailored treatment plan and supportive care based on our knowledge, experience and the information provided, we cannot guarantee the outcome. Results experienced by other clients and patients do not guarantee a similar outcome.
DO YOU WORK WITH MY PRIMARY CARE VET? DO I NEED A REFERRAL? You do not need a direct referral from your veterinarian to schedule an appointment with us. However, we value a team-approach to veterinary care. We will request your pet's medical records from your primary care and specialist veterinarians and Dr. Sueda will review them to help determine whether physical ailments may be affecting your pet's behavior. Following your appointment, Dr. Sueda will also send your veterinarian(s) a behavioral summary and update unless you request otherwise.
DO YOU WORK WITH MY TRAINER? DO I NEED A REFERRAL? We do not need a referral from your trainer. Trainers and non-veterinary behaviorists are often important members of the behavior team and may offer skills and services that support your pet’s behavioral journey. If you are currently working with a trainer, we encourage you to share their training plan with us. It sometimes “takes a village” to improve the behavioral health of your pet.
WHAT TYPES OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT? Payment is due at the time of service (e.g., at the conclusion of your appointment). As a small business, we prefer payment by Zelle® or personal check to avoid payment processing fees, but also accept major credit cards. For Zelle®, please confirm your “SEND” limit with your bank prior to your appointment. Contact us prior to your appointment if you have any questions or concerns.
HOW DO I OBTAIN A COPY OF MY PET'S RECORDS? Following your appointment, you will receive a written summary of your pet's Behavior Recommendations which summarizes the treatment plan we discussed during the appointment. You may request your pet's medical record at any time by contacting us directly.
WHAT ARE YOUR TERMS OF SERVICE AND PRIVACY PRACTICES?
Our current Terms of Service and Privacy Practices are found on this website.
HOW DO I CONTACT THE VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD?
If you have any questions or concerns that cannot be directly addressed by Dr. Sueda, you may contact the California State Veterinary Medical Board.