San Francisco Bay Area
Bay Area Vet Behavior
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a veterinary behaviorist?
A board-certified veterinary behaviorist is a licensed veterinarian with in depth knowledge in diagnosing and treating behavioral disorders in pets. A veterinary behaviorist can also perform a physical examination whenever possible, and recommend diagnostic tests if indicated. They can also discuss and prescribe behavioral medications to help your pet.
Can I still work with my dog trainer?
Absolutely! Your dog trainer can help with the training and behavior modification exercises recommended in the comprehensive treatment plan provided to you. We work collaboratively with many dog trainers to provide the best behavioral care for your pet.
Do you offer telemedicine consultations?
We can offer initial consultations via telemedicine in the state of California without seeing the patients but your regular veterinarian must attend the consultation or consent to be the managing doctor of the case. Re-evaluations after the initial in-person consultations can be performed via telemedicine.
How long is the waiting period for an appointment?
The current waiting period is 2-3 weeks.
What happens during a behavior consultation?
Dr. Sung will ask questions specific to your pet’s behavioral issue. Then she will provide a diagnosis, prognosis and treatment plan for your pet. Clients will learn the reasoning behind why their pet exhibits the undesirable behaviors and how to manage and treat them to improve everyone’s quality of life.
Does the doctor need to see my pet misbehave?
No, we do not need to see your pet exhibit the problematic behavior. We do ask you submit videos of how you interact with your pet and how they behave on walks and during play. But we do not want you to place your pet in situations in which they exhibit fearful, anxious or aggressive behavior.
Is a behavior consultation covered by my pet’s insurance?
Please check with your insurance company. Behavior consultations and treatments are usually covered under an add on plan to most basic health plans. If you have selected to have behavior consultations in your pet’s plan, then the cost of the consultation, medications and training and behavior modification exercises may be covered.