FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What is a Veterinary Behaviorist

A Veterinary Behaviorist is a veterinarian who has specialized in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of behavior problems in a range of species from dogs and cats to horses, birds, and wild animals. The depth and breadth of their training and expertise allows them to not only manage and treat behavior problems, but also recognize and treat medical problems causing or contributing to behavior problems.   

What behavior problems does Dr. Stepita treat?

  • Aggression  
  • Separation anxiety  
  • Destructive & escape behavior  
  • Compulsive disorders  
  • Noise phobias  
  • Fear of the veterinary hospital, car rides, nail trims, children, people, more  
  • House soiling, spraying  
  • Unruly behavior (pulling on leash, play mouthing, jumping on people)
  • Pica (eating non-food items)
  • Acral lick dermatitis (dogs continually licking non-healing wounds on their legs) 
  • Excessive vocalization 
  • Senior pet behavior problems (including senility/cognitive dysfunction) 
           ………AND MORE!!!

Dr. Stepita also counsels soon to be parents about preparing for and introducing their new baby to their pets and she sees pre-adoption appointments to advise owners as to the best type of pet for their household.

What is the difference between a Veterinary Behaviorist and a Dog Trainer or other Behaviorist?

Veterinary Behaviorists have completed rigorous residency programs in Clinical Animal Behavior making them knowledgeable in all aspects of animal behavior. They are in a unique position as they are specially trained to detect medical problems that may be contributing or even in some cases causing the behavior problem as well as manage and treat problems that are purely behavioral. They always use current and scientifically sound behavior modification techniques. First as veterinarians and second as specialists, Veterinary Behaviorists have credentials that are backed by ethical and educational guidelines as well as legal and ethical standards that must be followed in order to maintain licensure. Veterinarians are required to attend Continuing Education to further advance their knowledge. 

Furthermore, Veterinary Behaviorists have extensive training in the use of anti-anxiety medications that are prescribed when appropriate for the individual patient. Dr. Stepita also works with certain types of dog trainers to help her clients implement the behavior modification plan; however trainers cannot diagnose medical problems or recommend medications. Most patients Veterinary Behaviorists see are in fact very well trained (i.e., they follow commands well), but what sets Veterinary Behaviorists apart is that their goal is to change the underlying emotional state of the pet (i.e., fear, anxiety, aggression) to a positive emotional response; this is something that all the training in the world cannot accomplish. Please be aware that the members of organizations other than the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) vary greatly in their knowledge, expertise, and humaneness of training/behavior modification methodologies. For more information on ACVB please visit the website: dacvb.org.

How did Dr. Stepita become a Veterinary Behaviorist?

To become a Veterinary Behaviorist, Dr. Stepita:

  1. First obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont. She majored in Animal Science with a Pre-Veterinary Concentration. 
  2. Then obtained her DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) degree from the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine.
  3. Completed a Small Animal Surgery and Medicine Internship at Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Tucson, Arizona.
  4. Completed a 3 year Behavior Residency at UC Davis (primarily consisting of diagnosing and treating pets with behavior problems).
  5. Published a scientific study in a peer reviewed journal. See Dr. Stepita’s study at this website: http://jaaha.org/doi/abs/10.5326/JAAHA-MS-5825
  6. Wrote and passed 3 case reports reviewed by Veterinary Behaviorists.
  7. Passed a demanding 2 day examination. 

Do I really need a Veterinary Behaviorist?

If your dog already has a behavior problem (see list above) or you want to prevent behavior problems, an appointment with a Veterinary Behaviorist is highly recommended. Remember that the prognosis is generally better the sooner you seek guidance. Many people confuse training problems with behavior problems. Training teaches your pet specific commands such as to sit or walk without pulling on leash. If your dog is pulling on leash as part of an aggressive response or does not follow a stay command because he is anxious when left alone, these are behavior problems and an appointment with a Veterinary Behaviorist would be beneficial. 

Why does it cost more to consult with a Veterinary Behaviorist than my primary care veterinarian?

For the amount of time Dr. Stepita spends devoted to you and your pet (preparing for the appointment, in the appointment, and follow-up), her fees are actually less expensive per minute than seeing your primary care veterinarian. The extensive support Dr. Stepita provides is important in helping your pet succeed. 

What is the success rate for Dr. Stepita's cases?

Most patients show improvement when Dr. Stepita’s recommendations are implemented, but working on behavior problems takes time, energy, and patience. Success depends on many factors including the individual pet, family situation, and willingness/ability of the family to implement the treatment plan. It is uncommon for the pet to worsen or not improve when the treatment plan is implemented.

Does Dr. Stepita offer a guarantee?

Dr. Stepita guarantees satisfaction with her services. She will do everything possible to help your family and pet achieve the best possible outcome. Dr. Stepita does not however guarantee that your pet will perform or not perform a certain behavior (i.e., biting) or that behavior modification will result in a certain outcome. Animals are individuals. Their behavior is variable and at times unpredictable.

Why can't Dr. Stepita give me advice over the phone?

As a veterinarian, Dr. Stepita must establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship in order to legally give treatment recommendations. Furthermore, Dr. Stepita wants to set her patients up for success and in order to do that she needs to understand all aspects of the behavior and individual situation. This takes a considerable amount of time, more than can be done in a phone conversation. Although Dr. Stepita cannot engage in phone consultations, she is happy to speak to your primary care veterinarian about your pet at any time. 

LINKS:

UPCOMING EVENTS:


To inquire about Dr. Stepita speaking at your event or organization, contact her HERE.

Dr. Stepita is a member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Speakers' Bureau.  Local or state Veterinary Medical Associations qualify for up to a $250 stipend per year for a lecture by Dr. Stepita.  For more information, please visit the AVSAB website.

BLOGS AND BEHAVIOR TIPS:

SELECTED COMMUNITY EVENTS AND 
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR PRESENTATIONS:

Community Events:

  • Dog Club at Stoneridge Creek "An Ounce of Prevention: Behavior Edition"
  • Lafayette's Dogtown Downtown "Learn How to Read Your Pet's Body Language" and "An Ounce of Prevention: Behavior Edition"
  • Animal Compassion Team: “Managing Shy Dogs in the Shelter”
  • Contra Costa Humane Society: Furry Pet Faire.
  • Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation Animals On Broadway - Ask the Veterinarian

Radio Shows:

  • Chris Daniel Radio Show - KMJ Fresno.  
  • Tripawds Radio Show. 

Animal Behavior Presentations:

  • Alameda Veterinary Medical Association "Feline Behavior Problems"
  • VetTech Life CE on the Sea “The Relationship Between Physical and Behavioral Health”, “The Geriatric Patient and Behavior”, and “Turning Cujo into Clifford: Prevention and Treatment of Canine Aggression”
  • Veterinary Information Network “Feline Behavior Problems”
  • Veterinary Information Network “Senior Pet Behavior Problems”
  • Santa Clara Veterinary Medical Association, “Feline Behavior Problems”
  • Alameda Veterinary Medical Association: “Decreasing Stress in the Veterinary Hospital”
  • Virbac Animal Health-sponsored lecture: “Senior Pet Behavior Problems”
  • South Bay Trainers Association: “The Relationship Between Physical and Behavioral Health”
  • Alameda Veterinary Medical Association: “General Principles of Prevention and Treatment of Canine Aggression and Anxiety” 
  • American Veterinary Medical Association Annual Convention: “Turning Cujo into Clifford: Prevention and Treatment of Canine Aggression”
  • Contra Costa Veterinary Medical Association: “Common Feline Behavior Problems”
  • Central California Veterinary Medical Association: “Prevention and Treatment of Canine Aggression”
  • Various behavior lectures (low stress handling, decreasing stress in the veterinary hospital, separation anxiety, canine and feline aggression, unruly behaviors in dogs, feline inappropriate elimination and urine marking, prevention of behavior problems) at local veterinary hospitals
  • University of California, Davis Behavior Elective Class: “Use of Psychotropic Medications” 
  • American College of Veterinary Behaviorists/ American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior Annual Veterinary Behavior Symposium: “Frequency of Parvovirus in Puppies that Attended Puppy Socialization Classes”
  • Student American Veterinary Medical Association Symposium: “Prevention and Treatment of Canine Aggression” 
  • University of California, Davis Behavior Elective Class: “Medical Rule-Outs for Behavior (and Vice Versa)” 
  • University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine Summer Enrichment Program: “The Behavior Appointment: Communication and Learning Theory”
  • University of California, Davis 6th Annual Behavior Medicine Symposium: “Human Directed Aggression in Dogs”
  • Various veterinary student lectures and rounds
  • Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Grand Rounds: “Selected Canine Behavior Problems”

Careers

​Veterinary Behavior Specialists is hiring! We are seeking a self-motivated, dependable veterinary assistant or technician with exceptional communication skills to join our team part-time. Duties range from being the first point of contact for our clients to assisting Dr. Stepita with behavior appointments. At least 2 years of experience working in a veterinary hospital is required for consideration. Please email your cover letter, resume or CV, and references to us at vetbehaviorspecialists@gmail.com.