General Information

Mini-Consults: A mini-consult is one lasting an hour or less (sometimes a bit more) and takes place at my office. The consulting room (separate from the office that adjoins it,) is a very comfortable setting not unlike your own living room and free of the often impersonal, rather cold atmosphere usually associated with counseling or therapy. The phone can also be a very private instrument and it, too, offers many benefits.

Both are very useful and productive methods for anyone not prepared to commit to an in depth consultation which can take 2 1/2 - 3 hours for behavior problems and for multi-animal households, longer. It is a good way to begin to make headway into resolving problems and certainly better than doing nothing at all. It also allows for the opportunity to begin building a relationship of confidence and trust.

Consults for Loss, Grief and Bereavement: These consults have no predetermined or estimated time. They can take place in your home, my office or by phone and be as lengthy or brief as needed.

Voice Mail: When I am not in the office or with someone in the office, an answering machine that allows you to leave a message is always available. Occasionally, you will get an extended “busy signal." This does not mean that the machine is disengaged or out of order. I may be conducting a lengthy phone consult that cannot be interrupted.

Caller I.D.: If you have anonymous call rejection that does not accept calls that come through as “private or restricted caller,” my phone system cannot over-ride it even with the *82 release so be aware that I will not be able to return your call. Please call again until you reach me. Ultimately, this will not present a problem and can be managed with ease.

E-Mail: Not all communication lends itself well to e-mail. It is available when we agree it will serve us well…and it often does.

Fax: The fax has a designated number and is available 24 hours a day. You may, from time to time, encounter a busy signal. This is due to the sending and or receiving of multi-page (20 or more as there may be in a medical record) documents in progress. If that happens, please be patient and try again.

Mail and Packages: Please do not send any mail, Fed-X, UPS, etc. that requires a signature. I am not always here to sign for it and your package or correspondence will be delayed as a result. “Authorization to release without signature” is available from all these sources but you must request it from your service carrier in advance and be sure to sign the document they provide you with indicating so.

Animals in the office: All animals are welcome but it is often too stressful for them and home visits (where possible) or phone consults prove more productive. This, again, must be determined on an individual basis.

The Team Approach: I consider myself a member of a team that will include you, your veterinarian and any other professional necessary to make for the best possible outcome. If you do not have a vet with whom you enjoy a good relationship, I will attempt to make a referral to one in your area. This applies both to a primary care veterinarian or a specialist should one be needed.

The Care Plan: There is no “cook-book” or “rubber stamp” method ever employed. A care plan is designed and tailored for the needs of each animal, their family and life-style. This is especially valuable when addressing complicated behavior problems, chronic and recurrent illness and hospice care.