FAQS

WHAT IS THE ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR CLINIC?

The Animal Behaviour Clinic was established in 1994 by Dr Orla Doherty as an animal behaviour referral, consultancy and education provider dedicated to improving understanding of animal behaviour and welfare and investigating and resolving problem behaviours in a range of animal species.

WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE AT THE ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR CLINIC?

The success rate is approximately 75 to 85%, with some behaviour problems resulting rapidly and quickly, and some problems more difficult to resolve. Outcome often depends on the owner input, consistency and adhering to recommendations, but can also be influenced by the duration that the problem has existed for, prior to the animal attending our clinic.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE CONSULTATION?

At the end of the consultation, the owner will receive a written outline of the recommendations made. This will include, where appropriate, advice on dietary changes, management changes, surgery, medication and a behaviour modification programme specific to that particular animal, and the problem being treated.

Soon after the consult, the referring vet also receives an outline of the findings and recommendations. The owner and their vet can then work together to implement the treatment plan including medication, dietary changes and surgery where necessary. Approximately three weeks after the consultation, we will contact you to check  that your dog or cat is progressing well and to address any questions or problems that have arisen during the first two weeks of treatment. In some cases where the problem is complex, has been a occurring for a lengthy period of time or where more than one problem exists, a recommendation may be made for the owner to set up a follow-up consultation at approximately 6 to 8 weeks following the initial consult. The follow-up consultation typically lasts approximately 45 minutes. The cost to the owner is €125 (incl VAT). It is generally very beneficial as we can assess the progress made to date, and give advice on what further measures should be put in place to ensure continued improvement.

HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS WILL BE NEEDED?

In most cases, one appointment is sufficient. However, in some cases a follow-up visit may be of benefit.

WILL MY DOG / CAT REQUIRE MEDICATION?

Medication is used in some cases where it is deemed necessary or of benefit. However, the long-term plan in all cases will be to eventually withdraw the medication, once the animal has learned new behaviour patterns, or the underlying problem causing the problem behaviours has been resolved.

WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT CAN I USE?

Payments are taken by credit / debit card.

WILL MY PET INSURANCE COVER THE COST OF A BEHAVIOUR CONSULTATION?

Some of the commonly used pet insurance companies provide cover for behaviour consultations. It is advisable that you check your policy or contact your insurance company to verify whether your insurance policy will provide cover for your appointment at the behaviour clinic.

HOW MUCH WILL A CONSULTATION COST?

The cost of the consultation, including written advice to the owner, a written report to the referring vet and a follow-up check with the owner approximately three weeks after the consult is €363 (incl VAT) .

When the initial appointment is made, the booking is secured with a booking fee of €125. This is necessary for us to allocate the significant preparation and consultation time. The remainder of the fee is paid approximately one week prior to consultation.

WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?

If an appointment is cancelled at least five working days prior to the consultation, your deposit will be refunded, minus an administration fee. Unfortunately, cancellations made closer to the appointment date will result in loss of the booking fee.

Due to the time demands on staff and the high demand for consultation slots , unfortunately it is difficult for us to reschedule appointments. We will endeavour to facilitate owners to re-schedule an appointment in exceptional circumstances, but unfortunately this cannot be done more than once.

If an owner cancels an appointment following a previous rescheduling, a further administration fee will be deducted from the deposit prior to re-funding.

 An insurance claim form and receipt will be issued to the owner approximately three weeks following the consultation, when the progress update has been received. This will allow us to determine whether further consultations are needed, which the owner may wish to include in the insurance claim.