Comprehensive Care for Your Pet’s Behavioral Health
At the Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group - Veterinary Behavior Services, we recognize that true wellness encompasses both body and mind, and that behavior plays a vital role in their happiness and your relationship with them. Our veterinary behavior team is dedicated to supporting pets and their families through personalized, evidence-based treatment plans in a compassionate, fear-free environment. We’re here to nurture stronger bonds and happier lives—one behavior at a time.
What is Veterinary Behavior Medicine?
A veterinary behaviorist is a licensed veterinarian with advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex behavioral issues in animals—essentially the psychiatrists of the veterinary world. These specialists complete a rigorous residency program and earn board certification through the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).
Combining medical expertise with evidence-based behavior modification techniques, they address a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, aggression, compulsive disorders, and house soiling, working with animals from household pets like dogs and cats to exotic species such as wolves and tigers. What sets them apart is their ability to assess how underlying medical conditions may influence behavior, ensuring that treatment plans support both physical and emotional well-being for lasting results.
Veterinary Behaviorist vs. Trainer
Veterinary behaviorists are veterinary doctors uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat behavioral disorders linked to medical conditions. They offer comprehensive treatment plans that include 3 key components: a behavioral medical diagnosis and medications; a behavior modification and training plan; as well as safety and environmental management techniques.
To provide the most well-rounded care, our doctors often collaborate with certified positive reinforcement trainers. Trainers specialize in behavior modification and skill-building, helping to implement the treatment plan effectively and compassionately. Together, we create a supportive, integrated approach tailored to each pet’s unique needs.
Meet the Behavior Team
Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, DVM
Chief of Veterinary Behavior Services
Dr. Holly Memoli, DVM
Behavior Veterinarian
Samantha Karagiannis, LVT
Veterinary Behavior Services Coordinator
Sol Rojas
Veterinary Behavior Service Assistant
Veterinary Behavior Evaluations: When and Why to Seek One
A Veterinary Behavior Evaluation is Beneficial When Your Pet:
- Aggression, anxiety, fear, or sudden mood changes
Excessive barking, destruction, house soiling, or compulsive behaviors - Refuses to walk outside in the city or panic around loud noises
- When training hasn’t worked, or behaviors are hard to manage
- Behaviors affecting well-being or causing tension at home
- Trouble with vet visits or grooming
- Safety risks to people or other animals
- Preventive reasons—before adopting a new pet, moving, or having a baby
Behavior Concerns We Commonly Treat
- Generalized Anxiety & Separation Anxiety
- Noise Phobias
- Fear of the Urban Environment or Situational
- Agoraphobia
- Aggression (toward people, housemates, or during play)
- Fear and Aggression with Veterinary Handling and Grooming
- Resource Guarding & Territorial Behaviors
- House Soiling & Marking
- Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (similar to Alzheimer's in humans)
How We Can Help
Our expert team provides a comprehensive approach to behavior care working with pets and their families to create a happier, healthier home environment.
Veterinary Behavior Consultations
In-depth evaluations for your pet's behavioral and medical history.
Tailored Treatment Plans
Personalized, solution-focused strategies, behavioral therapy, environmental modifications and when necessary, medications.
Ongoing Support
Follow-up guidance to track progress and ensure long-term success.
What To Expect
Behavioral concerns and psychiatric treatment require ongoing management, and we provide continued care to ensure long-term improvements. If the first visit doesn’t feel very “therapeutic” that’s okay! The goal of your initial appointment is for your provider to gather information and build rapport and trust so they can formulate a treatment plan to best support you and your pet.
Initial Behavior Evaluation:
- 90 minute in-person consultation
- Thorough assessment of behavior and medical factors
- Personalized treatment plan development
Follow-Up Care
- Telemedicine rechecks
- In-person rechecks
- Scheduled every 4-6 weeks until behavior is stable
- Sedated exam if needed for the extremely fearful pets
Behavioral concerns require ongoing management, and we provide continued care to ensure long-term improvements.
Behavioral Medications & Their Role
Medications may be recommended as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, particularly when daily stressors are unavoidable. While psychopharmacologic therapies do not "cure" behavioral disorders, they can help lower baseline anxiety, improve coping mechanisms, and enhance learning during behavior modification therapy.
Our Commitment to You & Your Pet
You don’t have to face behavioral challenges alone. Our compassionate team is here to support you with expert guidance—helping you and your pet build confidence, reduce stress, and create a more harmonious home.
How to Get Started
Take the first step toward a happier pet and home. Schedule a consultation with our veterinary behavior team now.
Our insurance specialist is here to help you review your current coverage and maximize your benefits—reach out today!