Mental Health Care Team for Pets: Referrals
Julie Shaw, RVT, VTS (Behavior), owner and director of Stepping Stone Animal Training, LLC., in Lafayette, Indiana, explains when a case handled by a mental health care team for pets should be referred to a veterinary behaviorist.
Behavior is never just behavior or just medical—it is always both. Julie Shaw, RVT, VTS (Behavior), owner and director of Stepping Stone Animal Training, LLC., in Lafayette, Indiana, explains when a case handled by a mental health care team for pets should be referred to a veterinary behaviorist.
A case should be referred if the patient has multiple issues, if the triggers cannot be determined, or if there is serious injury. If a pet is under chronic stress, that stress is affecting their health. If a pet does not feel well, that illness is affecting their behavior.
