Virtual specialty behavior care provider expands nationwide

Photo: Prostock-studio/Adobe Stock

Ease, an innovative provider of virtual specialty behavior care, has expanded nationwide, partnering with veterinary clinics across 18 different states just 5 months after its initial launch. The service is in collaboration with trusted veterinarians across the country and 3 Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVBs) and offers virtual care for pet behavioral challenges including reactivity, separation anxiety, and noise phobias. The rapid expansion highlights the nationwide demand for affordable and accessible pet behavior care solutions.¹

“Board-certified veterinary behaviorists are the gold standard in behavior care, but there aren’t enough to meet the demand, leaving many pets without the help they need,” Brandy Kuentzel, co-founder and CEO of Ease, said in a news release.¹ “Ease bridges this gap by supporting local veterinarians with our specialists, bringing top-tier behavior solutions to more pets and families.”

The company launched in April 2024 after a successful beta.¹ Through the combination of virtual support and in-person care, the collaboration highlights the specialized knowledge of Ease’s experts, not only making services more accessible to pet owners, but making complex cases simpler for veterinarians.

Ease’s online Vet Portal is available at no cost to veterinary practices. The portal allows veterinarians to easily refer behavior cases and receive specialist recommendations, including insight into behavior medications.^2,3

The online Pet Portal, on the other hand, is designed for use by pet owners. A veterinary referral is required to access the Ease platform, and it will cost pet owners a one-time fee of $197. The Pet Portal offers step-by-step treatment plans, educational videos, and 1-on-1 email support, among other features.³

According to the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB),³ early interest in basic animal behavior, and the application of behavioral information to clinical problems, began to emerge during the 1960s. Over the next couple of decades, behavior was introduced into the veterinary curriculum and practitioners began to offer clinical services. This was drive by the demand of pet owners, more than administrators.

Alongside increased veterinary interest in behavior, Bonnie Beaver, DVM, MS, from Texas A&M University suggested leaders in the field come together to form a society addressing their interest. With this, the American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior (AVSAB) was launched in 1976—though, at the time it was called the American Society of Veterinary Ethology (ASVE).

Leaders in the field knew that the discipline would never advance unless it was a board-certified specialty by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). After years of campaigning, and increased demand in the specialty, the ACVB received provisional approval from the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) in 1993, and the first certifying exam was administered in 1995. In the decades since, demand for behavioral care has continued to grow.

Ease was founded in 2023, looking to make a difference and meet increased demand in the veterinary behavioral care sector. With their expressed interest in continued expansion, they are maintaining their commitment to making specialty behavioral care available to every pet owner, and every pet, according to the company.^1,2

References

1. Ease Expands Nationwide: Bridging the Gap in Pet Behavior Care in 18 States. News release. Ease. September 3, 2024. Accessed September 18, 2024. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/09/04/2940181/0/en/Ease-Expands-Nationwide-Bridging-the-Gap-in-Pet-Behavior-Care-in-18-States.html
2. You’ve got questions. Ease has answers. Ease. Accessed September 18, 2024. https://easepetvet.com/faq/
3. History. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Accessed September 19, 2024. https://www.dacvb.org/page/History