Consultations

Did you know The SPCA also offers Private Behavior Consultations?

Teaching obedience commands alone will not address all behavioral problems. The SPCA offers consultations for you either at the shelter or in the convenience of your own home.

These low-cost, hour-long private behavior consultations cost $40 at The SPCA or $65 in your own home for pets adopted from The SPCA. For pets not adopted from us, the costs are $50 at The SPCA or $75 in your own home.

Please call 831-264-5422 to talk to our Pet Behavior Specialist about an appointment. You can also
email us here. Click here to learn more about private behavior consultations.

Private Behavior Consultations

Teaching obedience commands alone will not address all behavioral problems. The SPCA offers consultations for you and your pet using a comprehensive, four-step approach to treating behavioral problems:

1. Behavioral Diagnostics
   A detailed history is combined with observation to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of the problem(s).
2. Education
   Possible reasons for your dog’s actions are identified and realistic goals are established for appropriate behavior and successful treatment.
3. Management
   A management strategy incorporating medical conditions, diet, exercise, socialization and training is developed to assist in changing your dog's behavior.
4. Behavioral Modification Plan
   Finally, a custom-tailored program is designed to help increase your dog's desire to engage in appropriate behaviors. There are no quick fixes. Behavior rarely changes overnight. A loving and systematic approach that addresses the cause of unwanted behaviors, and not just the symptoms, is the key to a fulfilling long-term relationship with your pet.

Did you know The SPCA has Free Behavior Handouts and a Free Behavior Helpline?

Click here to view or print out behavior tip sheets on everything from separation anxiety to litter box training! Still need help? No problem! Call our free behavior helpline at 831-264-5422! You can also "Ask the Experts" online!

Free Behavior Helpline

Is your dog barking? Is your cat scratching? Is your puppy chewing everything in sight? We have you covered! Call our free behavior helpline at 831-264-5422! You can also "Ask the Experts" online!

Click here to view or print out free behavior tip sheets on everything from separation anxiety to litterbox training! The SPCA for Monterey County is your resource for everything related to animals.