Appointments
Q: For which species do you accept appointments?
A: Dr. Radosta accepts appointments for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, ferrets, monkeys, exotics and small mammals.
Q: Why does a behavior appointment take 2 hours?
A: Behavior problems are often complex because genetics, environment and learning affect an animal’s behavior at any given point in its life. It takes time to dissect which factors are at play and make the correct diagnosis. In addition, it takes time to demonstrate the behavior modification which will be necessary to treat the pet’s behavior problem.
Q: How do I know if you can help my pet?
A: Many owners feel that their pet’s problem is unique and are concerned that it is so severe or rare that it cannot be treated. Rest assured that most pet behavior problems can be treated and that Dr. Radosta has seen most behavior problems previously. Before your pet is evaluated, we can’t tell you how your pet’s exact problem will be treated. While every problem cannot be cured, many problems can be treated and managed so that the pet and the owner have a better quality of life. If you would like to read other people’s experiences, visit our Testimonials page.
Q: Why do I have to fill out the pre-appointment questionnaire?
A: There are at least 5 players in any behavior case: the pet, the pet’s health, the environment, the animals and people with whom the pet interacts and what the pet has learned over the course of his or her life. In order to solve the mystery, information should be gathered on all players. If that information was taken at the time of the appointment, the appointment would take roughly an hour longer, increasing the cost of the appointment as well. The pre-appointment questionnaire contains essential information in an easily read form. It is reviewed by Dr. Radosta prior to the appointment so that the appointment time can be used more effectively.
Q: Are recheck appointments necessary?
A: Recheck appointments may be necessary depending on the animal’s specific diagnosis, the severity and chronicity of the pet’s disorder, the owner’s goals and the course of treatment. When you meet with Dr. Radosta she will assess your pet and discuss whether rechecks will be necessary. For most appointments, control can be achieved within the first couple of months. In severe cases or in cases where the owner’s goals are beyond simply controlling the pet’s behavior, rechecks are often necessary.
Q: What should I bring to my appointment?
A: Bring each pet that is involved in the behavior problem. For example, if 2 of your cats are fighting, you should bring both cats to the appointment. Also, bring your pet’s favorite treat and/or toy and a log of your pet’s negative behavior for the 7 days preceding the appointment.
Q: I have an aggressive dog and I am concerned about waiting in the waiting room for my appointment. What can I do?
A: When you make your appointment, tell the receptionist your concern and she will speak to Dr. Radosta. We will do our best to schedule your pet when the hospital is not busy. When that is not possible, we will make arrangements to meet you outside and walk your pet through the lobby into the examination room if necessary. If you would like a house call appointment instead of an in-clinic appointment, call 561-795-9398 or email us at info@flvetbehavior.com.
Q: Who should come to the appointment?
A: Ideally, all members of the family should attend the appointment so that Dr. Radosta can address their concerns directly and speak to everyone involved about the treatment plan for your pet.
Q: What should I do before the appointment?
A: Prior to your appointment, fill out a questionnaire for each pet that is involved in the problem behavior. You can download a questionnaire by clicking here. If you would like the questionnaire mailed, emailed or faxed to you contact us by phone (561-795-9398) or email. The questionnaire must be received 3 days prior to your pet’s appointment to hold your appointment time. You can return your pet’s questionnaire by fax (561-795-8537), mail (PO Box 210636, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421-0636) or email (info@flvetbehavior.com). Videotape your pet’s undesirable behavior if it is safe to do so and send the videotape or DVD to the address above. Do not provoke aggressive behavior or do anything that may cause you, your pet, someone else or someone else’s pet harm in order to make the videotape. Finally, call your pet’s primary care veterinarian and ask that your pet’s medical records to be faxed to Dr. Radosta at 561-795-8537.
Q: Do I have to get a videotape of my pet’s behavior to be seen for an appointment?
A: No. You do not have to have a videotape of your pet’s behavior to be seen for an appointment. Actually, we would rather you not get one if you have to provoke aggressive behavior to do so. It is helpful to see the actual behavior and the environment in which the pet lives, especially if the pet is seen in the clinic, but it is not absolutely necessary.
Q: Can you come to my home for the behavior consultation?
A: House calls are available. There is an additional travel fee above the standard appointment fee. The travel fee differs based on the distance traveled by Dr. Radosta to the city where you live. If you would like more information on house calls, contact us by phone at 561-795-9398 or email. Please let us know the city where you live when you contact us.
Q: Is is better for my pet to have a house call or an in-clinic appointment?
A: House calls have advantages because they offer Dr. Radosta the chance to see the environment. This can be very important in understanding why a pet behaves as it does. In addition, it can be more convenient for you because you don’t have to bring your pet to the clinic. This can be a big factor if the pet is very fearful at the veterinarian’s office or if there are multiple pets/people involved in the behavior problem. You will also get the opportunity to work on the problem where it occurs. On the other hand, there are disadvantages such as increased cost to you. If you send a video before the appointment or even bring it to the appointment in the clinic it can even out the difference between a house call and an in-clinic appointment. In the end, there is no evidence that pets who come into the clinic for an appointment have any better or worse outcome than pets who are seen on house calls. If you would like more information on house calls, contact us by phone at 561-795-9398 or email. Please let us know the city where you live when you contact us.
