A behaviour modification plan, or treatment plan, typically takes place over a 3-month period and comprises an initial virtual consultation from which a bespoke behaviour modification plan will be individually created for your animal and their issue, providing advice and training on how to work with your animal and their problem behaviour. In some cases, a vet report will also be provided. Over the following weeks the behaviour modification plan (BMP) can be put into place and 3 more follow-up virtual consultations are available to review progress, discuss any obstacles and tweak or develop techniques. We’ll be with you throughout the entire plan, you can send updates and questions as you go.

The success of a behaviour modification programme is down to the hard-work of the owners. To successfully treat a behavioural issue it may take a significant amount of time, hard work and commitment from every member in the family, as well as those of us working to help improve the animal’s quality of life. There is usually no quick-fix for a long-term behavioural change, therefore owners must be aware of the effort required before undergoing referral. If adjunct therapy is recommended, for example, psychopharmacy, then this is adjunct to the behaviour modification programme, there is not usually one quick cure that will work in behavioural science and medicine.

If your pet is insured, check with your company as they may cover behaviour referrals.

Many insurance companies do provide cover for behavioural problems as part of their policies.

If you are unsure if your policy does cover it is worthwhile calling your insurance company to check. If you are considering being referred to Donovan Veterinary Behaviour Practice it is important to tell your insurance company that you are having an appointment with a veterinary surgeon, who is a provisional member of the APBC, working in behavioural medicine as this may affect the level of cover that is available for your pet.

Each insurance company provides a different level of cover, therefore it is advisable that you check your policy documents which should contain all the necessary information regarding your excess level and cover available.

Although we cannot claim directly from the insurance company, we can complete the necessary paperwork to enable you to claim the money back on your insurance. If further veterinary work-up or tests are required, these will be continued and charged as normal with your own referring veterinary practice.

In case of an emergency, please contact the veterinary practice that your animal is registered with or their out of office practice provider.