Behavioral Consultations at Veterinary Medical Center
Helping Pets Live Happier, Less Fearful Lives
At VMC, we believe deeply in the power of behavioral care—not just for solving problems, but for preventing them before they start.
Far too often, we see pets who are scared, anxious, or even aggressive during veterinary visits. Many need to be medicated just to receive routine care like exams, vaccinations, or nail trims. We know this is stressful for both pets and their families—and it doesn’t have to be this way.
Why Behavioral Health Matters
Behavior isn’t just about obedience—it’s a critical part of your pet’s overall health and well-being. Early experiences and positive exposure to veterinary environments shape how your pet views the world.
By addressing behavioral concerns early, we can:
- Reduce fear and anxiety during vet visits and grooming
- Prevent aggression or reactivity
- Help pets feel confident with handling, new people, and unfamiliar environments
- Help pets feel confident with handling, new people, and unfamiliar environments
One of the best ways to build this confidence is through our Happy Visits—non-medical appointments designed to help your pet have positive experiences at the vet. During a Happy Visit, your pet can come into the office, get on and off the scale, explore the lobby or an exam room, and interact with our team—all without receiving any care. These visits reduce fear, build trust, and help normalize the vet experience.
Meet Dr. Kathleen Maltby
While not a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Kathleen Maltby has a strong passion and commitment to helping people and pets overcome behavior challenges that can damage the human-animal bond. Her goal is to support families in understanding and managing behavioral issues before they escalate.
Dr. Maltby believes strongly in behavioral prevention and intervention as a means of improving pets’ quality of life, reducing fear-based responses, and ultimately preventing unnecessary behavioral euthanasia. She approaches each consultation with compassion, patience, and the belief that every pet deserves the chance to live comfortably and safely in their home.
What We Offer
Our behavioral consultations are tailored to meet the unique needs of each pet and their family. We take a compassionate, customized approach that includes:
- Comprehensive assessment of your pet’s behavior history, daily habits, and home environment
- Goal setting and actionable strategies for socialization, training, and desensitization
- Hands-on techniques to build trust and comfort—such as getting pets used to having their paws, ears, and mouth gently handled
- Fear-free guidance on tools, handling methods, and stress-reduction strategies during veterinary visits
- Happy Visits as part of the acclimation process—ideal for puppies, kittens, and nervous adult pets to build positive associations with the clinic
- Collaboration with professional trainers or veterinary behaviorists when more advanced support is needed
This program is supported not only by Dr. Kathleen Maltby’s clinical leadership, but also by Cheyenne, a long-time veterinary assistant at VMC who has a special passion for helping pets that are often misunderstood due to their behavior. Cheyenne plays an integral role in arranging consultations, participating in Happy Visits, and following up with families throughout the process. Together, she and Dr. Maltby helped create and grow this behavioral care program as a valuable service for our local community.
Whether you’re raising a confident new puppy or kitten, navigating fear-based behaviors, or simply hoping to reduce your pet’s stress during visits, we’re here to help you and your pet feel more prepared, supported, and connected.
Let’s Work Together to Change the Experience
We’re passionate about making veterinary care less stressful—for everyone. When pets feel safe, they live healthier, more connected lives. And when you, as a pet owner, feel confident and empowered, your pet benefits too.
If you have questions about your pet’s behavior or would like to schedule a behavioral consultation or a Happy Visit, give us a call. We’d love to help your pet feel more at home—both in the world, and in our care.