Welcoming a new pet into your home is one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences.  However, sometimes problems also come home with your new pet.  Many pet ownership problems could be avoided before they begin.

There are many factors to consider before choosing the pet that is best for you and your family.  Sometimes that cute face at the pet store, shelter, or in a magazine may not be the best choice for you.  We offer a service to prospective pet owners to assist them in making the most realistic selection.  Pre-pet selection counseling
includes a coupon worth $25.00 toward puppy kindergarten when you get your puppy.

The service includes:

•  A visit to your home to help evaluate your lifestyle and how it relates  to adopting a pet

•  A pre-pet selection questionnaire

•  A written analysis of which breed(s) would be appropriate with your lifestyle and family

•  Follow-up consultations as you grow closer to making your pet choice

Additional services available:

•  Providing a temperament test on the animal you are considering

•  Researching breeders, shelters, and rescue organizations

•  Helping you set up your home to welcome your new addition

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New Puppy ABCs

You’ve got a new puppy and what the puppy learns during the first seven to sixteen weeks of its life will affect its behavior.  We provide counseling in all of the basics, including socialization tips, feeding, house training, basic obedience, handling, problem prevention, and “how to speak dog,” as well as what to expect in the future as your puppy
matures into adolescence and adulthood. 

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New Baby Preparation

The addition of a new baby to a household can upset the social environment and the pets in the household.  Steps can be taken to greatly reduce the probability of this happening.  We will provide information in the following areas:  what to do before the baby arrives, when the baby comes home, and after your child’s arrival through the toddler years. 

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Adding a Pet to the Family

Considering adding another cat or dog to your household?   If you have made the decision to add a pet to your family we can help ready your household for the addition.  If you are considering adding a particular animal and would like a second opinion regarding the fit between the dog or cat and your family we can
assist in that evaluation. 

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What Every New Dog or Cat Owner Should Know   

How to meet the needs of your new dog or cat including housing, health care, diet, grooming, socialization, training, and problem prevention. 

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Behavioral Consultations

Family Pet Consultants analyzes and treats a variety of dog and cat behavior problems.  Some of the more common dog behavior problems include aggression, inappropriate elimination, separation anxiety, destructive behavior, escaping from yard/house, jumping on people and furniture, overprotection of family/property, excessive barking, fears and phobias, and excessive submission.  Some of the more common cat behavior problems include inappropriate elimination, scratching furniture, aggression, excessive vocalization, fearfulness, separation anxiety, feeding problems, compulsive disorders, and wool eating.   The methods we use to modify behavior are rooted in the fundamentals of learning theory and recognize that they have a direct effect on an animal’s emotional and physical well-being.  The most successful behavior modification plan utilizes ALL that the pet finds rewarding to motivate and change behavior.  Playtime, toys, walks, attention, access in/out of doors, and food are all great motivators for our furry friends.  We utilize positive reinforcement techniques for appropriate behavior and also ensure that the pet understands the difference between correct and incorrect behavior without inflicting emotional or physical harm. 

We will work closely with your veterinarian to ensure continuity of care for your pet.  Often, a behavioral problem will occur because an animal is experiencing a medical problem, e.g., aggression in dogs and elimination and marking in cats.  In these cases we recommend that a veterinarian rule out any medical disorder(s) before proceeding with a behavior modification plan.  If medication will help to facilitate an improvement in your pet’s behavior, we will work with your veterinarian to incorporate behavioral pharmacology into the treatment plan.                                                                   

The following steps are implemented during a behavioral consultation:

•    Gather information on your pet via a pet behavior history form

•    Conduct the behavioral interview

•    Observe your pet to see how he/she behaves

•    Use this information to analyze your pet’s behavior problem(s)

•    Develop and produce a custom behavior modification plan for you

•    Follow up with 2 months of telephone or email follow-up

After you contact us we will mail, email, or fax you a behavioral history form.  When we receive the form in our office a consultant will contact you to schedule an appointment.  All behavioral consultations take place in our office and are by appointment only.  Our office is located at 200 Republic, Unit C, Joliet, IL.  An office consultation normally requires 1 ½ to 2 hours.  This service includes the following:

2.   One 45-minute follow-up visit.

•  One 15-minute phone call or email within the first week after your follow-up visit

•  One 15-minute phone call or email after the first month of implementing our  
   treatment recommendations 

•  One 15-minute phone call or email at the end of your 2-month treatment period (If
   you need additional help at the end of the 2-month treatment period, an additional
   follow- up appointment should be scheduled). 

All involved family members should make an attempt to be at the appointment so that they can provide input to the history of your pet’s behavior problem, as well as be present for the discussion of the treatment of the problem.  Also, please bring a bag of your pet’s favorite treats (soft treats cut up into very small pieces (1/4 of 1” around) e.g., tiny pieces of hot dog, cheese, turkey, liver, etc. No biscuits, please).  If your pet’s problem is fighting with another household pet, we ask that no more than two animals be present at the appointment without prior approval from the consultant on the case.  A videotape of the pet(s) exhibiting the problem(s) is helpful (see below on how to set up video sessions).  We also offer assistance to set up the video camera in your home.

Cancellation Policy: When you return the questionnaire there is a $50.00 fee for the consultant’s review of it and to hold the appointment time.  If you cancel or postpone an appointment with less than 24 hours notice, the $50.00 fee is not refunded.  If you postpone with 24 hours notice, the fee is applied to your next visit.  If you cancel with 24 hours notice, your fee is refunded, minus a $25.00 review fee.  (Exceptions for canceling soon after sending questionnaire will be made at the discretion of Family Pet Consultants.)
 

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Videotaping Your Pet

• If you videotape your pet that is fighting with other
  household pets, if necessary, separate them with leashes and/or behind gates or glass doors. We can determine quite a bit by body language between the pets.

• If your pet suffers from potential separation anxiety or compulsive disorder do not videotape him/her if you feel that he/she will be harmed. Set up a video camera in your house WHEN YOU ARE NOT HOME.  Place the camera to view the most area of the house as possible where your pet is allowed when you are gone.  You can also make a brief videotape of your pet when you are with it, especially if it displays the behavior in your presence.

• Do NOT videotape your pet in aggressive situations towards people or other animals. We just would like to visualize your pet’s environment.

• If you videotape your pet displaying urine marking or inappropriate elimination, focus on the layout of your house and yard and any vantage points that your pet may have of the outside.  Display the areas where your pet has eliminated.  If possible, catch your pet in the act.

• If possible, videotape your pet in normal situations, such as play and resting, on walks, in your yard, and while interacting with different family members.

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Private Dog Training

If you have a busy schedule or a dog that is anxious around other dogs, private training may be for you.  We develop a training plan to fit your schedule.  You receive one-on-one personal attention, which assures that all of your questions will be answered, and all of your goals will be met.  The training is tailored to meet your dog's needs and individual characteristics.  We meet when you and your dog are ready for the next lesson.  The schedule and number of lessons are flexible.  At our location, or in your home, your dog(s) will be trained to sit, stay, down, come, and walk on a loose leash.  We also provide counseling for behavior issues such as housebreaking, car and yard manners, jumping, digging, and more.
 

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Private Dog Parties
We do dog parties!  Celebrate your dog with the best. To learn more click on the following link: Private Party Package Pricing. The total cost of a party will be
determined after a party is finalized.

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Gift Certificates

We offer gift certificates in the following increments.  

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