Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most commonly asked questions!
I am not a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). However, I am a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT), now a Pet Health Consultant and hold various other credentials. Remember: Technicians are the arms and legs of any veterinary clinic and provide supportive knowledge for clients in caring for their pets.
A Pet Health Consultant is a supportive member of your pet's health care team! While many dog and cat owners attend veterinary appointments to talk with their veterinary team and get answers to their questions, many clinics are over booked and under staffed. This leaves many questions unanswered and pet owners are often left feeling lost and confused. Having another professional to consult with one-on-one outside of a clinic setting is critical for success!
I do not have a physical office location. All appointments are via phone or video..
No. While most health & wellness services focus on subscription models and self-serve/ on-demand courses, I know that this style of learning doesn't serve everyone equally. This may ultimately leave you with more questions than when you started. Individualized care with a qualified professional is far more effective than a DIY approach.
HTP provides Individualized Pet Health Consultations.
With a heavy focus on holistic care, nutrition, bite prevention and safety, there's something here for everyone to learn and care for their pets with confidence and clarity!
Most services are packaged consultations, but I also offer Acute/ Brief & VIP Support. This allows for a better opportunity for you to receive the one-on-one guidance needed to make informed decisions, even if a full consult is not needed.
All of my approaches are tailored to the individual needs of both pet and owner/ family.
That varies. However, my prices are generally all-inclusive. This means I do not charge extra to focus in on specific health or behavior concerns. All factors of mind, body & spirit are taken into consideration during our appointments. Happy Trails Pets specializes in one-on-one consults to provide individualized attention to detail in each unique case. If you need help choosing the package that's right for you, just ask!
*Please see the descriptions of each service for what is included.
Absolutely!
If you're needing some extra guidance and clarification, you can now receive professional insight regarding common questions about pet care in a 20minute or 45minute call with me!
Some things that we may be able to cover with an Acute/ Brief Support Call include:
• Food transition guidance
• Product or brand question
• Veterinary care & procedures
• Use of flea/tick & HW medications
• Second opinion on a diagnosis or medical condition
No. I do not accept any type of insurance. Payment plan options are available, please inquire. ​ Payments are made electronically before any service or consultation is provided.
Not at this time. In previous years all services have moved to a virtual format. This has been a wonderful opportunity to help even more dogs, cats and their dedicated owners! We are now making a global impact!
I will first send you a brief intake form with just a few questions regarding what you're struggling with. ​ The actual intake form can be 5-15 pages depending on the consultation. You should set aside enough time (about 30-60 minutes) to get this completed prior to the consultation. It covers a lot of very important information that pet owners are not usually asked in other wellness appointments. ​ This helps me get an in-depth analysis of the pet's medical and behavioral history, current status, and a glimpse at their home life and environment in order for us to achieve the best results possible! ​ Due to the nature of this field, it can be very difficult to get to the bottom of certain issues. We must remember, animals cannot talk! It can take quite a bit of sleuthing, as well as trial and error in order to uncover various problem areas. I created this questionnaire based off of much research, and experience to create the most detailed outline of your pet in the areas I find most important. ​ Keep in mind, a holistic/ whole body approach not only includes a current behavior or what the pet eats, but it looks at the animal's environment, and even their emotional state. Nothing is black & white. When we address physical, emotional, environmental and nutritional needs of a living organism, we can get far better results! ​ By getting the answers to these questions right away, as opposed to asking them later on, I find it saves both valuable time, and money so we can see results faster, with less effort! ​ Initial intake evaluations are always the longest and most in-depth. We need to get a good history and baseline to create a well-rounded plan for optimal results!
No. While I do affiliate with some brands/ companies, my goal is to always remain objective in my recommendations to clients while not being tied to any particular product line.
No, I do not have physical items for sale at this time. That being said, this will be an extra cost to you. But don't worry, I will only recommend what I feel is absolutely necessary for your pet and be sure to let you know where you can purchase them.
That depends on your pet's condition. Due to each individual case, I cannot say for certain. Some pets take longer than others to see results. That being said, follow-ups are included in all packages to be sure we are able to cover what is needed. We can always schedule more as needed to see results and get to our end goal!
I always encourage the entire family to be involved in the pet's care (as appropriate by age). That being said, it depends on what we're working with. For nutrition, we may be okay with one sole caretaker or both adults to be present to get a good game plan in regards to feeding and supplemental care. For behavior and training I do require both adults to be present. If only one person is working on training and behavior modification techniques we may hit a road block in results. I understand schedules can get busy so there are exceptions to this.
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For Pawsitively Safe Consultations, I generally first meet with the parents, and the follow-ups will include the children being involved and learning.
Unfortunately, no results can be guaranteed as animals can be unpredictable in nature and most results will be dependent on the work each owner puts into each session or their program. Anyone that can make guarantees in training or nutrition should raise questions, since each individual and protocol is so very different. However, I DO guarantee that I will help in any way that I can. Even if this means finding someone more suitable to take on your pet's case. This also includes providing you extra resources. Included with each consultation, I take a thorough history and analysis of the pet, as well as putting together a customized recommendation for you to follow. If for whatever reason I feel like your pet needs further help, I may recommend things such as, but not limited to; chiropractor, holistic veterinarian, other trainers, etc. ​ I will continue to work with you during the event that you also see another care provider. Having a full team is of great help in some cases! Remember, that while problems are not created overnight, neither are solutions.
Yes, all Clients must sign a Terms of Services Agreement. This will outline what to expect with an appointment, payment and cancellations, how to prepare for each session, and more. ​ These Terms will not only outline my expectations as a service provider, but they also protect you as a client! ​ You will be sent a Complimentary New Client Welcome Packet with everything you need to know about what to prepare for, and what to expect while working with me!
Cancellation, refund, and booking policy can be found in your Online Client Portal.
*There are no refunds for any services provided.
Absolutely! You can rest assured your information is not shared with anyone but you. This includes your pet's record. When you fill out intake forms, you will sign a confidentiality agreement that states your information will not be released for any reason without your prior written consent.
To schedule a consultation, first see the pricing and description of the services. Please visit the Client Login page to view directions on booking.
It is important to note, that you know your pet the best. Any information provided within this website or as a consultation: is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical care as stated in the DISCLAIMER. HAPPY TRAILS PETS reserves the right to determine if any particular service is right for you and/or dismiss any pet if it is determined they may be a danger to others and/or staff. We also reserve the right to dismiss any case that is above what we can help with (like severe or complex medical conditions). You must be honest about your pet's condition prior to and during booking.
Dog Behavior
Dog Training & Behavior
Cat Behavior
Cat Behavior & Enrichment