Can you consult with me virtually?

All of our intake assessments are conducted virtually but your veterinary behavior evaluation must be conducted in person. We can provide virtual training sessions and follow up consultations for patients our vets have in person within the last 6-8 months. Vet to Vet teleconsultations are an option for those living outside of Illinois. Telemedicine follow-up and training appointments are well suited to dogs and cats that display fear or aggression towards unfamiliar people, fear and aggression in the veterinary clinic, fear of car travel, and fear of the outdoors. Telemedicine is also a great option for clients that must travel hours to reach our clinic.

Do you need to see my pet’s behavioral problem directly to help?

While we will want to observe your pet’s natural day-to-day behavior during appointments, you will not be asked to demonstrate the behavioral problem nor will our staff intentionally provoke a reaction from your pet. Directly witnessing the problem is not necessary for us to determine the underlying cause of the problem and intentionally provoking the behavior could put you and your pet at risk for injury while creating unnecessary distress for your pet.

2 of my pets are fighting. Who do I book the intake assessment for?

We recommend booking an intake assessment for the pet that has the most behavioral concerns, but please be aware that in many cases of interdog or intercat aggression both pets have either behavioral or medical conditions that are contributing to the fights. Since we cannot address all of these issues effectively in the 60 minute time span of one intake, we recommend scheduling an appointment for one pet at a time. Most of our clients elect to bring the pet they suspect is causing the issue and later schedule a second intake for their other pet. 

Nothing I’ve tried has worked. Should I give up?

Don’t give up hope! Many of the pets that we evaluate have completed multiple training classes, one-on-one sessions with trainers, or may have shown insufficient responses to medications and treatments prescribed by their veterinarians. Our practice is dedicated to providing evidence-based and humane treatments for behavior problems that help to improve your bond with your pet. We can work with you to develop new options or refine previous techniques for improved success.  We can also discuss any barriers you may have faced in implementing previous recommendations.

What can I expect during appointments at Insight?

Why do you require full payment to book an appointment?

We strive to provide a thorough and productive assessment for each pet, which means that we spend considerable time prior to your appointment reviewing your pet’s medical records and behavioral history. Additionally, paying in advance helps to prevent delays at the end of the appointment, minimizing stress for you and your pet.

We also endeavor to help as many clients and pets as we can, as efficiently as possible, which we can best achieve by collecting full payment at the time of booking. We understand that paying the consultation fee in advance of your appointment represents a significant commitment on your part, and we appreciate your trust.

What is your payment and cancellation policy?

Payment is taken at the time of scheduling and consultation and treatment appointment fees are non-refundable. If you cancel your appointment, you will forfeit the fee to Insight Animal Behavior Services, PC.

• If you reschedule your appointment 72 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment, the fee will be carried over to the new appointment one time.

• If you reschedule your appointment less than 72 hours in advance of your scheduled appointment, you will forfeit the appointment fee and must pay a new appointment fee before the appointment is rescheduled.

• If you reschedule your appointment a second time, you will forfeit the appointment fee and must pay a new fee before the appointment is rescheduled.

What if I can’t make my appointment due to illness?

We value the health of all of our clients, patients, employees and their families. Please contact us so we may assist you with rescheduling in the event you cannot make it to your appointment due to illness.

Will my pet receive the same quality of care from an Insight resident veterinarian vs. Dr. Ballantyne or Dr. Kuntz?

Yes! The ACVB veterinary behavior residency is a rigorous training program and Dr. Ballantyne works closely with her residents to develop their skills as veterinary behaviorists. You can be assured that your pet will receive the same high-quality level of care whether treated by Dr. Drewno, Dr. Kuntz, or Dr. Ballantyne. The Insight veterinarians, nurses, and trainers meet regularly for case rounds to discuss any particularly difficult cases, including patients not responding as expected to treatment, and assist one another in making adjustments to the treatment plan when needed. This is a true team based approach to treatment.