What is a Veterinary Behaviorist and When Do I Need One?

Saturday, July 18, 2020 from 4 to 5 p.m. via Zoom webcast
Presented by Dr. Amy Learn

There are many pets who have trouble coping with certain situations or the world around them. These pets may be extremely anxious, act in an aggressive manner or develop compulsive behaviors.  It is essential to evaluate the emotional contributions to behaviors in order to  make a treatment plan that allows the pet to cope with life’s stressors.

Have you ever wondered what a veterinary behaviorist does or why a pet would need to consult with one? Veterinary Behaviorists are licensed veterinarians that have achieved board-certification in the specialty of Veterinary Behavior. Pets of all types and ages may need help and we want you to know when to get them additional behavior assistance. This presentation will be beneficial for veterinarians, trainers, behavior consultants and many other pet professionals who work with a variety of animals.  Pet guardians may also find this information useful while pursuing help for pets displaying behavioral and emotional issues.

CEU’s:
CBCC-KA 1
IAABC Lecture – 1
RACE for veterinarians
To submit CEU’s please contact Alisha Fritz at afritz@richmondspca.org.

Topics covered will include:

• What is a veterinary behaviorist? What specialized training have they received?
• What can a veterinary behaviorist offer to clients that is different from a family practice vet?
• What types of behaviors and symptoms indicate that an animal should be referred to a veterinary behaviorist?
• How does a veterinary behaviorist work with veterinarians and trainers/behavior consultants?
• What are examples of medical issues affecting behavior?
• How do you find a veterinary behaviorist in your area?
• What can you do when a client doesn’t have a veterinary behaviorist in their area or can’t afford these specialized services?
• Time will be available for questions at the end of the webinar.

Proceeds to benefit the Richmond SPCA.

About Amy Learn, VMD

Dr. Amy Learn is Chief of Medicine at the Animal Behavior Wellness Center’s Richmond location. Dr. Learn is in her last year of residency in Clinical Behavioral Medicine. She is currently co-mentored by Dr. Amy Pike and Dr. Lisa Radosta.

She earned her Veterinariae Medicinae Doctoris from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. After graduating, she completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery with rotations in medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, dentistry, general practice, emergency, oncology, dermatology, cardiology and neurology. She has been practicing general medicine for 15 years. Before deciding on a behavior residency, Dr. Learn had been pursuing surgery as a specialty. She ultimately realized that treating pets with behavior problems was her calling.

​Certifications, Affiliations and Awards:

• Low Stress Handling – Certified Silver (2016)
• Fear Free Certified Professional, Level 1 (2016)
• Volunteer with Project Chimps (2016 – present)
• Fear Free Certified Professional, Level 2 (2017)
• Fear Free Certified Professional, Level 3 (2018)
• R.K. Anderson ACVB Resident Award (2019)