Presented by Dr. Christopher Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC, of Portland's Animal Behavior Clinic 

Co-sponsored by the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance

Behavioral medication can be a compassionate, life-saving tool to address fear and anxiety too often suffered by animals housed in shelters.  It can also address behavioral issues that may be an impediment to adoption. 

Spending any length of time in a shelter can be stressful for any animal. Reducing stress has been shown to have positive impacts on adoption rates, adoption success, length of time in foster homes and return rates. Enrichment, daily management and behavior modification can help – but medication can also play a role. 

Dr. Pachel and the Animal Behavior Clinic have seen pharmaceutical intervention have a positive impact on:

• Repetitive/stereotypic behaviors
• Excessive or persistent vocalizations
• Destructive behaviors
• Avoidance behavior
• Worsening or change in behavior over time (as reported by volunteers or staff)
• Excessive arousal
• Excessive self-directed behaviors (grooming, licking, etc.)
• Gastrointestinal upset
• And more

While medication use generally isn't automatic in any of these conditions, there are circumstances in which you may want to consider it. When? How? How long? Dr. Pachel will answer these questions and more to help you help your animals.

HSHV thanks the Michigan Pet Fund Alliance for co-sponsoring this event.