Unique and Special

Every cat is unique and every relationship between owner and pet is special. This is always uppermost in Vicky's mind when she visits her clients and helps them address the problems they are experiencing with their cats.

Respect

Vicky's work is about the passion she has for the domestic cat as a species and the respect she has for their need to behave naturally and instinctively. Problems can often be resolved by adopting an approach that allows the cat the freedom to do just that.

Individual Needs

All behaviour therapy programmes are designed specifically for the individual client and patient; taking into account many different practical considerations including lifestyle and layout of the home. Subtle interactive and environmental changes are put in place that will help to modify the cat's behaviour.

Restoring the owner/cat relationship

All suggestions are based on knowledge and understanding of cat behaviour and psychology. However, Vicky never forgets that cat ownership is all about mutual pleasure and she will always incorporate an element of fun into all therapy programmes. The relationship between owner and cat can be damaged when behavioural problems develop and the introduction of play and "quality time" helps to restore harmony. Clients often comment that the programmes are extremely enjoyable. Most of all they feel that their relationships with their cats improve as a result of a better understanding between them. That is fundamentally what it is all about!

How the consultancy works

All instructions contained within a therapy programme are sent to the client in a comprehensive report. Vicky then provides continued advice, via email or telephone, for a further eight weeks, or longer if necessary. This enables the client to have the continued moral support and guidance that is so often needed to ensure that the best possible results are achieved. Some problems require both medical and behavioural treatment and Vicky always works closely with the referring veterinary surgeon to provide the best possible combination of medication, diet and behaviour therapy. The consultancy services include:

• Consultation in the home lasting two to three hours
• Holistic approach to therapy, exploring diet, personality, lifestyle and relationship
• Therapy programme designed for the client
• Comprehensive written report including history, explanation and detailed programme
• Written report to the referring veterinary surgeon
• Continued liaison with the client for an eight week period
• Continued liaison with the veterinary surgeon for an eight week period, if applicable

Vicky sees cases on referral from veterinary surgeons only and deals with many different problems experienced by cats including:

• Indoor marking
• House soiling
• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Any other behaviour that conflicts with the owner's expectations

Veterinary surgeons can refer cases for treatment by completing the form on the contact page or by writing to her accompanying the relevant medical history.

Fees and Insurance

Vicky's fees are covered by many of the larger pet insurance companies. She has comprehensive professional indemnity insurance and she also works with a network of some of the most experienced pet behaviour counsellors in the country to ensure that veterinary practices can obtain help with any companion animal experiencing behaviour problems.

TELEPHONE CONSULTATION SERVICE

Do you need some behavioural advice concerning your cat but not sure whether you need a full consultation? If so, Vicky can offer you a pre-arranged one-to-one telephone consultation. This is a chargeable service.

How Do I Book an Appointment for a Telephone Consultation?

You can email cats@vickyhalls.com. Please let us know your full name and contact telephone number and provide a description of the problem, giving us as much detail as possible (this should include the cat's name, age, sex and breed). Or, if you'd prefer to telephone, please do so on 01227 728129. At this stage we will confirm the fees and where you should send payment. Once we receive payment, we will call you back to arrange a date and time for the consultation.

Payment

We would ask that payment be made in advance by cheque or bank transfer. Please contact cats@vickyhalls.com for details. Please be assured, we will not bank any cheque until the telephone consultation has taken place. If, as a result of the telephone consultation an appointment is required for Vicky to come and see you in your home, we will deduct the cost of the telephone consultation from the overall cost of Vicky's face-to-face consultancy charges. The charges for the telephone consultation service are as follows:

• £45.00 for an initial telephone consultation of up to 30 minutes.

What If I've Paid My Money Up Front and The Phone Call Doesn't Take Place?

If, in the unlikely event we are unable to honour the telephone consultation and it is not rescheduled we will refund your payment. If you need to cancel the telephone consultation, we would ask that you please give us a minimum of 24 hours notice.

When Is This Service Available?

Telephone consultations are available during working hours, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.