All animals participating in behavioral consultations or training must be examined and medically cleared by a licensed veterinarian before services begin. Documentation of a current clean bill of health or veterinary clearance may be required.

Compass Collars & Co. provides behavioral and educational recommendations only. My observations, training methods, and behavioral suggestions do not replace veterinary medical decisions, diagnoses, treatment plans, medication instructions, or care provided by a licensed veterinarian. I do not provide medical advice or recommend starting, stopping, or changing medications. Any medical concerns identified or suspected during behavioral services will be referred back to the animal’s attending veterinarian.

Pricing is customized according to the individual case, requested service, location, travel requirements, complexity, and urgency. After the complimentary initial consultation, clients will receive a written service recommendation and quote outlining the proposed scope, fees, and applicable terms.

Behavioral services require full payment before the scheduled consultation or training begins. Payments are non-refundable unless otherwise stated in the written service agreement. Requested dates are not reserved until all required agreements and payments have been completed.

Scheduling depends on current availability, location, case complexity, and the amount of preparation required. Expedited consultations may be considered when availability allows and are subject to an additional expedited-service fee.

Compass Collars & Co. focuses on behavior modification, handling, management, and safety. I do not provide puppy obedience classes or board-and-train services.

Results & Client Responsibility

Behavioral outcomes vary based on the individual animal, the severity and history of the behavior, medical and environmental factors, and the consistency with which recommendations are followed. No specific result or timeline can be guaranteed.

Behavior modification is not always a linear process. Recommendations may need to be adjusted as new information becomes available or the animal’s behavior changes. Clients are responsible for following the agreed-upon safety and management plan, completing recommended exercises, and reporting changes or concerns promptly.

Referrals & Rehoming Support

If an animal’s needs extend beyond my services, I may recommend working with a veterinarian, qualified trainer, or specialized facility. Any referral will be based on the animal’s individual needs, safety concerns, and the type of support required. Clients remain responsible for researching and selecting the provider or facility.

When rehoming is being considered, I may assist with evaluating behavioral needs, identifying an appropriate home environment, and discussing questions to ask prospective owners. I cannot locate or guarantee placement, approve a future owner, or guarantee the animal’s behavior after rehoming.

Veterinary Team Training

Veterinary team training is customized around the hospital’s staff size, workflow, environment, and identified concerns. Training may include behavioral observation, safer handling strategies, lower-stress patient care, staff communication, client education, and practical implementation within existing hospital procedures.

The number of participants is determined during the initial consultation. Larger teams or more extensive training needs may require additional onsite hours or multiple training dates, which will be included in the written service recommendation and quote.

High-Risk Cases & Behavioral Euthanasia

Behavioral euthanasia is one of the most heartbreaking topics in animal care, and it is never a decision made lightly. In rare and severe cases—such as when an animal presents a significant and ongoing danger to people, other animals, or themselves, it may be considered after reasonable training, behavioral modification, medical evaluation, and management options have been explored.

This is not about giving up on an animal. In some cases, an animal may be living with persistent fear, anxiety, aggression, or distress that severely affects their quality of life and cannot be safely or humanely managed. When safety risks and suffering cannot be adequately reduced, behavioral euthanasia may be considered a humane and responsible decision.

I may provide behavioral observations, risk-related information, and practical recommendations to help clients and veterinary professionals evaluate the available options. However, I do not diagnose medical or behavioral conditions, make the final decision regarding euthanasia, or perform euthanasia. That decision must be made by the animal’s owner in consultation with a licensed veterinarian and, when appropriate, a veterinary behaviorist.

There is no shame in asking questions or seeking support while facing such a difficult situation. I can provide guidance within the behavioral scope of my services while the animal’s veterinary team addresses medical considerations and decisions.

If an animal presents an immediate danger or urgent medical concern, contact the animal’s veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital. Compass Collars & Co. does not provide emergency or crisis-response services.