Compassionate, Science-Based Solutions for Pets and Their Humans
In-home and telemedicine pet behavior care with kindness and expertise
Serving Tampa Bay and beyond — helping families understand and support their pets through evidence-based care.
The goal of a veterinary behavior consultation is to identify not only the underlying behavioral diagnosis (or diagnoses) but also the emotion that drives the behavior.
Behaviors don’t occur in isolation — they are expressions of how an animal feels. Fear, anxiety, frustration, or conflict often lie at the core of what you see on the surface. Once we understand both the diagnosis and the emotion behind your pet’s actions, we can begin to help them feel safer and behave more comfortably.
Your pet’s treatment plan will be multifaceted and may include:
Environmental management – Adjusting your pet’s surroundings and daily routines to minimize triggers and set them up for success.
Behavior modification – Actively teaching your pet new, calmer ways to respond through counterconditioning, desensitization, and clear communication.
Medication – In some cases, medication can help reduce fear or anxiety so your pet can learn more effectively. Every pet is unique, and recommendations are made case-by-case.
Monitoring – Ongoing follow-up to assess progress and fine-tune the plan as your pet improves.
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IN-HOME Initial Consultation: $495 +/– travel time
2-3 hours in duration. $50 surcharge for weekends.
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TELEMEDICINE Initial Consultation: $465
2-3 hours in duration. REQUIRES COLLABORATION WITH YOUR PRIMARY CARE VET. Click here for more information.
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Zoom follow-up: $185
30-60 minutes. Typically recommended 6-8 weeks after the initial consultation, and then every 2-6 months until behaviors are managed.
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Annual follow-up (in-person): $210
30-45 minutes. Takes place at Tampa Bay Veterinary Specialists in Largo.
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Urgent/Priority Scheduling Add-On
Additional fee. For patients at critical risk of euthanasia, rehoming, or self-injury. Please complete a questionnaire and then CONTACT US for expedited scheduling.
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Multipet appointments
Discounts are available for multiplet appointments (dogs, cats, or both). Please contact us for more information.
Have a question?
Here are answers to some of the most common ones.
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No — I am a veterinarian with a special focus in behavior. This appointment is a medical evaluation of your pet’s behavior, which means we look for underlying emotional, physical, and environmental factors that may contribute to what you’re seeing. I’ll help you understand why the behavior is happening and give you a step-by-step plan to begin addressing it.
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If more than one pet has behavior concerns, a consultation is recommended for each so I can fully assess them. Discounts are available for multi-pet appointments. Please contact us to discuss options.
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The initial consult is usually 2-3 hours. Please allow enough time so we can fully understand your pet’s behavior and begin their plan without feeling rushed.
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Some improvements may happen quickly through environmental management or shorter-acting medications, while deeper behavior change can take weeks to months.
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Yes. Behavior modification and environmental management are an important part of any behavior plan. When appropriate, we can discuss supplements or medications to reduce fear or anxiety so your pet can learn more effectively.
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Most patients will need a recheck 6-8 weeks after the first visit, and then as-needed based on progress. Rechecks are usually 45–60 minutes and help fine-tune your pet’s plan.
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Yes — you can email me anytime for brief questions. If it’s been over a month since your last visit, if there is a new problem, or if the issue needs in-depth discussion, we will schedule a recheck. My technician, Mary, is also available by text for support.
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Payment is due at the end of your consultation. Cash, check, Zelle, and Venmo are accepted for in-person visits. Credit cards can be used for rechecks and deposits.
We also accept CareCredit.
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In-home consultations are offered in the following counties: Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando, Polk, Manatee, and Sarasota. ALL areas of Florida can be served by telemedicine consults!
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I am not a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behavior. However, I have almost 6,000 hours of behavior case experience, have seen thousands of behavior appointments, and have almost 300 hours of continuing education in veterinary behavior. I have also served on the executive board of the American Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) since 2020, and was president of AVSAB from 2022-2024.
Hospital Presentations
I offer presentations for veterinarians and support staff, covering topics such as:
How not to panic when a patient presents with a behavior concern.
Client communication regarding behavior concerns.
Reading canine/feline body language for safer interactions and better patient care.
Adjusting OUR body language for safer interactions and better patient care.
Managing patients who are on behavior medications (e.g., drug interactions).
Email or call us at 727-437-9906 to get something scheduled for your team!
About Dr. Edwards
Dr. Steven Edwards is a veterinarian with a special interest in animal behavior. He has completed nearly 300 hours of continuing education in veterinary behavior and has served on the Executive Board of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) since 2020, including as President from 2022–2024.
Dr. Edwards focuses almost exclusively on behavior consultations and educational outreach throughout Florida.