Book an Appointment
Our website is currently being updated, but you can still book an appointment in the meantime!
As the only Veterinary Animal Behaviour Specialist in Eastern Ontario, Dr. Wilson has a unique responsibility to you.
Her assessment uses information about history, interactions with family and the environment. As a medical professional, her comprehensive consultation will rule out any medical issues contributing to your pet’s behaviour.
Your individual plan will include the most current science-based information proven to help your pet and family feel better long-term.
About Dr. Colleen Wilson
BSc, DVM, Dipl. ACVB
Dr. Wilson’s journey to becoming a Specialist in Animal Behaviour began with her Bachelor of Science at the University of New Brunswick, where she double majored in Biology and Psychology. She then earned her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the Atlantic Veterinary College. Her unique path includes 15 years of experience in general practice, which enriched her practical knowledge and understanding of animal behaviour. This was followed by her residency with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, where she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
Dr. Colleen Wilson holds a unique position as the only Veterinary Specialist in Animal Behaviour in Eastern Ontario and one of only 10 in Canada. Her passion is communicating and clarifying the most current science about Animal Behaviour to pet owners and veterinary professionals. She is a member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour, an official Fear Free Speakers Bureau member, and Elite Fear Free certified.
Dr. Wilson’s published research in peer-reviewed journals includes “Owner Observations regarding Cat Scratching Behaviour, An Internet Survey.” She is also a contributing author to the more recent study in 2020 on “Pain and Problem Behavior in Cats and Dogs.” Dr. Wilson authored the most current recommendations for the Canadian Transport Agency for transporting emotional support animals on board transport equipment.
F.A.Q.
1. What type of species does Dr. Wilson treat?
Dr. Wilson specializes in Dog and Cat behaviour problems
2. What types of behaviours does Dr. Wilson treat?
Aggression towards people and/or animals
Generalized anxiety
Separation anxiety
Destructive behaviours
Fearfulness, hiding, anti-social behaviour
Urine marking and inappropriate elimination
Eating of non-food objects
Fear of loud noises (thunderstorms, fireworks)
Travel-related problems (car sickness, trailering issues)
Repetitive behaviours (light chasing, tail chasing, fly snapping, licking)
Fear/distress during veterinary or grooming visits
Age-related behaviour changes (emerging behaviours during adolescence, cognitive dysfunction, etc.)
Self-injury
Hyperactivity
Excessive barking/vocalizing
Mouthing/nipping
…And more
3. How can I schedule an appointment?
All of our appointments can be scheduled online. After booking your appointment, fill out a behaviour questionnaire and send it to colleenwilsonbehaviourvet@gmail.com at least 48 hours prior to your appointment.
4. What is the cost of a consultation?
Please see the booking page for all appointment costs
5. Why do you require a questionnaire for every patient prior to an appointment?
The questionnaire allows Dr. Wilson to study and review your individual situation prior to the visit. This gives us extra time to monitor your pet’s behaviour during the appointment and focus on your specific individual concerns.
6. What is the consultation process?
Clients fill out a questionnaire before the consultation. This provides the background information needed to be able to make appropriate recommendations that will work for an individual client and their pet(s).
During the consultation, if there are any videos or pictures you would like to discuss this would be helpful. Note: please do not set up your pet for any concerning behaviour for the sole purpose of video footage for the consultation. A verbal description is more than adequate. Ask your veterinarian to send along any recent veterinary medical records.
In partnership, a comprehensive treatment plan will be developed to guide you.
The initial package includes a 1-2hr initial consultation with Dr. Wilson, a check-in over the phone with Katharine 2-3 weeks later and a recheck with Dr. Wilson 8-9 weeks after the initial consult. Additional rechecks will be recommended as needed.
All pets are required to be appropriately contained/under your control (fixed length leash for dogs, carrier for cats). Feel free to bring any of your pet's favourite treats/items.
When you arrive, Katharine will greet you and bring you to the consult room.
Payment will be collected after the appointment at reception. After the appointment, we will send you and your veterinary clinic a behaviour report.
All meetings with Dr. Wilson are in-person, at VSCAN (2300 Carling Ave. Ottawa).
7. Do you ever prescribe medication?
In some cases, behaviour modification will be supplemented with natural supplements and/or medications.
8. How do I ensure that my goals have a reasonable chance of success?
During your consult, Dr. Wilson will assess your pet to determine their needs and discuss typical outcomes.
9. What are Dr. Wilson’s qualifications?
Dr. Wilson has over 20 years of experience as a veterinarian and has been focusing on behaviour since 2010. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.
As per the ACVB:
“Veterinary Behaviorists are licensed veterinarians who have graduated from a recognized college of veterinary medicine and completed at least one year of internship or primary care practice. They have also undergone additional behavior-specific training which includes at least 3 years of case supervision by an established Diplomate, conducting original behavior research which earns publication in a peer-reviewed journal, authored 3 formal case reports that were approved by a review committee of Diplomates, and passed a rigorous 2-day Board Examination.”
For more information visit: https://www.dacvb.org/
Dr. Wilson is also Elite Fear Free Certified and a member of the Fear Free Speakers Bureau. For more information visit: https://fearfreepets.com/about/what-is-fear-free/