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WHAT IS THE COST OF DOG BEHAVIOR CONSULTING, AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

The quickest way to reach me is through the Contact Us form. If calling, please give your name and phone number twice and the reason for your call. It would be beneficial if you give me some info about your concerns. I'll reply as soon as I can! We'll either book an appointment, or I'll refer you to a trusted colleague with the right expertise. If we're a good fit, you'll fill out a detailed history questionnaire. You'll return the history questionnaire before we meet. You'll sign waivers/releases electronically.

Payment is required at the time of service. Pupstart takes cash, checks with a photo ID, and credit cards using Square for in-person visits. Remote visits are invoiced from Square via email, and you'll pay by credit card.

Here are the services I offer: 

• Behavior Consults via phone, Zoom, or in-person in the Des Moines, Iowa, metro area. Block off 90 minutes to two uninterrupted hours for your initial visit. This visit provides you with lots of training tips and ideas to implement immediately. Don't worry...it will be worth it! This allows sufficient time to get to know you, your family, and your dog's training or behavior modification needs. After this meeting, you'll have options to continue your dog's training, such as a package of sessions with me or a referral to my best-suited colleague's in-home services or group classes. There will be no high-pressure tactics.

  • Behavior Consults for fear, shyness, house soiling, destructive behavior, and threatening behavior (not including cases where a dog's teeth or claws have scratched, bruised, or punctured human skin or another animal's skin) are $125.00+ (depending on the complexity of the problem), per hour in-person or remote. Behavior modification package options are priced on an individual basis.

  • Virtual dog bite consults/assessments are charged at $150-$250/hour (depending on severity.) Your veterinarian must refer these cases. NO EXCEPTIONS. Contact Pupstart for more information on how to put that in motion. These dog bite cases are not accepted: your dog has a lengthy bite history, law enforcement has intervened, a lawsuit is pending, a dog killed another pet, or a human or animal victim suffered severe injury. 

• A Zoom Pre-Pet Consult is $100.00. This will help you prepare your home for your new puppy or new-to-you dog.

• A Zoom Pet Selection Consult is $100.00. This will help you choose an ethical, responsible breeder or shelter/rescue, and teach you how to "stack the deck in your favor" by selecting a physically healthy and behaviorally sound pet.

Travel required more than 40 miles outside the Des Moines metro incurs an additional travel fee. 

Your dog must be healthy and current on vaccinations. Titers are accepted with proof from your veterinarian.   

For more information, contact Pupstart now to discuss your dog's needs.