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 Dr. Michelle Posage has joined the Animal Medical Center of New England as Director of Behavior Services and is accepting behavior consultations at the newly established facility. Dr. Posage is a graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and has been in general practice at the Animal Hospital of Nashua and the Animal Hospital at Ferry Road for more than five years. She is a published author having published articles in both JAVMA and Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Posage co-authored “Behavioral Pharmacotherapy in the Animal Shelter,” a chapter that was included in Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff published by Blackwell Publishing and is available at the Barnes and Noble online bookstore.
Clients referred to Dr. Posage will receive an initial two-hour consultation and three months of weekly telephone follow up to monitor progress and to address questions. Clients will also receive a behavioral diagnosis and a written treatment plan that is individualized and documented in detail for home reference by the client and for distribution to the referring veterinarian.
Three years of experience at a behavior specialty practice in Massachusetts taught Dr. Posage the means of being effective in pet behavior counseling. “In addition to having an extensive knowledge of normal and abnormal animal behavior one must listen to the client and ask the right questions;” explains Dr. Posage, “it is essential to select treatment options that are within the capability of the owner and to explain the treatment thoroughly. Follow up is critical both as motivation and support for the client.”
In addition to treating behavior problems, Dr. Posage plans to develop a wide variety of programs geared towards behavior problem prevention. Dr. Posage has been conducting complementary behavior seminars and writing a monthly pet column in the Nashua Telegraph to educate the public about choosing and caring for a pet. Her future goals include developing a training center for animal obedience and socialization.
With so few veterinarians specializing in behavior medicine, the services of Dr. Posage will be a benefit to both clients and veterinarians by offering appointments for assessment of behavior problems that are not limited to the time constraints of a routine appointment.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the Animal Center of New England at 603.821.7222.
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