#None #Ease Pet Vet #Veterinary Behaviorists #Pet Anxiety

Ease Launches Innovative Online Veterinary Behavioral Solutions

In a groundbreaking move for pet care, Ease, an online platform specializing in veterinary behavioral medicine, has made its expert services accessible to pet parents everywhere. This initiative enables clients to seek referrals to Ease from their trusted veterinarians, facilitating essential behavioral support for pets experiencing stress, anxiety, and related issues—all from the comfort of their own homes.

Ease has developed a model that positions general practice veterinarians at the heart of the care process while enhancing their capability to handle behavioral issues effectively. By partnering with veterinary clinics across 34 states, Ease provides clinics with access to a team of board-certified veterinary behaviorists (DACVBs) at no cost to the practices. This innovative approach aims to tackle the significant behavioral care gap in veterinary medicine and help maintain the bond between pets and their families.

Addressing a Growing Concern

Pet anxiety and behavioral issues are among the leading causes for animals being surrendered or euthanized, despite the fact that many of these problems are solvable. Research indicates that over 70% of dogs display at least one anxiety-related behavior, while up to 50% of cats experience chronic stress. These conditions are frequently reported by pet owners during regular veterinary check-ups, underscoring the critical need for an effective solution.

Ease introduces a new paradigm in veterinary behavioral care, providing integrated treatment plans for nine of the most common behavioral issues faced by dogs and cats. These include generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, inter-cat aggression, leash reactivity, noise phobia, and inappropriate elimination, which is the primary reason for feline behavioral surrender. With this range of services, Ease aims to assist veterinary clinics in retaining their clientele, enhancing revenue while fulfilling the needs of their patients without incurring additional overhead costs.

A Critical Frontier in Pet Health

As Brandy Kuentzel, co-founder and CEO of Ease, states, "Behavior is the last great frontier in pet health." She highlights the importance of behavioral health in determining a pet's quality of life. Unfortunately, most veterinary schools provide minimal training in animal behavior, resulting in a shortage of qualified professionals. Currently, only 0.06% of veterinarians in the U.S. hold board certification in this specialty. The majority of clinics are therefore ill-equipped to manage behavioral problems, leaving many pets without the necessary treatment.

Fortunately, accessible behavioral support can yield transformative outcomes; studies show that 94% of families receiving guidance from veterinary professionals are able to keep their pets. Moreover, 97% of pets exhibit improvement after just one consultation with a veterinary behaviorist.

Affordable and Scalable Care

The cost for services through Ease stands at $197 per case, significantly lower than traditional behavioral therapies that can range from $600 to over $1,000. This pricing strategy makes expert behavioral support not only more affordable but also scalable, ensuring that many more pets can receive the care they deserve.

One of the distinguishing features of Ease's model is its design for online care. This allows pets to remain in a familiar environment while addressing behavioral problems, which can lead to better outcomes. Ease’s veterinary experts manage several key aspects of behavioral treatment, including environmental adjustments, behavior modification techniques, and appropriate nutrition and supplementation.

Unlike traditional telemedicine approaches, Ease functions as a specialty consultation platform where its behaviorists collaborate directly with the pet's general practice vet. They are responsible for recommending any necessary in-clinic diagnostic tests and pharmaceutical treatments while Ease acts as the primary support for behavioral care, employing customized online modules to deliver treatment protocols.

The Urgency of Change

As new pet owners emerge in the wake of increased adoptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, many are faced with the complexities of managing anxious or under-socialized pets. The modern pet owner—especially younger individuals—recognizes the significance of emotional health for their companions as essential rather than optional. There's a growing awareness of the connection between chronic stress in pets and serious health issues, such as weakened immune systems and gastrointestinal disorders.

Kuentzel underscores the urgency of integrating behavioral health into the veterinary care paradigm, asserting, "We are building the behavior brain for veterinary medicine, creating a system that keeps pets at home, reducing the likelihood of surrender or abandonment."

Looking ahead, Ease is committed to further developing digital tools and resources to better support veterinary clinics and deliver expanded treatment options for pet families. Their aim is to become the go-to resource for behavioral health in veterinary medicine, ensuring no pet suffers due to a lack of accessible care.

Conclusion

Ease is redefining veterinary behavioral medicine, opening new pathways to understanding and addressing pet anxiety and related issues. By establishing a comprehensive, affordable, and accessible online behavioral solution, they are paving the way for healthier pets and happier families, which is a win-win for the entire veterinary community.