Ottawa Veterinary Behaviour Services

Ottawa Veterinary Behaviour Services Need help with your pet’s behaviour? Dr. Michelle Nicholson is a vet with a special interest in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine.

She is able to offer virtual consult as well as occasional in person appointments.

When you work with us, you benefit from a multidisciplinary team with different areas of expertise—and multiple sets of ...
09/03/2026

When you work with us, you benefit from a multidisciplinary team with different areas of expertise—and multiple sets of eyes on your pet’s care. 🐾

Dr. Michelle Nicholson, DVM, MSC MANZCVS
Dr. Nicholson is a veterinarian with more than 35 years of experience and a focus in veterinary behaviour. She supports pets’ mental health and helps families build stronger relationships with their animals.

You can find her: Coaching you during appointments, writing prescriptions and reports, and collaborating with your care team.

Pam Morrison, RVT, CTC
Pam is a Registered Veterinary Technician and Certified Dog Trainer. She brings decades of experience and a passion for humane, science-based behaviour support and runs group classes through her training business, Furry Logic.

You can find her: Coaching you in Treatment Plan Review sessions, supporting you with prescription requests and joining your sessions with Dr. Nicholson.

Jamie Wolfe Phillips , RVT, KPA-CTP
Jamie is a Registered Veterinary Technician who specializes in positive reinforcement, consent-based training and collaborative care for veterinary visits.

You can find her: Providing advice and resources via email and answering questions about your pet’s behaviour.

*Stay tuned for Jamie's return to in person behaviour modification sessions in the Ottawa area*

Lisa St. Jean
Lisa brings 33 years of veterinary experience, with a focus on office administration to the team. Her warmth, humour and enthusiasm help make every interaction more approachable.

Stigma around behaviour medication can prolong suffering—for pets and the people who love them.We don’t expect animals t...
08/29/2026

Stigma around behaviour medication can prolong suffering—for pets and the people who love them.

We don’t expect animals to “try harder” when they need pain management or blood pressure medication. Mental health deserves the same compassion.

When appropriately prescribed, behaviour medication can reduce distress and help an animal feel safe enough to learn, cope and enjoy life.

Curious about whether your pet could benefit? Book a consultation with Dr. Nicholson.

Working with a behaviour veterinarian can feel daunting when you’re not sure what to expect—but you don’t have to naviga...
08/23/2026

Working with a behaviour veterinarian can feel daunting when you’re not sure what to expect—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Our goal is to make veterinary behaviour support feel accessible, approachable and tailored to you and your pet. We offer virtual consultations for clients across Ontario.

Ready to take the first step? Visit our website to learn more or book a consultation.

ottawavetbehaviour.ca

One of the biggest misconceptions in animal behaviour is that pets who don't do what we ask are being "stubborn."In real...
08/19/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions in animal behaviour is that pets who don't do what we ask are being "stubborn."

In reality, behaviour is influenced by far more than willingness to listen. Fear, pain, stress, frustration, confusion and even underlying medical conditions can all affect how the brain processes information and responds to the world.

When an animal is emotionally overwhelmed or physically in pain, they're not choosing to make life difficult. Their brain may simply not be in a state where they can learn, think clearly or respond the way they normally would.

That's why understanding the "why" behind a behaviour is so important. The behaviour itself is only one piece of the puzzle. Looking at emotional health, physical health and the environment allows us to create treatment plans that support lasting change—not just temporary compliance.

Extreme heat doesn’t just affect pets physically—it can also change how they behave.Be proactive by limiting outdoor act...
08/16/2026

Extreme heat doesn’t just affect pets physically—it can also change how they behave.

Be proactive by limiting outdoor activity, choosing cooler times of day, checking pavement temperatures and providing constant access to water and cool resting areas.

If your pet becomes unusually restless, irritable, lethargic, or reluctant to move, bring them somewhere cool and monitor closely. Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting, confusion or collapse require immediate cooling with room-temperature water and airconditioning or a fan, and, emergency veterinary care. Do not use ice or ice cold water.

Remember: if your pet has a behavioural regression during extreme weather, this isn't a training problem. Take it easy, don't push it and keep their world as stress-free as possible until they feel better.

Cats are incredibly adaptable… until they're not.One cat may tolerate a litter box setup that another finds completely u...
08/13/2026

Cats are incredibly adaptable… until they're not.

One cat may tolerate a litter box setup that another finds completely unacceptable. That doesn't mean the first cat prefers it or isn't experiencing stress—it may simply mean they're more able to cope with it.

We often assume that if a cat isn't urinating outside the litter box, everything is fine. But house soiling is just one possible sign that a cat's needs aren't being met. Many cats quietly endure situations that make them uncomfortable without ever developing an obvious behaviour problem...or they eventually reach their limit.

Looking at litter box setup through the lens of welfare—not just problem prevention—helps us create an environment where cats can truly thrive, rather than simply cope.

Small changes can make a big difference to your cat's comfort and wellbeing. Share this post to get better care information out there for cats.

Cat having litter box trouble? We can help! Reach out for more information.

Many behaviour concerns can be improved with training alone. But often, behaviour is a symptom of something deeper.Pain,...
08/09/2026

Many behaviour concerns can be improved with training alone. But often, behaviour is a symptom of something deeper.

Pain, medical conditions, genetics, early development, past experiences, emotional health and the environment can all influence how an animal behaves. When those factors are contributing, simply trying a different training technique may not be enough.

A veterinary behaviour consultation looks at the whole picture. By understanding why the behaviour is happening, we can develop a treatment plan tailored to your pet's individual needs—whether that includes behaviour modification, medical investigation, environmental changes, medication, or a combination of approaches.

If you've been feeling stuck or wondering where to turn next, we're here to help.

You don't have to figure it out alone. Book a consultation today.

Management is often one of the most effective tools in a behaviour plan—and in some cases, it may be all that's needed.T...
08/06/2026

Management is often one of the most effective tools in a behaviour plan—and in some cases, it may be all that's needed.

The important thing is understanding the consequences of mistakes.

No management strategy is perfect. Gates get left open. Doors don't latch. Equipment breaks. People make mistakes.

If the outcome of a management slip-up is minor, that level of risk may be perfectly acceptable. But if failure could result in a serious bite, a dog running into traffic, or another significant welfare or safety concern, management alone may not be enough.

The higher the stakes, the more important it becomes to build additional layers of protection. Good behaviour plans don't assume management will never falter —they plan for the possibility that one day, it might.

Behaviour concerns rarely exist in a vacuum.When a pet is struggling with fear, anxiety, aggression, compulsive behaviou...
07/28/2026

Behaviour concerns rarely exist in a vacuum.

When a pet is struggling with fear, anxiety, aggression, compulsive behaviours,
house soiling, or other behavioural changes, there are often many factors contributing to what you're seeing. Some we may evaluate are physical health,
pain, sleep, stress, learning history, and the home environment.

Behaviour medicine takes a whole-pet approach. Rather than focusing only on the
behaviour itself, we work to understand what may be driving and impacting it and build a treatment plan that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Behaviour care is often collaborative, too. Depending on your pet's needs, we
may work alongside trainers, rehabilitation professionals, dermatologists,
neurologists, primary care veterinarians, and other specialists to ensure your pet
receives comprehensive support.

Understanding the cause of a behaviour is often the first step toward helping it
change. Want to get started? Check out our website for more information.


When most people hear the words “gastrointestinal upset”, they oftenthink about vomiting or changes in a pet’s stool. Bu...
07/25/2026

When most people hear the words “gastrointestinal upset”, they often
think about vomiting or changes in a pet’s stool. But early indications of GI
discomfort can also show up in behaviour.

Behavioural changes can be the first sign that something is going on internally.
This is one of the reasons our behaviour consultations often include questions
about appetite, eating habits, gastrointestinal health, and other medical factors.

A number of pets with behavioural concerns have underlying gastrointestinal disease as a contributing factor.

If a pet's behaviour has changed, or if they've always struggled with appetite or GI
symptoms, an initial appointment with us can help you evaluate whether GI discomfort might be a factor.

Book now and let's get to the bottom of it. 🗓


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Ottawa, ON
K2P0K8

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+16134545818

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