Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey

Hello, New Jersey pet parents! We adore our furry companions, but sometimes, even the most beloved pets can exhibit behaviors that leave us scratching our heads, feeling frustrated, or even worried. From excessive barking and destructive chewing to more serious issues like aggression or extreme anxiety, these challenges can significantly impact the harmony of our homes and the well-being of our animals. When standard training methods aren't enough, and you suspect there's a deeper, perhaps medical, reason behind your pet's struggles, that's when a specialized approach is needed. This is where the Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey steps in.

The Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey (ABC of NJ) is not a typical veterinary clinic offering general health services. Instead, it is a highly specialized practice dedicated entirely to diagnosing and treating behavioral disorders in pets. Founded and led by Dr. Emily Levine, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist (DACVB), ABC of NJ offers a unique blend of veterinary medicine and animal behavior science. Their mission is to help families and pets understand each other better, improve the welfare and quality of life of pets, and thereby enhance the life of the entire family. They recognize that sometimes pets are just trying to fit into our human world, while other times, their brains might be a bit "off balance," or neurodivergent.

The clinic’s approach is rooted in understanding the underlying causes of behavioral problems, whether they are rooted in fear, anxiety, frustration, or a medical condition. They provide a "judgment-free zone" where pet parents can openly discuss their concerns and hopes without feeling ashamed. As customer reviews enthusiastically attest, the team, including Dr. Levine and trainers like Meg and Katrina, are "absolutely wonderful," "extremely loving toward animals," and "deeply sensitive" to the needs of both pet and owner. For New Jersey residents grappling with complex pet behavior issues, ABC of NJ offers a beacon of hope and expert guidance. Let's explore what makes this specialized clinic an essential resource for our local communities.

Location and Accessibility

The Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey is located at 240 Humphrey St, Englewood, NJ 07631, USA. This location in Bergen County makes it accessible for pet owners throughout North Jersey and beyond. Englewood is a well-connected town, reachable via major roadways, which facilitates travel for clients coming from various parts of the state.

While clients will need to travel to the clinic for initial in-person consultations, the critical nature of their specialized services often outweighs any geographical considerations. For those traveling, ample planning can ensure a smoother journey. Their office hours, typically Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (with a slightly earlier closing on Friday), provide structured availability for appointments. Furthermore, for current clients and out-of-area patients, they often offer virtual consultations via video or phone conference, significantly expanding their accessibility beyond the physical location. This blend of in-person expert assessment and remote follow-up ensures that even pet owners with challenging schedules or distances can benefit from their specialized care.

Services Offered

The Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey provides a specialized range of services focused exclusively on veterinary behavioral medicine. They combine medical knowledge with behavior modification techniques to address a wide array of challenging pet behaviors. Their services include:

• Comprehensive Behavioral Consultations: In-depth assessments (typically 1.5-2 hours for initial appointments) that include a thorough behavioral assessment, diagnosis, risk assessment (for aggression cases), and initial treatment recommendations. These are typically in-person for the initial visit, with the pet attending.
• Behavioral Modification Plans: Development of tailored plans based on learning theory, neuroscience, and ethology, focusing on positive reinforcement and humane training techniques to modify undesirable behaviors.
• Medication Management: When appropriate, prescription of psychotropic medications and supplements to help pets achieve a more balanced state, with careful monitoring and adjustments. The goal is to help pets reach a "balanced, normal state," not to have a "drugged-up" dog.
• Environmental Modifications: Guidance on adjusting the pet's living environment to reduce stress, prevent problem behaviors, and promote desired responses.
• Safety Tools and Equipment: Recommendations for appropriate safety tools and equipment, especially relevant for highly reactive or aggressive dogs.
• Integrative Applications: Incorporating various supportive therapies such as massage, Alpha-Stim (microcurrent therapy), pheromone therapy, and vitamins as part of a holistic treatment approach.
• Common Behavioral Issues Treated: They work with pets experiencing aggression, anxiety (including separation anxiety), hyper-arousal, frustration, compulsive behaviors, house-soiling, senility (cognitive dysfunction), and more.
• Vet-to-Vet Consultations: Providing consultation services to primary care veterinarians to discuss treatment and medication strategies for their clients' behavioral cases.
• Dog Training and Behavior Modification Services: While closely associated with their veterinary behavior work, they also offer or refer to training and behavior modification services to implement the recommended plans.

Features / Highlights

• Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist: Led by Dr. Emily Levine, a DACVB (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists), ensuring the highest level of specialized expertise in animal behavior and psychopharmacology.
• Holistic and Integrated Approach: Combines medical treatment (medication, supplements) with behavior modification, environmental management, and integrative therapies for comprehensive solutions.
• Client-Centered Philosophy: Operates as a "judgment-free zone" and a "safe space," providing compassionate and honest guidance to pet parents without shaming.
• Focus on Balance, Not Sedation: Aims to help pets achieve a "balanced, normal state" and improve their quality of life, rather than merely suppressing symptoms through excessive medication.
• Experienced Support Team: Reviews highlight the expertise of the staff, including trainers like Katrina and Meg, who work closely with the veterinarians to implement treatment plans effectively.
• Success Stories: Numerous testimonials detail significant improvements in pets with severe issues like aggression and anxiety, offering hope to struggling families. The story of "Oscar" the Basset Hound/Border Collie mix and the family planning couple's dog are prime examples.
• Evidence-Based Practices: Treatment plans are based on principles of learning theory, neuroscience, ethology, and behavioral medicine, ensuring scientifically sound approaches.
• Collaboration with Primary Vets: Works with referring veterinarians to ensure continuity of care and a team approach to the pet's overall health.

Contact Information

Address: 240 Humphrey St, Englewood, NJ 07631, USA

Phone: (201) 212-6448

Mobile Phone: +1 201-212-6448

Conclusion: Why Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey is Suitable for Locals

For New Jersey residents facing complex and challenging pet behavioral issues, the Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey offers an exceptionally suitable and often life-changing solution. Unlike general veterinarians, their specialized focus on animal behavior, led by a board-certified veterinary behaviorist like Dr. Emily Levine, means they possess the in-depth knowledge to accurately diagnose and effectively treat conditions that often baffle conventional approaches. This expertise is crucial for addressing problems like aggression and severe anxiety, which can lead to heartbreaking decisions for families.

The profound gratitude expressed in customer reviews truly underscores their value to the local community. The family who found "hope again" after their dog's aggression and anxiety improved, allowing them to proceed with family planning, perfectly illustrates the clinic's impact. Similarly, "Oscar's" improved anxiety thanks to Dr. Sabrina (likely another DVM or a key team member) and trainer Meg's guidance, highlights the collaborative and effective nature of their approach. Their commitment to avoiding a "drugged-up" pet, instead aiming for a "balanced, normal state," resonates deeply with pet owners who prioritize their animal's overall well-being.

For New Jersey pet parents who have tried various training methods without success, or who suspect a medical component to their pet's behavior, ABC of NJ offers a critical next step. Their location in Englewood makes them a regional resource, and their willingness to offer virtual consultations for follow-ups increases their reach. In an area where pets are cherished, having access to such specialized, compassionate, and effective behavioral healthcare is an invaluable asset, providing hope and practical solutions for a happier, more harmonious life with our animal companions right here in New Jersey.

Animal Behavior Clinic of New Jersey

240 Humphrey St, Englewood, NJ 07631, USA