Feline Behaviour Consultations

Feline Problem Solving and Behaviour Modification Virtual Consultation Sessions

• $105
• Private (conducted via Skype)
• Booked on an appointment basis
• 2 Sessions, 60 to 90 Minutes Each

Our Problem Solving and Behaviour Modification Consultations are specifically designed to offer training and support to you and your cat where needed the most. As we offer these services as virtual consultations, you and your cat are able to participate from the comfort of your own home. Common behavioural issues we can help with include:

• Litter box problems
• Scent marking (spraying)
• Chronic hiding or fearfulness
• Play aggression
• Aggression toward people
• Aggression toward other animals in household
• Destruction of furniture or clothes
• Loud and continual meowing
• Obsessive grooming

You can expect your first session to take the form of a discussion with the trainer to determine the causes and functions of the behaviour. During this time the trainer will also be observing your cat via your Skype session after which you will receive a management and training plan by email. You will then book a follow up session to review progress, practice any mechanical skills or training techniques prescribed in the presence of the trainer and receive follow up instructions where appropriate. Two 60-90 minute sessions are provided within a flexible 4 month window from date of purchase, as well as additional correspondence by email or phone between sessions, and up to one month after the second session.

Feline Problem Solving and Behaviour Modification Virtual Follow-up Consultations

• $45
• Private (conducted via Skype)
• Booked on an appointment basis
• 1 Session, 1 Hour Each

Our Problem Solving and Behaviour Modification Follow-up Consultations are designed for cats and owners with a pre-existing relationship with our training department. For example, these sessions would be appropriate for those returning for additional consultations or for cats that have been adopted from THS. This is so that we can ensure we are able to give you the best service by already knowing your cat’s history. These sessions will allow you and your cat to work through any new struggles that may have developed since that last time we saw you and still allow you to receive comprehensive and dependable care for the well-being of your cat! These sessions are also conducted virtually to ensure your cat can learn in the comfort of his or her home.

Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, PhD
Manager, Feline Behaviour, Enrichment and Rehabilitation

Our Feline training team is led by Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, THS’s Manager, Feline Behaviour, Enrichment and Rehabilitation. With a wealth of experience working with and rehabilitating our shelter cats, the feline team led by Dr. Ellis uses sound LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Invasive) behaviour modification and training principles to address unwanted behaviours while enhancing the human-cat bond.

Prior to joining THS, Dr. Ellis served as Nestlé Purina’s leading authority on feline behaviour in her role as a Behaviour Scientist in their research and development division. She earned her PhD in Animal Welfare at the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, where she conducted research on methods for reducing stress in shelter cats. Her work has been published widely in peer reviewed journals and she has presented at many national and international conferences, particularly on feline stress and elimination behaviour. She is currently in the process of writing a chapter on feline behavioural assessment for a new edition of the leading textbook on the behaviour and welfare of shelter animals.

Shannen McNee
Feline Enrichment Specialist

Shannen started at Toronto Humane Society as a Feline Adoption Agent in 2016 and quickly developed an interest in working with the cats in the shelter requiring some extra TLC. She started assisting the Feline Training Department in 2017 and officially joined the Feline Training team in April of 2018. She is currently working towards her Low Stress Handling certification and continues to learn from her mentors and peers in the shelter. Shannen enjoys working hands on with the cats in the shelter and part of her experience includes leading Kitten Kindergarten classes with our THS foster parents and their foster kittens (which is as cute as it sounds). Shannen is committed to providing humane and practical behaviour modification advice to people to help their cats live happy and enriched lives.

Shannen shares her home with 3 wonderful animals. A senior cat named Chanel, a no-eyed cat named Pipsqueak and a one-eyed dog named Rosy.

Caitlyn Jerome
Feline Enrichment Specialist

Caitlyn joined the Feline Training Team in September 2018 as a Feline Enrichment Specialist. She has since been working on many different courses to help her further her knowledge on cat behavior. She has earned her International Associations of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) Shelter Behaviour Affiliate designation and Silver level low-stress handling certificate. Over the 5 years Caitlyn has worked at THS she has worn many hats until finally realizing her true calling was working with cats. Now she works to help to change the stigma that cats are “untrainable.”

Caitlyn shares her home with THS feline alumni Majora and her hedgehog Babs. Along with her own animals Caitlyn is an avid foster parent for THS and has now housed over 80 foster animals.

Equipment

• We conduct our training sessions via Skype. You will need a computer, a Skype ID and Skype account to participate. To create an account, please refer the Official Skype website.

Acknowledgement

• You acknowledge and recognize that the role you play in your animal’s training is integral to achieving desired results. You acknowledge and agree that there is no guarantee that your animal will achieve the desired level of training despite the best efforts of Toronto Humane Society. You further understand and agree that any service or product recommended by Toronto Humane Society is not a guarantee of satisfaction with that product or service.

Cancellations and Rescheduling

• Private classes may be cancelled and rescheduled with your trainer within 4 months of the date of purchase.
• Refunds will only be issued due to extenuating circumstances

Contact Us

If you would like more information on our training services, please email training@torontohumanesociety.com or give us a call at 416-392-2273 ext. 2145.