Consultations

OK, I’d like to book a session, what happens now?

KissesOption 1: By telephone (you can live anywhere in the world for this option). What I need is a photo of your animal(s) and a list of questions that you would like to ask, and/or messages you would like me to relay. Most people ask anywhere from 6-12 questions. Please put the questions in a numbered list format.

I need to know the animal’s name, current age (if the photo you send me is a little older, that’s fine) and gender. Knowing who else is in the household is also helpful. If your animal is deceased, please also let me know when they died.

In terms of background, I need enough information to be able to understand the context of the questions and answers. You might for example ask me to find out how your animal is feeling physically. If your animal says “I feel fine”, then I will move on. If, however, you have told me in your background that your animal hasn’t (for example) been eating well for 3 days, then I can following up by saying “I’m glad you feel fine. But why haven’t you been eating?” Animals are very much like people in the sense that they won’t necessarily mention a minor ailment (though some certainly will!).

As an additional guideline to you, please don't have me give the animal a choice about something if you aren't willing to abide by the animal's choice. So if you have me ask "Do you want me to take you to the vet?" and the animal says "No", then it's not OK to take them anyway. That would be a violation of trust. It's perfectly OK though to (for example) explain that you are going to the vet because it's necessary for their health and then to ask how they feel about it. That is an empowering process for the animal, but you still get to do what you think is right.

When I have your questions and a photo, we'll set up a day and time for you to call me when I will read you word for word what the animal said (so I do the communication before we get on the phone, though we can ask your animal additional clarifying questions while we are on the phone if we need to). If you are outside of the United States, I can type up a transcript of my communication with your animal and email it to you (there will be an extra charge for my typing time).

Option 2: If you live in the Portland area, we may be able to arrange a home visit. Please prepare a list of questions that you would like me to ask in advance.

Rates

Telephone consultation: $125 per hour, with a 1 hour minimum. This will include the time we take to discuss or review your questions by phone or email, the actual communication time and the time it takes to relay the information your animal has given me. I accept Visa or MasterCard or some checks for telephone consultations.

Home consultation: Hourly rate depending on your location, with a 1 hour minimum. Please call or email for prices. I accept cash, checks or Visa or MasterCard for home visits.