What Is Veterinary Behavior?
The field of veterinary behavior is comparable to the field of human psychiatry.
Veterinary behaviorists are doctors in veterinary medicine who have attended a veterinary program for four years post an undergraduate degree and then continue their study for an additional 3 to 8 years of specialized education, publication, and research.
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They are knowledgeable in all species, current scientific literature, learning theory, psychotropic medications, and medical causes that can directly affect behavior.
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Veterinary behaviorists specialize in behavior and have an advanced skill set and understanding of how to help your pet in a holistic capacity by assessing the physical, environmental, and mental components that could contribute to or cause behaviors.
Our Approach to Behavior Care
At the Veterinary Psychiatric and Behavior Center, we evaluate behavior concerns through a comprehensive and individualized approach.
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Behavior concerns are often influenced by multiple factors, including medical conditions, environment, and emotional health. By assessing each of these components together, we are able to better understand the underlying causes and develop thoughtful treatment plans tailored to your pet’s specific needs.
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Our goal is to improve your pet’s mental health and overall wellbeing while strengthening the human-animal bond.
About Dr. Tucker
Dr. Tucker is a doctor of veterinary medicine and a current veterinary behavior resident through the American College of Veterinary Behavior. Dr. Valerie Tynes, DACVB, DACAW, serves as her residency mentor.​
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She has over 20 years of veterinary experience with a focus on animal training and behavioral health.
Education and Practice
Dr. Tucker attended the University of Georgia for her Bachelor’s degree in biological science, which was received in 2010. She then attended the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine for her doctorate degree, which was acquired in 2014.
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During the time prior to residency, Dr. Tucker worked in small animal medicine, exotic animal medicine, emergency and critical care, and shelter animal medicine with large animals, small animals, parrots, pocket pets, and wildlife. She also started a behavior consultation service at each practice she was an associate at since 2014.
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Dr. Tucker enjoys working with clients to find treatment plans that work for their individual needs and the pet’s individual needs. She has found that by improving the pet’s mental health and wellbeing, the human-animal bond is improved, which leads to a better quality of life for all participants.
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She loves to teach and has helped a previous 7 doctor practice where she worked acquire Fear Free certification and cat friendly status, all while teaching individual doctors, technicians, and assistants low stress handling techniques and fear free protocols to achieve an overall behavior-centric approach to care.
Beyond the Clinic
Outside of direct patient care and consultations, Dr. Tucker enjoys spending time with her family, including Dr. Brian Cichocki, DACVO, sons Calder and Milo, daughter Stella, a deaf dachshund named Ralph, two cats Bimmer and Benz, and 5 pet silkie chickens.
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She also enjoys exploring nature, participating in regular yoga, watching food competition shows, reading multiple genres, and traveling to new places.
