Home Visits

Starting in January 2025, I will no longer offer in-home consultations. Over time, I’ve found that virtual appointments work just as well as in-person ones. They allow me to observe behavior without disrupting the cat’s environment, are easier to schedule, and reduce stress for both cats and people.

Because of this, all consultations will be virtual from now on. In-person follow-up visits may still be available in rare cases for existing clients, but all first-time appointments will be virtual only.

Veterinary Visits

If your cat hasn’t seen a veterinarian recently, or hasn’t been evaluated specifically for the behavior issue you’re concerned about, please schedule a veterinary appointment before reaching out to me. Many behavior problems in cats are caused or made worse by underlying medical issues. For example, pain, illness, or discomfort can lead to changes in behavior like aggression, litter box problems, or withdrawal.

Ruling out medical causes first helps ensure your cat gets the right care and prevents us from misinterpreting a medical issue as a behavior problem. A clean bill of health from your vet gives us a stronger foundation for working on behavioral solutions.

No Guarantees

While I am committed to helping you and your cat as much as possible, I do not guarantee specific results. My role is to provide expert guidance, support, and a customized behavior plan based on current best practices. However, successful outcomes depend on many variables, including how consistently the plan is followed, how the cat responds over time, and whether any new challenges arise. Because of this, I cannot promise that a certain behavior will stop or change within a specific timeframe. What I can promise is to work collaboratively with you, adjust strategies as needed, and provide honest feedback and support along the way.

Scheduling & Follow Ups

Clients are responsible for scheduling their own sessions. This allows you to choose appointment times that work best for your schedule and ensures you can plan ahead for any needed follow-up support. Please note that my calendar often fills up several weeks in advance, so booking early is important to avoid delays in your cat’s behavior plan.

Appointments can be scheduled directly through the Book Now tab on my website. If you’ve purchased a package, be sure to save your confirmation email as it includes a code you’ll need to schedule follow-up sessions.

Packages

If you purchase a package that includes multiple sessions but are unable to use all of the follow-up sessions for any reason, please note that unused sessions are non-refundable. This is because your package reserves time in my schedule and includes access to ongoing support and preparation, even between sessions.

All package sessions must be used within the time frame stated in the package description. This ensures that behavior plans remain relevant and progress is consistent. Expired sessions cannot be carried over or refunded, so please plan your scheduling accordingly.

Cancellations

Please cancel or reschedule at least 7 days before your appointment. If you cancel later or miss the appointment, you will be charged the full fee. This policy is in place because I set aside dedicated time for each client, and short-notice cancellations often cannot be filled by others on the waitlist.

If I need to cancel, you will get a full refund or the option to reschedule at no extra cost. This policy helps keep scheduling fair and ensures time is respected on both sides.

No Shows

If you do not show up for your scheduled appointment without prior notice, your session will be considered forfeited. No refunds, gift certificates, or extra sessions will be provided in these cases. This is because your reserved time is set aside exclusively for you, and when an appointment is missed without warning, that time cannot be offered to other clients.

I will wait for up to 10 minutes after the scheduled start time for you to join. After that, I will need to leave to honor other appointments and commitments. An email will be sent to inform the client of the missed appointment. This policy helps keep the schedule fair and running smoothly for everyone.

Rescheduling

Except for true emergencies, I require at least 24 hours’ notice to reschedule an appointment. This allows enough time to offer your spot to another client who may be waiting. Providing notice through Acuity (my scheduling software) directly helps keep scheduling organized and ensures your request is processed promptly. Please avoid rescheduling by email, as it can cause delays or confusion.

Payment

Payment is required in full at the time you book your appointment. This policy helps reduce no-shows and last-minute cancellations by ensuring that clients are committed to their scheduled sessions. It also allows me to manage my calendar more effectively and offer appointments to others who may be waiting.

Payments are accepted securely through PayPal and Stripe via the Acuity scheduling system.

Refunds

Outside of the previously mentioned criteria above, there are no refunds for appointments missed due to personal scheduling conflicts or failure to attend for any other reason. This policy is in place because missed appointments and unused sessions represent reserved time that cannot be filled by others at short notice.

All package sales are final. Refunds will not be issued for any unused or expired sessions, and sessions cannot be transferred to another person or appointment. This ensures fairness and allows for consistent scheduling and planning.

Please plan your appointments carefully to avoid losing sessions or fees.

Dismissal

I reserve the right to dismiss any client at any time and for any reason. This policy is necessary to maintain a safe, respectful, and productive working relationship. If at any point the collaboration is no longer effective, or if there are issues such as non-compliance with agreed-upon plans, disrespectful behavior, or other concerns that impact the quality of service, I may choose to end the professional relationship.

This allows me to uphold the best interests of all clients and maintain a positive environment where meaningful progress can be made.

Client Responsibility

By working with Pawsitive Vibes, you acknowledge and agree that it is your responsibility to consistently practice the strategies and exercises discussed during each session between appointments. Ongoing practice is essential for progress and long-term success. You are also solely responsible for scheduling any follow-up sessions as needed. Staying actively engaged in the process helps ensure the best possible outcome for you and your cat.

Information Sharing

By working with Pawsitive Vibes, you agree that I may share relevant information—such as your cat’s behavioral history, training plans, household dynamics, and other pertinent details—with your veterinarian or other appropriate animal professionals when needed. This helps ensure your cat receives coordinated, comprehensive care and allows for collaboration across your pet’s support team. Information will only be shared when it directly supports your cat’s behavioral and overall well-being.

Photo & Video Use

By working with Pawsitive Vibes, you agree that any photos and/or videos of your pet that you choose to share with me—whether by email, text, or through forms—may be used for educational or promotional purposes. This includes use on social media, the Pawsitive Vibes website, in presentations, or other types of media. These materials help educate others about feline behavior and promote compassionate, science-based training methods. No identifying personal information will be shared without your explicit consent. Please contact me and let me know if you would prefer all media is kept private between us.

Technology & Recording

Virtual sessions are subject to limitations such as internet connectivity, camera positioning, and audio/video quality. While every effort will be made to ensure clear communication, Pawsitive Vibes is not responsible for outcomes affected by technical issues.

Clients are welcome to record sessions for personal use. In addition, Pawsitive Vibes will share an AI-generated session summary (via Zoom) and a personalized behavior report after each session.

Positive Punishment Explained and Training Policy

What is Positive Punishment?

Positive punishment is a training method where something unpleasant or aversive is added immediately after an unwanted behavior, with the goal of reducing or stopping that behavior. For example, spraying a cat with water when it scratches furniture or using a loud noise to startle a cat when it misbehaves.

While some people use these methods hoping for quick results, positive punishment can cause stress, fear, anxiety, or damage the bond between you and your cat. It often does not teach the cat what to do instead, only what not to do, which can lead to confusion or increased problem behaviors.

Exceptions and Considerations

There are very few situations where aversive techniques might be considered, typically only under strict professional guidance and with careful consideration of the cat’s welfare and emotional state. Even then, the emphasis is always on minimizing stress and moving toward positive, reward-based methods as quickly as possible.

Your Experience Matters

If you are currently using any punishment-based methods with your cat, please know there is no judgment here. You are not alone, and many people start out using these techniques because they seem straightforward or were recommended in the past. I encourage you to be open about what you are using so we can work together to find kinder, more effective alternatives that support your cat’s well-being.

Policy Agreement

When entering a contract with Pawsitive Vibes, you agree to stop using any positive punishment-based training methods. These include, but are not limited to:

• Scat Mats or any device that delivers an electric shock
• Squirt bottles or other sprays meant to startle or deter
• SSScat or similar compressed air canisters
• Scruffing (grabbing the loose skin on a cat’s neck)
• Any form of physical punishment (hitting, tapping on the nose, etc.)

This list is not exhaustive. Any method or product that startles, causes discomfort, or harms your cat falls under this policy.

Liability & Risk Acknowledgment

By working with Pawsitive Vibes, you agree to accept full responsibility for any injuries or damages your cat may cause as a result of aggressive, reactive, or otherwise inappropriate behavior—whether these occur before, during, or after services are provided. You understand and assume all risks associated with participating in behavior and training services and agree not to hold Pawsitive Vibes liable for any injury to people or other animals that may occur in connection with these services.

Emergency Situations

Pawsitive Vibes is not an emergency service. If your cat is experiencing a medical or behavioral emergency (e.g., severe aggression, injury, or illness), please contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately.