title: 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines.
abstract: The 2015 AAHA Canine and Feline Behavior Management Guidelines were developed to provide practitioners and staff with concise, evidence-based information to ensure that the basic behavioral needs of feline and canine patients are understood and met in every practice. Some facility in veterinary behavioral and veterinary behavioral medicine is essential in modern veterinary practice. More cats and dogs are affected by behavioral problems than any other condition. Behavioral problems result in patient suffering and relinquishment and adversely affect staff morale. These guidelines use a fully inclusive team approach to integrate basic behavioral management into everyday patient care using standardized behavioral assessments; create a low-fear and low-stress environment for patients, staff and owners; and create a cooperative relationship with owners and patients so that the best care can be delivered. The guidelines' practical, systematic approach allows veterinary staff to understand normal behavior and recognize and intervene in common behavioral problems early in development. The guidelines emphasize that behavioral management is a core competency of any modern practice.
authors.affiliation: From The Pet Doctor, O'Fallon, MO (M.H.); Mesa Veterinary Hospital, Golden, CO (C.H.); Animal Emergency and Referral Associates, Fairfield, NJ (E.L.); University of Pennsylvania, Biology Department, Philadelphia, PA (K.O.); Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Coral Springs, FL (L.R.); Springville, NY (M.R.-R); and Davis, CA (S.Y.).
authors.forename: Marcy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hammerle
authors.affiliation: From The Pet Doctor, O'Fallon, MO (M.H.); Mesa Veterinary Hospital, Golden, CO (C.H.); Animal Emergency and Referral Associates, Fairfield, NJ (E.L.); University of Pennsylvania, Biology Department, Philadelphia, PA (K.O.); Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Coral Springs, FL (L.R.); Springville, NY (M.R.-R); and Davis, CA (S.Y.).
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Horst
authors.affiliation: From The Pet Doctor, O'Fallon, MO (M.H.); Mesa Veterinary Hospital, Golden, CO (C.H.); Animal Emergency and Referral Associates, Fairfield, NJ (E.L.); University of Pennsylvania, Biology Department, Philadelphia, PA (K.O.); Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Coral Springs, FL (L.R.); Springville, NY (M.R.-R); and Davis, CA (S.Y.).
authors.forename: Emily
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Levine
authors.affiliation: From The Pet Doctor, O'Fallon, MO (M.H.); Mesa Veterinary Hospital, Golden, CO (C.H.); Animal Emergency and Referral Associates, Fairfield, NJ (E.L.); University of Pennsylvania, Biology Department, Philadelphia, PA (K.O.); Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Coral Springs, FL (L.R.); Springville, NY (M.R.-R); and Davis, CA (S.Y.).
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Overall
authors.affiliation: From The Pet Doctor, O'Fallon, MO (M.H.); Mesa Veterinary Hospital, Golden, CO (C.H.); Animal Emergency and Referral Associates, Fairfield, NJ (E.L.); University of Pennsylvania, Biology Department, Philadelphia, PA (K.O.); Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Coral Springs, FL (L.R.); Springville, NY (M.R.-R); and Davis, CA (S.Y.).
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Radosta
authors.affiliation: From The Pet Doctor, O'Fallon, MO (M.H.); Mesa Veterinary Hospital, Golden, CO (C.H.); Animal Emergency and Referral Associates, Fairfield, NJ (E.L.); University of Pennsylvania, Biology Department, Philadelphia, PA (K.O.); Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Coral Springs, FL (L.R.); Springville, NY (M.R.-R); and Davis, CA (S.Y.).
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rafter-Ritchie
authors.affiliation: From The Pet Doctor, O'Fallon, MO (M.H.); Mesa Veterinary Hospital, Golden, CO (C.H.); Animal Emergency and Referral Associates, Fairfield, NJ (E.L.); University of Pennsylvania, Biology Department, Philadelphia, PA (K.O.); Coral Springs Animal Hospital, Coral Springs, FL (L.R.); Springville, NY (M.R.-R); and Davis, CA (S.Y.).
authors.forename: Sophia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D002415:Cats; D004285:Dogs; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D012958:Societies, Scientific / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D018634:Veterinarians / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards