Veterinary Behavior

A graduate of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Hall-Phillips is South Georgia and North Florida’s leading veterinary behavior practitioner, specializing 100% in animal behavior. She is a proud member of:

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) avsab.org

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

Her unique qualifications, clinical experience, and compassionate approach make her the go-to pet behavior specialist for families across the South Georgia and North Florida.

Whether you're in Valdosta, GA, Tallahassee, FL, Albany, GA, or surrounding areas, Dr. Hall-Phillips offers science-based solutions to restore peace in your home and improve your pet’s quality of life.

Veterinary Behavior Services for Dogs and Cats

Dr. Hall-Phillips treats a wide range of behavior problems in dogs and cats, including:

• Separation anxiety in dogs and cats
• Dog aggression toward people or other animals
• Fear-based aggression
• Destructive behavior like chewing, digging, or scratching
• Inappropriate urination or defecation
  Obsessive/compulsive behaviors (e.g., licking, pacing, tail chasing)
  

These behavior issues are often rooted in fear, stress, medical problems, or lack of early socialization. Left untreated, they can become more severe over time. 

What Is Veterinary Behavioral Medicine?

Veterinary behavioral medicine is a specialized area of veterinary care focused on the mental and emotional health of pets. Unlike dog trainers or obedience classes, Dr. Hall-Phillips provides clinical behavior assessments and treatment plans backed by veterinary science.

Her approach includes:

Reviewing your pet’s full medical and behavioral history

Identifying triggers and environmental stressors

Diagnosing potential underlying health conditions

Creating a customized treatment plan tailored to your pet

This integrative, evidence-based model helps create long-lasting, positive changes in behavior.

When Should You See a Veterinary Behaviorist?

Your pet may benefit from behavioral medicine if they show signs of:

Persistent fear, anxiety, or phobias 

Aggressive behavior toward people or other pets

House soiling or elimination problems

Separation anxiety or distress when alone

Destructive behavior in the home

Obsessive or repetitive actions

Hyper-reactivity to people, noises, or other animals

If you’re seeing these behaviors, don’t wait—early treatment is more effective and can prevent long-term issues.

 

Benefits of Pet Behavioral Medicine

Working with a veterinary behavior expert like Dr. Hall-Phillips can help you:

 Reduce your pet’s stress and anxiety

 Improve interactions with people and animals

 Restore peace and structure at home

 Prevent relinquishment or behavioral euthanasia due to behavior problems

 Strengthen the human-animal bond

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Schedule a Behavioral Consultation Today

If your dog or cat is struggling with behavior problems, help is available. Dr. Amanda Hall-Phillips, DVM, is the only veterinary behavior practitioner serving South Georgia and North Florida, including: 

Valdosta GA

Thomasville GA

Albany GA

Tallahassee FL

The first step in any behavioral case is to rule out medical issues that may be negatively impacting the pet’s behavior. Throughout the years she has seen so many cases that were being treated by a trainer for aggression when in reality the underlying cause of the aggression was chronic pain. Hall-Phillips, DVM uses a combination of behavior modification techniques, nutraceuticals, and when appropriate, prescription medication.

She has worked with several rescue organizations and shelters to help dogs that were deemed “too aggressive”, and were scheduled for euthanasia to become normal, happy, healthy pets. She is passionate about finding reasonable solutions for behavioral issues in dogs and cats.