Why I Became a Vet

I knew that I wanted to become a veterinarian since I was 5 years old.  While growing up, I convinced my parents to allow me to have stewardship of a diverse array of animals.

In addition to the many childhood pets, (cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, newts, fish, turtles and finches), I had a special friendship with a ferret named Willie until he passed away from Lymphoma. Having cared for so many animals, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the lives of other families by helping meet the medical needs of their pets.

While volunteering at the Parma Historical Society’s Stearns’s Farm at age 11, I began bringing home many baby chicks, injured Peking ducks and kittens to foster. My experiences at that wonderful farm fostered my love for a greater number of species and contributed to my current addition, our family's 'Acre of Heaven.'

While earning my Bachelor’s, I acquired a pair of Persian cats. Once I owned my first home in Columbus, Ohio, a dog was the next order of business!  I owe my status as a behavioral veterinarian to this dog, Lexi. This girl of mine, a Labrador- Rottie mix, has many behavioral afflictions, including inter-dog aggression, conflict-related aggression, separation anxiety, thunderstorm phobia and stereotypic light chasing. In addition, 4 other mostly 'behaviorally-challenged' dogs have come to share their lives with me over the years. I also spend much of my time with an ex-racing Thoroughbred named Ginger.  Madeline, the barn cat keeps Ginger company too! My family's recent endeavor has been to build our own chicken coop- now filled with Penelope & Bertha, our Golden Comet hens!

Many family members have homes filled with cats and dogs due to my rescue habits as well!

 

About Elizabeth S.M. Feltes, DVM

At The Ohio State University, I earned my Bachelors of Science in Animal Science in 2001.  I then worked in a Masters of Science program for one year focusing on animal behavior, foced mostly on horse behavior. 

Next, I entered the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002.  During veterinary medical school, I did training and behavioral modification services in Columbus, Ohio.  While in veterinary medical school, I held the positions of Vice President in the Veterinary Behavior Club and in the Human-Animal Bond Club.  I have also co-published articles (Do Animals Grieve?  AAH-ABV Newsletter; Fall 2005, Vol. 14) and handouts on animal behavior and behavioral medicine for The Ohio State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. 

During my final year of schooling, I worked in two externships.  One with board-certified veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Lore Haug, in College Station, Texas and one with board-qualified veterinary behaviorist, Dr. Amy Marder, in Boston, MA.  I then graduated in 2006 with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. 

From 2006-2007, I practiced general medicine and surgery with a special interest in behavior in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.  In September 2007, Animal Behavior of Northeast Ohio LLC was born. 

As owner of this, The Behavior Clinic; Animal Behavior of Northeast Ohio, LLC, my focus is solely on behavior.  I educate the public through seminars all over Ohio, offer continuing education for veterinarians & veterinary technicians, and consult on behavioral problems in companion pets.  My philosophy is utilizing the most positive, least intrusive and most effective means possible to change behavior. 

In 2008 after having my first son, I started Pregnant with Pets; A seminar for Expecting Families with Pets.  This program is designed to help families with normal or problem-behavior animals set the WHOLE family up to succeed when the new baby arrives.

Education

• 2006 Graduated from The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine
• 2001-2002 Participated in a Masters of Science Program at The Ohio State University’s College of Agriculture in Equine Behavior
• 2001 Graduated Cum Laude from The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agriculture & Environmental Science with a Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science

Memberships

• Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association
• Member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association      Board Member of OVMA's Behavioral Committee
• Member of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
• Cleveland Academy of Veterinary Medicine;                 Liason to the Cuyahoga County Board of Health;                Past President 2009-2010
• Veterinary Information Network Member since 2006
• Member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers
• Member of The Ohio State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine’s Alumni Association
• G.R.I.N. Rescue- Advisory Board Member; Behavioral Consultant
• Founding Member of Northeast Ohio Positive Dog Trainers

 

Meet The Behavior Clinic's Staff

Click here and scroll to the bottom to meet:

Diane Webster, Receptionist

Amanda Eick-Miller, Veterinary Behavioral Technician

Nicole Rivette, Veterinary Assistant/ Pet Sitter/ Dog Walker

Kristin Branagan, Pet Trainer