What is a veterinary behaviorist?

A Veterinary Behaviorist is a veterinarian with advanced training and board certification from the American College of Veterinary Behavior. Dr. Valli, a board-certified behaviorist at Synergy Veterinary Behavior, managed over 450 cases, completed extensive training in behavior and related fields, and published research before earning her certification by passing a comprehensive exam.

What types of behavioral issues does Synergy Veterinary Behavior address?

Synergy Veterinary Behavior addresses a wide range of behavior problems in dogs, cats, birds, and other pets. These issues include aggression, fears, phobias, house soiling, inappropriate vocalization, destructive behaviors, reactivity, and separation distress.

Do I need to switch to Synergy Veterinary Behavior as my pet's primary veterinarian?

No, you do not need to switch to Synergy Veterinary Behavior as your primary veterinarian. Dr. Valli only treats behavior issues and works closely with your primary vet. She shares her findings and recommendations to ensure comprehensive care for your pet.

Can the initial behavior assessment be conducted over the phone or online?

No, the initial behavior assessment cannot be done over the phone. The Veterinary Practice Act requires an in-person visit to establish a veterinary-client-patient relationship. After the first visit, follow-up evaluations can be done online for up to a year.

Synergy Veterinary Behavior

Synergy Veterinary Behavior is a general practice practice in Portland, OR. Procedures include Pet Training and Behavior Modification, Behavior Health Assessments, and Group Classes.

Get Directions View on Maps ↗ Call (503) 336-1202 Book Consultation

About

Synergy Veterinary Behavior in Portland, OR, specializes in veterinary behavior, animal behavior, and pet training to address problem behaviors in pets. The practice is led by a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and her team, offering unique programs that combine veterinary medicine with humane, reward-based training methods. Services include behavior health assessments, pet training and behavior modification, and group classes.

The clinic works with dogs, cats, birds, horses, and exotic animals, helping families resolve issues such as fears, aggression, house soiling, and separation distress. The initial behavior health assessment is a two-part, in-person consultation with the board-certified veterinary behaviorist. The clinic collaborates with primary veterinarians, focusing solely on behavior issues without becoming the pet's primary care provider.

Surgical team

Valli Parthasarathy

PhD, DVM, DACVB

Fear Free Elite, Low Stress Handling Certified She/Her
Nicole Froelich

DVM

Fear Free Elite, Cat Friendly Certified, Low Stress Certified She/Her
Jennie Fiendish

CVT, VTS (Behavior), CPDT-KA, CTDI
Casandra Walden

Fear Free Certified She/Her
Lorenzo JW Fox

FDM, SAPT, PDT, CCUI

Fear Free Trainer He/They
Amber Mahoney

CDBC, CPDT-KA, FDM
Scott Raymond

MS, CPDT-KA

Procedures

Pet Training and Behavior Modification
Behavior Health Assessments
Group Classes

Equipment

Thermal Imaging

Photos

Photos via Google · Synergy Veterinary Behavior

Frequently asked questions

What is a veterinary behaviorist?: A Veterinary Behaviorist is a veterinarian with advanced training and board certification from the American College of Veterinary Behavior. Dr. Valli, a board-certified behaviorist at Synergy Veterinary Behavior, managed over 450 cases, completed extensive training in behavior and related fields, and published research before earning her certification by passing a comprehensive exam.
What types of behavioral issues does Synergy Veterinary Behavior address?: Synergy Veterinary Behavior addresses a wide range of behavior problems in dogs, cats, birds, and other pets. These issues include aggression, fears, phobias, house soiling, inappropriate vocalization, destructive behaviors, reactivity, and separation distress.
Do I need to switch to Synergy Veterinary Behavior as my pet's primary veterinarian?: No, you do not need to switch to Synergy Veterinary Behavior as your primary veterinarian. Dr. Valli only treats behavior issues and works closely with your primary vet. She shares her findings and recommendations to ensure comprehensive care for your pet.
Can the initial behavior assessment be conducted over the phone or online?: No, the initial behavior assessment cannot be done over the phone. The Veterinary Practice Act requires an in-person visit to establish a veterinary-client-patient relationship. After the first visit, follow-up evaluations can be done online for up to a year.

Contact & hours

Address

2127 NW York St
Portland

Phone

(503) 336-1202

Website

synergybehavior.com

4.6 · 66 Google reviews

Recent reviews

a year ago

Krystal R

Amazing vet staff and trainers. Our very sensitive dog used to be absolutely terrified of noise and being outside and we’ve seen amazing progress since working with Synergy! It’s been a long process and a lot of work but we are so glad we came to them. Their group classes are fun and they do a great job of making them enjoyable for reactive dogs. They are also very inclusive and welcoming to the humans on the other end of the leash, we have never felt judged or blamed for our pup’s fears.
2 years ago

Eric Eisberg

Our dog Calamity Jane was extremely fearful when she came to Synergy. She would freeze, hide, or bolt in almost any new situation or around new people. Getting her to the vet, having guests over or even going on a walk with her was extremely challenging. After working with Synergy, she's doing so much better. She'll even voluntarily greet people at the door, or enjoy a relaxing hike in a new, quiet environment. We can't recommend Synergy enough. I've submitted before and after pics of her in the same situation (the vet) so everyone can see the difference.
5 years ago

Aliza Lipman

Synergy Behavior Solutions exceeded our expectations and we honestly can't imagine what our relationship with our dog would be like without their guidance. When we first reached out to Synergy, our dog had debilitating anxiety and very little socialization. They did an excellent job balancing medical and behavioral interventions. Dr. Valli was very kind and thoroughly explained the medications and any potential effects. We also worked with Lorena for behavioral training. Lorena took the time to understand our dog, his needs and his comfort level. We took a slow, positive approach to training that helped us connect with our dog and build a base level of trust. Five months later and our dog is thriving! We still have things to work on but they are much smaller in magnitude and I feel we have the tools to continue working with him on our own. Thank you Synergy!!!

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6 years ago

Annaliese Beghtel

We were recommended to Synergy Behavior Solutions after struggling at the vet clinic (and in the community) with our dog's fear turned fear aggression. We worked with Dr. Valli and 3 different training offerings (private sessions, Reactive Rover-Dog Directed, Reactive Rover-Human Directed). The trainings worked synergistically with the recommended pharmacology to help our dog increase his overall comfortability and to begin look to us humans to provide him with support in the face of challenging stimuli. The team at Synergy Behavior Solutions is fabulous in ALL ways: well organized, caring, effective at teaching and coaching (canine and human)--they are community builders!
a year ago

Leslie Taylor

Dr. Froelich is amazing! She taught our clinic all about fear free dog handling. We had a very reactive dog come in and tried to bite us. Because we were empowered with the knowledge from Dr Froelich, we were able to get the client on board with the muzzle initiative and by the end of a series of visits, the dog was so happy to be here he didn't want to leave. He was his tail and gets excited to see his muzzle. Thanks so much!

Reviews via Google

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