
FAQS

FAQS
DQ offers 15, 30 and 60 minute appointments via zoom. 30 minutes is typically enough time for new clients to get a baseline understanding or solutions to their cat's problem.
Zoom consultations are performed at a rate of $95 for 30 minutes and $199 for 60 minutes. Package deals are also available at $275 for 60 minutes plus 30 minute follow up or $375 for 60 minutes plus (2) 30 minute follow ups. Payment is collected via PayPal through Calendly.
DQ will begin the consult by sitting with you, discussing your cat behavior problem and delving deeper into the information that you shared on the consult request form. Some say the experience reminds them of sitting with a therapist, as some cat problems are more like people problems.
If video of the behavior is provided by the clients (recommended for cat to cat aggression, fear, excessive meowing or behavior that may not present during the consultation) DQ will review the video and interpret the behavior.
If we are working on a problem where cats are fighting or aggression towards humans is a concern, DQ will not push your cats into a situation that is guaranteed to cause harm to another cat or human. His approach is very hands off, allowing cats to make freewill decisions, especially if harm to himself or others is likely. DQ will not push cats past their threshold for comfort or incite aggression, merely to see it occur.
DQ will look at the environment that you share with your cats and make recommendations for environmental enrichment, litterbox accommodations, feeding and playtime routines.
If we are working on a litterbox or marking problem, DQ will ask to see the locations where accidents take place and all litterbox arrangements in the home
DQ will give you actionable steps to begin a behavior modification plan.
With your permission, DQ will use your provided photo of your cat for social media sharing.
I allow my clients up to 30 days after a consultation to contact me for follow up advice via email, if you should need it. If a problem is better addressed via zoom, a 15-30 minute appointment may be advised.
Clients that have time left over on a zoom can apply that time to future zoom follow up.
*Remote consultations include 30 days of follow up via email.
Most clients get a pretty solid baseline of advice from just one zoom call. In cases where we are experimenting with litterbox preferences or working on ongoing tensions between cats, follow up zoom sessions may be recommended to make sure things are on track.
A remote consult is a great way to keep the connection and receive ongoing advice as you experiment.
Clients are encouraged to take notes while DQ gives real time advice. DQ will share links and websites where cat toys, litterbox, furniture or enrichment recommendations can be found.
You may also request to record the zoom call.
Clients that request a written behavior plan will be charged $45. Individualized behavior plans may take up to 48 hours to receive via email.
DQ is available for remote consultations, via Zoom. Once a consultation is scheduled, DQ will meet you in his zoom room. You will receive an appointment reminder.
DQ will review your cats back history with you and discuss what you have tried to remedy the issue on your own. If we are working on a cat to cat aggression case, excessive meowing, or any other behavior that may not present during the consult,
DQ will ask for video of the behavior before speaking to you. You can also upload video. to the consult request form.
DQ may ask for a virtual tour of your home to see litterboxes or areas where accidents are taking place.
Results will vary, based on the breadth of the problem that we are trying to solve. Some clients may see change, immediately after implementing advice, while other problems may require more time to experiment and troubleshoot.
Cats find comfort in routine and predictability. Once a new routine is established, it may take weeks to months to change a cat’s behavior.
Cat behavior consulting is not an exact science and all cats are unique. Results will vary based on the participation of the guardian in the advice given, the ability to make changes to the environment, and the circumstances leading up to the consultation.
For instance, some cat to cat aggression cases may not be repairable if mistakes were made in introducing the cats or impressions have been hard wired, due to repetitive and routine stress or aggression. Some environments may not be conducive to success, if modifications cannot be made or there is no room for separation of quarrelling cats or the addition of litter boxes, cat trees etc.
In fact, in some cases, you may be hiring me to weigh in on a problem that has no solution. Not every case can be solved, particularly if resources and attempts to remedy the situation have already been exhausted.
Behavior modification takes experimentation, routine and patience. Not all cat problems will resolve overnight. Sometimes it can take weeks or months to see change manifest in a positive way.
DQ has been working with cats and their humans since 2001, when he first entered the San Francisco SPCA as a cat volunteer.
From 2002-2013, DQ held a full time position as a specialist in cat behavior, volunteer education, intake and adoption for the San Francisco SPCA, educating volunteers and guardians of cats, both inside and outside of the shelter walls.
In 2012 DQ launched Go Cat Go as a resource to prevent cat surrender and to educate the masses with the knowledge that he has gained on the front lines of animal welfare.
DQ is currently working for San Francisco Animal Control as a cat behavior volunteer class instructor and consultant to the staff.
DQ is a member of the Pet Professional Guild, but does not hold any certifications in feline behavior or training.
CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE FOR HOME VISITS DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS.
GO CAT GO services the following counties:
- San Francisco
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Marin
- Sonoma
- San Mateo
- Santa Clara
*Availability may vary based on travel already scheduled.
Zoom consultations are processed through PayPal.
For Home visit consults- We accept ALL forms of payment. Venmo, cash, checks (make check payable to Go Cat Go), credit, PayPal and CASH app are most commonly used.
Home Visit Rates are on a sliding scale, based on distance travelled. Clients that are local to San Francisco will pay a base rate of $300, while clients in areas outside of SF will pay $375-400, based on the expense of distance traveled. DQ will use public transportation or car share to travel or rent a vehicle to reach locations that are outside of the immediate SF service range.
Yes! DQ teaches public classes at cat cafes, animal shelters, pet stores and select locations. A schedule of upcoming classes will be posted on this website.
I ask that my clients give at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. A fee of $60 will be charged for cancellations that occur less than 24 hours prior to appointments that are 30 to 60 minutes in duration. Please cancel via your appointment reminder.
If you miss your appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours notice you WILL NOT be refunded. *Special circumstances may be discussed.*