Veterinary Behavior at Illinois

Veterinary Medicine at Illinois ... in Chicago

Veterinary Behavior at Illinois

We are committed to providing evidence-based, humane, and non-confrontational treatment for serious behavioral issues in dogs and cats. The goal of our behavior consultations is to help you understand your pet’s behavior and help you live together more safely and comfortably.

Dr. Kelly Ballantyne (at right) is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at the University of Illinois and an alumna of the College of Veterinary Medicine. Her practice is based in Chicago.

Behavioral issues treated at our clinic include:

Aggression to people and other animals
Fear of people, other animals, noises, and/or walks
Separation-related behaviors
Compulsive disorder
Self-injurious behavior
House soiling issues (cats and dogs)
Cognitive dysfunction and senior pet behaviors
Excessive barking or meowing
Preparation for major household changes (such as moving or a baby’s arrival)

Behavior Consultations

Initial assessment appointment. These consultations for canine and feline behavioral problems typically last 45 to 50 minutes. The purpose of these appointments is to collect behavioral history, observe the pet or pets, determine a diagnosis, review basic management strategies, and provide an overview of what treatment is likely to include. If diagnostic testing is recommended, some procedures can be performed during your pet’s appointment for your convenience.
Initial assessment consultation: $300/hour

Treatment appointment. If you elect to pursue behavior modification treatment with us, a treatment consultation will be scheduled within 1 to 2 weeks of your pet’s assessment. These appointments are scheduled with our veterinary technician, Tiana Daniels, and generally last 60 minutes. During this consultation, we will provide you with recommendations for specific management strategies and behavior modification exercises. Phone and email support with Tiana is provided at no additional charge to assist you in implementing the recommendations provided during the treatment consultation.
Treatment appointment (current patients): $140/hour

Recheck appointment. When additional recommendations are indicated, a phone or in-person recheck appointment with Dr. Ballantyne is required. Most patients return for two to four recheck consultations during the first year of treatment, depending on the needs of the pet and family. Recheck appointments are typically 30 to 60 minutes long.
Recheck consultation, in person (current patients): $275/hour
Recheck consultation, phone/video (current patients): $275/hour

Additional fees will apply for any diagnostic testing, medications, or products.

Fill out this form for behavior recheck appointments only: go.illinois.edu/behaviorrecheck

Schedule an Appointment Online

Cancellation Policy
A non-refundable reservation fee of $125 is required to schedule a new patient appointment with Veterinary Behavior at Illinois. This fee is payable by credit card and will be taken when the appointment is scheduled. The reservation fee is applied to the cost of your pet’s appointment at the end of the initial consultation.
- If you cancel your appointment, you will forfeit the reservation fee to Veterinary Behavior at Illinois. Scheduling an appointment confirms that you understand and agree to these terms.
- If you reschedule your appointment more than 3 business days in advance of your scheduled appointment, the reservation fee will be carried over to the new appointment one time.
- If you reschedule your appointment a second time, you will forfeit the reservation fee and must pay a new reservation fee before the appointment is rescheduled.
- If you reschedule your appointment less than 3 business days in advance of your scheduled appointment, you will forfeit the reservation fee and must pay a new reservation fee before the appointment is rescheduled.
About Us
Kelly Ballantyne, DVM, DACVB
Dr. Kelly Ballantyne graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. She started her career as a primary care veterinarian at a practice in Oak Park before joining the University of Illinois’ veterinary practice on Harrison Street in Chicago. In the fall of 2008, she began a veterinary behavior residency under the mentorship of Dr. John Ciribassi and in 2015 became board-certified in the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. Dr. Ballantyne is a clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
In addition to consulting on behavioral illnesses in dogs and cats, she and Kristin Buller, LCSW, are conducting research on how having a pet with behavior problems impacts an owner’s life.
In her free time, Dr. Ballantyne enjoys spending time with her husband and their Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Bludger and Tonks, and cat, Aengus. She loves to travel and her hobbies include cycling, gardening, knitting, snorkeling, and SCUBA diving.
Tiana Daniels, CVT, KPA CTP
Tiana Daniels attended the Vet Tech Institute at Fox College where she earned her associate degree in applied animal science in 2012. She started her career as a certified veterinary technician working in general practice for several years before joining the behavior team. Having a strong interest in animal behavior, she signed up for the Karen Pryor Dog Trainer Professional program to learn more about animal behavior. She completed her certification in July 2016 and is officially a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner.
Her goal is to teach owners how to help their pets through positive reinforcement training and behavior modification.
In her spare time, Tiana loves spending time with her daughter and taking care of her guinea pig, Payton. “In the photo is my boxer/pitbull mix named Dakota who recently passed. Dakota was a special dog that taught me a lot when working through her day to day challenges. She will be dearly missed.”

Contact Us

You can contact us by emailing behavior@vetmed.illinois.edu or by calling (312) 226-2588.

Veterinary Behavior at Illinois is located at 2242 W. Harrison, Suite 100, Chicago, IL 60612. We are in the Illinois Medical District just west of Chicago’s downtown Loop and one block south of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) at the Oakley/Western Avenue exit.

We have a private entrance for behavior clients to provide a low-stress experience for you as you check in. Please look for the door next to the “Veterinary Behavior at Illinois” sign at the east end of the building.

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