Dr. Natalie Estep-Maffeo, DACVB

Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist

Behavior is fascinating! This niche of veterinary medicine allows us to combine medicine, applied behavioral analysis, and a passion for training to speak on behalf of the animals most in need of understanding. Behavioral disorders are the number one risk factor to keeping an animal in the home, and we delight in each bond strengthened through our service.

Dr. Estep-Maffeo’s interest in behavior began during her undergraduate work, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Marine Biology from Saint Francis University. This led to her first career as a marine mammal trainer. It was during this time that she became interested in veterinary medicine and subsequently attended Colorado State University for her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.

While in veterinary school, Dr. Estep-Maffeo continued to work with marine mammals and volunteered training basic manners to shelter dogs. After graduation, she served in the U.S. Army as a veterinarian and developed an interest in military working dog behavior and medicine. She has lectured internationally on public health topics and published research in marine mammal medicine.

Dr. Estep-Maffeo belongs to the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, is a USDA accredited veterinarian, and a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist. Using her nine years of experience as a full time working animal trainer prior to veterinary school, she enjoys developing behavior modification plans that address each patient’s unique needs.

In her free time, she enjoys climbing and is a pet parent to a parrot with separation anxiety. In addition to dogs and cats, she has trained dolphins, sea lions, elephant seals, terrapin, and fish.