In this jam-packed episode, Dr. Andy Roark sits down with Tabitha Kucera to talk about why animal handling deserves way more respect in the veterinary world. We’re not just talking about holding techniques here. This is about understanding body language, reducing fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS), and elevating handling to an art form. You’ll hear Tabitha’s take on why our old-school training methods don’t cut it anymore, how we can retrain ourselves and our teams to do better, and why learning to handle animals with empathy isn’t just kinder—it’s also more efficient.

In VETgirl’s online veterinary continuing education podcast, we interview Tabitha Kucera, CCBC, RVT, KPA-CTP, VTS (Behavior) and owner of Chirrups & Chatter Behavior Consulting about the key takeaways for the 2024 AAFP Intercat Tension Guidelines: Recognition, Prevention, and Management Guidelines.

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior) joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle one of the most nerve-wracking clinic moments: the lunging, growling dog that makes everyone’s heart rate spike. What do you do when a giant breed charges into the exam room, the owner refuses muzzle training or pre-visit meds, and you’re left feeling like your only option is to “just get it done”? In this lively and practical conversation, Tabitha breaks down how to approach fearful and aggressive dogs with empathy and skill.

Tabitha Kucera, RVT, VTS (Behavior) joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about how veterinary technicians can build a career in behavior. She shares her journey from general practice to launching Chirrups and Chatter, the challenges she faced, and the steps she took to advocate for herself and establish a successful behavior consulting business. They discuss imposter syndrome, career growth, and why behavior is an essential part of veterinary medicine.

(1/1/24) Join the Amys and their cat-tastic guest, Tabitha Kucera, RVT, KPA-CPT, CCBC, VTS (behavior), and owner of Chirrups and Chatter Behavior Consulting and Training in Cleveland, Ohio, as they pounce, feet first (am I righting?), into the dynamics of cat behavior and intercat aggression.

(3/13/24) In this episode of the podcast we are bringing cats to the party! The amazing Tabitha Kucera joins me to discuss Kitten socialisation and supporting Fraidy Cats in a shelter environment. There were tons of practical tips from Tabitha which can really help to support our cats.

(7/31/23) Tabitha shares a clear, actionable three-step plan to level up your animal training skills: (1) Build good relationships with veterinarians; (2) engage clients effectively in cooperative care; and (3) recognize the importance of mental health in your role as an animal trainer, and prioritize fostering good mental health. Tabitha's call to action is for you to embrace this three-step plan. Apply it to your own training practices and experience the joy of making a more positive impact on the lives of both human and animal learners.

(9/29/24) Caffeinators, do you remember a few years ago when we had Tabitha Kucera come by the Vet Tech Cafe? We had a very positive response to that episode, and SHE'S BACK! It had been 4 years since we first chatted and see all that she has accomplished since. She is doing amazing work in the behavior world and if you're not already familiar, be sure to follow her social outlets linked below and her AWESOME podcast, 'Tails from a Vet Tech'. This is an area that we think ALL of us can better incorporate into our daily practices for the betterment of our patients. We think you'll dig this one!

(3/20/23) In episode 58 of the Paws & Reward Podcast, Marissa Martino chats with Tabitha Kucera, a registered veterinary technician and certified positive reinforcement behavior consultant about the Fear Free Movement. They discuss why keeping data about your pet's emotional experience is so important for their well-being and how you can do it accurately using the FAS scale.

We chat with Tabitha Kucera, certified RVT, CCBC, and KPA-CTP, and she sheds some light on our cats' interactions with us as their humans. Purring, kneading, bunting....and so much more. Find out why she thinks they do these things and what they mean. She even gives us tips on what our cats are trying to tell us! Come along as we unravel the mysteries of cats!