Tabitha Kucera, a veterinary technician boarded in behavior and founder of Chirrups and Chatter (and creator of Small Paws Education), joins Dr. Andy Roark to tackle a common post-op problem: telling clients to “keep them quiet” without explaining what that actually means. They discuss post-surgical enrichment as a way to support comfort, reduce stress, and improve recovery through practical, low-mobility activities instead of relying on heavy sedation or strict confinement. Using examples of a one-year-old beagle mix after major abdominal surgery, an older overweight Lab after a TPLO, and a five-year-old cat after a PU, Tabitha outlines environment setup, routines, pain awareness, and enrichment options like scent work, puzzle feeding, frozen Kongs, LickiMats, snuffle mats, and simple training games, plus how better guidance can strengthen client relationships and outcomes.
You can also listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts!
LINKS
chirrupsandchatter.com
small-paws.ca
ABOUT OUR GUEST
Tabitha Kucera is an Elite Fear Free Registered Veterinary Technician, Veterinary Technician Specialist (Behavior), Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. She owns Chirrups and Chatter Cat and Dog Behavior Consulting and Training and is the animal behavior technician at The Gentle Vet in Ohio. Tabitha lectures at both regional and national levels, enjoying the opportunity to help people better understand and connect with animals. Additionally, Tabitha is a Fear Free certified speaker and coach, a Fear Free Practice Certification and Implemention Consultant, and the host of the podcast, Tails from a Vet Tech.
Tabitha offers organizational consulting and education for veterinary clinics and animal shelters, focusing on best practices that address both the emotional and physical needs of animals. She specializes in behavior and training programs and handling skills. Tabitha has contributed to the development of training and behavior programs for numerous veterinary hospitals and shelters and continues to provide ongoing support to these organizations through her consulting work.
