About Mind & Paw
Our story
Mind & Paw Pet Behavior was founded by Dr. Dana Al-Nazer, a veterinarian with a combination of medical expertise and behavioral training. Seeing firsthand how behavioral challenges often impact pets and families as profoundly as medical conditions, Dr. Al-Nazer recognized the importance of evidence-based behavioral medicine that addresses the whole pet.
What began as a passion for helping pets thrive in modern environments has evolved into a practice dedicated to behavioral wellness. By bringing together veterinary medicine with behavioral science, Mind & Paw offers solutions that go beyond simple training to address the underlying causes of behavioral concerns.
Meet Dr. Dana Al-Nazer
Dr. Dana Al-Nazer brings a distinctive perspective to veterinary behavioral medicine through her multidisciplinary background and specialized training.
Professional Experience
Dr. Al-Nazer worked at Mission Pet Hospital in San Francisco starting in 2018, where she established the clinic's first behavioral consultation service. She has been dedicated to caring for pets and their families in the Bay Area since 2016.
Her diverse background includes international experience and advanced degrees in both veterinary medicine and pharmacy, giving her a comprehensive understanding of both the physiological and behavioral aspects of animal health.
Education & Credentials
Veterinary Medicine
MVB (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) from University College Dublin with 1st class honors
Advanced Behavioral Studies
Currently pursuing MSc in Clinical Animal Behavior from the University of Edinburgh (completion expected 2026)
Small Animal Medicine:
Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert SAM) from Harper Adams University
Pharmacy Background:
Bachelor of Pharmacy degree, offering unique insights into psychopharmacology and medication management
Low-Stress Handling Certified:
Trained in Dr. Sophia Yin's methodology
Fear Free Certified:
Committed to reducing fear, anxiety, and stress in veterinary and home settings
Animal Hospice and Palliative Care Certified (CHPV):
Ensuring compassionate care during difficult transitions
Award in Veterinary Leadership and Management (AVLM):
Bringing practice management excellence to client experiences
Our Approach to Behavioral Medicine
At Mind & Paw, we believe that behavioral health is fundamental to your pet's overall wellbeing and quality of life. Our approach integrates several core principles:
The Whole-Pet Perspective
We examine behavior through multiple lenses:
- Medical foundations: Identifying potential physical contributors to behavioral issues
- Environmental factors: Assessing how your pet's living situation affects their behavior
- Emotional wellbeing: Understanding the psychological needs of modern pets
- Family dynamics: Recognizing how human-animal interactions shape behavior
Evidence-Based Methodology
Our practice incorporates proven, evidence backed approaches:
- Systematic assessment and intervention planning
- Reducing fear and anxiety during care
- Addressing the biological basis of behavior first
- Environmental impacts and modification strategies through creating supportive living spaces
Beyond Basic Training
While traditional training addresses specific behaviors, our comprehensive approach includes:
- Functional assessment: Identifying why behaviors occur, not just what behaviors happen
- Emotional regulation development: Teaching pets to manage their reactions to triggers
- Environmental optimization: Creating spaces that support natural behaviors appropriately
- Human-animal communication enhancement: Improving understanding between pets and their people
What We Do
Medical + Behavioral Integration
Personalized Solutions
Judgment-Free Support
Ongoing Education
Our Commitment to Your Pet
At Mind & Paw, we believe that behavioral wellness is an investment in your pet's quality of life and your relationship with them. We measure success not by obedience but by well-being by going beyond addressing problem behaviors, focusing instead on building a robust behavioral foundation.
Behavioral wellness is an investment in your pet's quality of life and your relationship with them.
Our goal is to help your pet:- Feel secure and confident in their environment;
- Communicate effectively with human family members;
- Experience reduced anxiety and stress;
- Express natural behaviors in appropriate ways;
- Build a stronger bond with you based on mutual understanding.