Dr. Sally J. Foote

I graduated from the University of Illinois college of veterinary medicne in 1984, fulfilling a lifelong dream. After working in general practice in Chicago, my husband and I took a leap of faith, moved to Tuscola, Illinois, and I purchased Okaw Veterinary Clinic.

My budding interest in behavior blossomed through the freedom of owning my practice and developing low stress care techniques and the Bella Behavior System for consistent low stress care.

In my thirty years of owning Okaw Veterinary Clinic, my clients provided an excellent opportunity to develop knowledge in behavior and apply techniques to reduce their pets' fear and pain.

I have served as the president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, Eastern Illinois Veterinary Medical Association, and maintained membership in the Illinois Veterinary Medical Association and American Veterinary Medical Association. Many colleges of veterinary medicine have invited me to present behavior topics, as well as the AVMA, ISVMA, VMX, Western States, and other veterinary conferences.

2018 was a pivotal year as I made the decision to follow my passion to educate vet staff, pet owners, and other professionals about animal behavior. I sold the Okaw Veterinary Clinic.

Building my Youtube channel drsallyjfoote, my podcast Know your Pet (and Vet!), Substack membership, doing live presentations, and creating courses helps me be the bridge between the veterinarian and pet owner to understand the animal they both care for.