Leadership Portfolio
My work spans clinical practice, national
leadership, education, and legal consultation.
But at the heart of every role is the same goal: creating meaningful shifts in how we understand behavior, and how that understanding deepens our relationships with animals and with each other.
Explore the ways I put that mission into action:
Animal Behavior Clinic
Where understanding begins
I developed the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon to be a safe, compassionate place where pet owners could find real help for complex behavior issues. Whether it’s separation anxiety, aggression, compulsive disorders, or something that’s just not feeling right in the home, we offer individualized treatment plans that work in the real world—not just on paper.
Alongside a team of associate veterinarians, I work directly with clients to decode the meaning behind the behavior and develop practical strategies rooted in science, trust, and respect. It’s not about fixing pets—it’s about helping both ends of the leash thrive.
Dr. Pachel is the gold standard in behavioral veterinary care, combining unmatched expertise with genuine compassion.
Dr. Pachel is someone you absolutely want on your team. His breadth and depth of knowledge are astounding. He cares for his patients as if they were his own and supports their humans with incredible empathy and dedication. We feel like we’ve hit the lottery—not only by having Dr. Pachel as our behavioral vet but by having him in our lives. He has truly changed our lives for the better.
Instinct Dog
Behavior & Training
Kind. Practical. Professional.
As Vice President of Veterinary Behavior at Instinct, I collaborate with an extraordinary national team of trainers, behavior consultants, and fellow behaviorists to raise the bar for what dog training can look like. At Instinct, we believe every dog deserves access to behavior help that’s rooted in kindness and science no matter where they live or what challenges they face.
From one-on-one behavior consulting to full-scale training programs, we meet families where they are and guide them toward healthier, happier lives with their dogs.
Speaking & Education
Conversations that shift perspectives
I’ve been fortunate to speak on stages around the world and every time, my goal is the same: to have more “aha” moments — together. By coming together, we can invite reflection and share meaningful stories that help people grow.
As a board-certified veterinary behaviorist and educator, I bring both clinical experience and academic depth to my talks. But more than that, I bring stories. Behavior is personal. It’s powerful. And it’s everywhere. Whether I’m teaching professionals, pet owners, or students, I help audiences walk away seeing behavior—and themselves—a little differently.
Expert Witness Services
Where science meets the courtroom
As one of approximately 100 board-certified veterinary behaviorists in the world, I provide expert consultation and testimony for criminal and civil legal cases involving animal behavior, particularly canine and feline aggression.
My role is to interpret and clearly explain the behavioral science relevant to each case, grounded in peer-reviewed literature and decades of practical experience. I work closely with legal teams to evaluate the full context of the situation, helping decision-makers move forward with clarity and confidence.
Let’s Connect
If you're looking to collaborate, book a speaking engagement, refer a client, or just start a conversation—I’d love to hear from you.
