Struggling with your pet’s behaviour? Who can help?

Your pets are precious, and I suspect, like my dogs, their health and welfare are extremely important to you. Like most caregivers, you want to know that any treatment they receive for physical or behavioural issues will be provided by someone who is appropriately qualified and can give them the best care possible.

However, when it comes to behaviour treatment, finding the right help can be a real challenge. Although things are improving, terms like ‘behaviourist’ aren’t currently regulated by law, making it tough to find reliable support for your pet. So, how do you know who to trust for advice?

A good place to start is the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC) website, which can be used to search for accredited practitioners in your area. The ABTC is a reliable place to find both qualified trainers and behaviourists who follow a strict ethical code. In particular, their members do not use aversive training methods, which could potentially cause physical or psychological damage to your pet.

Other places where you will find lists of certified behaviourists and veterinary behaviourists, who operate under an accredited ethical framework, include the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FAB Clinicians), or CCAB Certification.

Choosing a professional listed on these websites can reassure you that they meet a high standard of practice. Once you’ve found a few names, the next step is understanding which type of professional best suits your pet’s needs.

Animal training instructors

A good dog (or other animal) trainer can play an essential role in strengthening the bond between pet and caregiver, and helping to prevent problems from developing, for example, through puppy training.

Training can be a vital part of behaviour modification. However, training alone is often insufficient to address a behavioural issue without also addressing the underlying causes.

While trainers are invaluable for prevention and early guidance, behavioural challenges often require deeper clinical insight. Therefore, for dogs and cats who are already having behaviour struggles, it would be worth seeking the help of someone with additional qualifications. So who else could you look at?

Vets and Vet Nurses

In the UK, all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are professionally qualified, registered, and regulated by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, ensuring they deliver high-quality care across a broad spectrum of animal health.

If your pet does exhibit a behavioural change or challenge, ideally, your first port of call should always be to discuss it with a veterinary professional. Some general practice vets or vet nurses may have a particular interest in behavioural medicine, and it’s worth contacting your usual practice to find out if anyone there can help.

However — much like GPs in human healthcare — most vet professionals are trained to manage a wide range of conditions, typically referring more complex behavioural cases to a suitably qualified specialist, such as a clinical animal behaviourist or vet behaviourist.

Clinical Animal Behaviourists

Fully accredited certified clinical animal behaviourists have undergone extensive further training in animal behaviour. Their knowledge and skills will have been thoroughly assessed, and they will be registered and regulated by an appropriate organisation such as the ABTC or CCAB.

They are qualified to evaluate behaviour and treat behavioural issues, and, like your vet, can play an essential role in supporting your pet’s welfare. Accredited clinical animal behaviourists will always work on a referral from your vet, and work closely with them to help give your pet the best care possible.

In fact, veterinary input is critical, as many behavioural challenges our pets face are caused or worsened by underlying medical issues. Painful conditions, neurological changes, hormonal imbalances and many other conditions can all influence an animal’s behaviour, sometimes in subtle ways that are easy to miss. In the UK, under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, only veterinary surgeons are legally permitted to diagnose medical conditions. Consequently, a Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist will refer to a vet for investigation and confirmation of any suspected underlying medical issues, and to advise on and prescribe treatments.

Veterinary Behaviourists

These are qualified vets who, similar to clinical animal behaviourists, will have undergone further extensive training to gain specialist qualifications on top of their veterinary degree. Additionally, they have the experience to help them diagnose behavioural issues as well as any underlying medical conditions that may be present.

As vets, they are also authorised to recommend treatments, including medications that can support the treatment of behavioural disorders. They have the training to understand how medications interact with your pet’s unique physiology, and have the knowledge to safely recommend or prescribe treatments that support both physical and emotional well-being.

As a veterinary behaviourist, I work closely with you, your vet, and other professionals to understand what’s driving your pet’s behaviour and how best to support them. If your pet is struggling, and you’re unsure where to turn, I can help — with clear, compassionate guidance and a practical plan that’s right for you.