Finding the right support for your pet's behaviour.

Finding the right support for your pet

Understanding your pet’s behaviour can be challenging, particularly when dealing with complex issues such as aggression, phobias, or separation anxiety.

This guide is designed to help you find a qualified professional to support you and your pet through the referral process.

Understanding the difference: trainer vs behaviourist

It is vital to ensure you are seeking the right level of expertise for your pet’s specific needs:

• Pet trainers. Best for general manners, basic cues (sit, stay, recall), and preventing future issues.
• Behaviour consultants. Necessary for problem behaviours (fear, reactivity, resource guarding, etc.). These professionals focus on the underlying emotional state of the animal rather than just the outward naughty habit.

Where to find a qualified professional

The following organisations require their members to meet high standards of education, ethics, and experience. Each website features a Find a Behaviourist search tool to see who is currently taking on new clients.

Key points to consider

• The medical link. Behavioural changes are often rooted in physical pain or underlying medical conditions. If pain is suspected, we may suggest a Veterinary Behaviourist (a qualified vet specialising in behaviour). If you choose a non-veterinary behaviourist, we can work with them to manage medication or secondary referrals to other specialists to manage specific conditions (e.g. pain specialist, dermatologist or internal medicine specialist).
• Consultation format. Not all cases need to be managed in person. Many behaviourists offer online or distance consultations, which can be particularly beneficial for pets that find visitors stressful.
• Insurance cover. Every insurance provider has different requirements regarding which professional bodies they recognise. Please check your policy specifications before choosing a practitioner to ensure your claim will be valid.
• Fees. Pricing structures and service offerings vary between individual practitioners.

Next steps

If you are concerned about your pet’s behaviour, please speak to your vet first. Most reputable behaviourists will require a referral from your veterinary surgeon to ensure any medical factors have been addressed.