FAQs

Unfortunately, animal behaviour counselling is still not a regulated industry, which explains the abundance of poor advice out there. This advice may be cheaper, but it is often detrimental to your pet’s welfare, as well as your own and that of the general public. Although anyone can call themselves a “Behaviourist”, Animal Behaviour is a science, not a hobby.

I have been a full member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) since 2003, and accredited at the highest level as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) since 2014. Both professional qualifications involved extremely rigorous examination to ensure I met the academic, experiential and ethical standards required (set in collaboration with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the British Psychological Society, the Kennel Club and others). I am also a member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC). These organisations sit under the umbrella of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), representing the training and behaviour sector to the public and to governments, and setting and maintaining standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be a Clinical Animal Behaviourist. The ABTC maintains the national register of appropriately assessed practitioners.

Overview of accreditation and qualifications

Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) for dogs and cats, accredited by CCAB Certification Ltd;

Full Member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC);

Certificated Member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC);

Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Expert Witness;

Full (vetted) Member of the UK Register of Expert Witnesses;

Animal behaviour assessor for child adoption and fostering placements;

PhD in Animal Behaviour, University of Southampton 2003;

MSc in Wildlife Management and Control, University of Reading 1995; and

BSc (Hons) in Biology and Animal Behaviour, University of the West of Scotland 1991.

An animal behaviourist is focused on treating animals with behavioural problems such as anxiety, aggression, or compulsive behaviours. Trainers usually focus more on teaching an animal something new. This might be working on recall or walking to heel.

In dogs, common behavioural problems include:

Aggression towards people
Aggression towards dogs and other animals
Separation issues
Fears and phobias
Noise and other disruptive behaviours
Coprophagia
Livestock chasing

In cats:
Spraying in the house
Inappropriate urination and defecation
Aggression towards people
Aggression towards cats and other animals
Fears and phobias

The above lists are not exhaustive and I have dealt with many other, less frequently seen behavioural problems. Please contact me to discuss your pet's problems further.

The majority of my work is with dogs and cats, but I have experience with other animals.

Please contact me to discuss your situation and to see if I can help.

I work on veterinary referral. Firstly, contact me by email to discuss your pet's problems and book a consultation.

With your consent I will then contact your vet to arrange the referral.

You will receive confirmation of the appointment by email, and a brief history form will be sent to you to complete online, prior to the consultation.

This is for your own peace of mind to know that I have been approved by your veterinary surgeon, based on my experience and qualifications.

It is also important that I am made aware of any relevant medical history concerning your pet.

The consultation will take place at your home address. Where relevant for dogs, we will go out for a walk during the consultation.

The initial consultation will take approximately 2-2.5 hours.

Within two weeks after the consultation, I will send you a full written report which outlines a behavioural modification programme for your pet.

A copy of the report is sent to your veterinary surgeon.

Further support is provided when required by phone or email at no extra charge.

Approximately three months after the initial consultation I will carry out a follow-up consultation lasting one hour, to assess progress and address any further concerns you may be having.

This follow-up session is included at no extra charge.

I offer consultations during office hours, Monday to Thursday.

I can offer consultations outside of these times in exceptional circumstances only.

My fee is £400-£450 depending on your location from my home address in Hampshire, and will be confirmed prior to the consultation.

This covers the initial consultation, full written report and follow-up, including a second home visit. Payment is required in full at the time of the initial consultation, by card, cheque or cash.

Expert witness fees, and child fostering/adoption/school dog assessment fees vary and can be discussed on a case-by-case basis.

With my qualifications and membership of professional bodies, I meet the requirements set out by pet insurance companies for behaviourists. However, I strongly recommend you check your level of cover with your insurance company before arranging the consultation.

Unfortunately, I am unable to offer direct claims; payment is due in full at the time of the first consultation, by card, cheque or cash. I do not charge a fee to complete your insurance claim form.

In exceptional circumstances I can offer an instalment payment plan.

Absolutely. Due to my legal work as an expert witness, I am very experienced in working with prohibited breed types.

Obviously, we must still abide by the legislation and keep your dog muzzled and on lead in public places.

Please contact me and I will be able to advise you on the next steps, including helping you to find a solicitor if you haven’t already done so.

I am based in Hampshire, and also cover parts of Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex and Middlesex – but please do enquire about your area. For legal work my range is nationwide.