For Vets

SW Behaviour is a specialist behavioural service based on the Wirral, offering behavioural consultations for problem dog behaviours, exclusively on veterinary referral.

Currently welcoming new referrals.

Veterinary practices can refer using this referral form, or alternatively email admin@swbehaviour.com with the following information:

  • Name of referring vet and veterinary practice.

  • Name and email address of client.

  • Brief description of behavioural issues.

  • Full medical history.

On receiving the referral, the client will be contacted and guided through the consultation process. 

Key Information for Veterinary Practices

  • Suzanne offers behavioural consultations exclusively on veterinary referral for problem behaviours in dogs.

  • Registered with the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) as a provisional Clinical Animal Behaviourist and holds an MSc in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Distinction). 

  • Provisional APBC members are rigorously assessed as having met the relevant standards set out by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). 

  • Provisional members, having gained the relevant academic qualifications, are gaining the practical experience necessary to become a Clinical Animal Behaviourist and therefore a full member of the APBC. The APBC supports its provisional members undertaking behaviour consultations.

  • Covered by both Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance.

  • Only non-punitive, science-led methods and welfare friendly practices are employed in behavioural modification treatment plans.

  • As a Provisional member of the APBC, Suzanne remains up to date with current methods by adhering to a minimum of 30 hours of CPD annually.

  • Many pet insurance companies include cover for behavioural treatment - it is advisable to check the policy and verify coverage.

“Suzanne came to our home with a professional, calm, and non-judgmental attitude. She worked with our entire family, including the children, and it’s evident how invested and knowledgeable she is. Our dog has since made excellent progress. We were really impressed with the time, energy, and patience Suzanne took with us, particularly the written follow-up after each consultation. I would highly recommend Suzanne for dog behaviour and training.”

Kristina - SW Behaviour client

Vet FAQs

  • Step 1: Referral.

    On receiving the referral form from the veterinary practice, the client will be contacted and guided through the consultation process and the option of booking an appointment. 

    Step 2: The Behavioural Consultation.

    The behavioural consultation consists of an initial two hour consultation, which allows for a behavioural diagnosis and treatment plan, followed by follow-up practical sessions.

    Step 3: Post-consultation

    Following the consultation, the referring vet and the client will receive a copy of the behavioural report and treatment plan.

    The client will continue to be supported with follow-up behavioural appointments, with the option of booking further sessions if required.

  • Suzanne aims to provide the highest customer service standards and maintains a high level of contact with the referring veterinary practice.

    Suzanne is registered as a provisional member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors. The APBC's rigorous selection procedure ensures that provisional CABs have met the high standards as outlined by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC). Competence of members is assured by practical assessment, and CPD is required to ensure their knowledge is current.

    You can therefore feel assured that your clients will receive the highest professional standards in terms of knowledge and expertise in clinical behaviour.

    Suzanne recognises the importance of the Vet-led team and only accepts direct veterinary referrals for behavioural consultations to ensure that any behaviours caused or exacerbated by medical conditions have been recognised.

    Suzanne fully supports the pet owner through the process of diagnosis and behavioural modification in an empathetic and non-judgemental manner.

    Suzanne welcomes liaising with veterinary staff and is happy to provide behavioural advice on any specific questions.

    Only non-punitive, scientific-based and welfare friendly practices are employed in behavioural modification treatment plans.

    • MSc (Hons) Animal Behaviour and Welfare (Distinction).

    • Certificate of Higher Education in Animal Behaviour.

    • Registered with the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors as a provisional member*

      *Provisional APBC members are assessed as having met the relevant standards set out by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)

    • Employment in a busy veterinary behavioural referral practice.

    • Experience leading puppy classes, and the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Training scheme classes at Puppy Foundation, Bronze and Silver levels.

    • Up to date with current practices by adhering to a minimum of 30 hours of CPD annually.

    • Covered by both Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance.

  • Suzanne is fully insured with both Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance.