How an Online Veterinary Behaviour Consultation Works
Help for Dog & Cat Behaviour Problems from the Comfort of Your Home
If your pet struggles with anxiety, aggression, separation issues, or other behaviour problems, you're not alone — and you don't have to figure it out alone either. An online veterinary behaviour consultation gives you expert, personalised help without needing to visit a clinic.
In this post, we’ll explain exactly how the process works with The Online Vet Behaviourist, what you can expect, and how it helps you and your pet live a calmer, happier life.
👨🏻⚕️ Who Is a Veterinary Behaviourist?
A veterinary behaviourist is a Clinical Animal Behaviourists who also have a Veterinary Degree and work with animals that are demonstrating all types of undesirable, inappropriate, problematic or dangerous behaviour on veterinary referral.
In the UK, veterinary behaviour experts are regulated through the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), which serves as the primary regulatory body. It sets and maintains the standards of knowledge and practical skills required to practise as an animal trainer, training instructor, or behaviour therapist, and oversees the national register of appropriately assessed professionals.
💡 What to Expect from an Online Veterinary Behaviour Consultation
An online veterinary behaviour consultation is a professional, structured video appointment designed to assess and support pets with behaviour issues — such as dog anxiety, aggression, reactivity, or separation problems.
Step-by-Step Process:
Warm Welcome: The session begins with a friendly introduction and an explanation of what will happen during the consultation. You’ll be encouraged to speak freely in a compassionate, non-judgmental space.
In-Depth Behavioural Interview: The veterinary behaviourist will guide you through detailed questions about your pet’s:
Medical history and current health
Daily routine and home environment
Early life experiences and socialisation
Interactions with people and other animals
Specific behavioural problems, triggers, and previous training
This process helps identify the underlying medical, emotional, and environmental factors contributing to your pet’s behaviour.
Analysis Break: After collecting all relevant information, the behaviourist takes a short break to review and analyse everything discussed.
Behaviour Diagnosis & Plan: The consultation concludes with a clear explanation of what’s likely driving your pet’s behaviour, and you will immediately receive some practical advice and handouts. You’ll receive a fully personalised, written behaviour modification plan within 14 days. This includes:
Practical training strategies
Management and enrichment advice
Medical or medication recommendations (if appropriate)
Follow-Up Support
Ongoing support is available through follow-up sessions and email check-ins to help you stay on track.
🔍 What Problems Can We Help With?
We commonly support pets with challenges like:
Separation anxiety
Aggression or reactivity
Fear of people, noises or vet visits
Resource guarding or obsessive behaviours
Cat spraying, hiding or conflict with other pets
Whether it’s recent or long-standing, we can help.
🤔 Does It Really Work Online?
Yes — because behaviour consultations are all about understanding your pet’s history, environment, and emotional triggers. In fact, observing your pet in their familiar home setting often provides deeper behavioural insights than in-clinic assessments. We can also review video clips to better analyse specific behaviours (read a recent literature review about veterinary telemedicine).
While our role is to assess and support behaviour-related issues, we do not replace your primary veterinarian. Instead, we work in close collaboration with them whenever needed. Depending on what emerges during the consultation, we may recommend a follow-up session or advise further medical investigations, such as blood tests, pain assessments, or diagnostic imaging, through your regular vet.
This collaborative, integrative approach ensures your pet receives the most complete and welfare-focused care possible.
💖 You’re Not Alone
If you're feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, you're taking the right first step. Our goal is to support both you and your pet with expertise, kindness, and a clear plan.
📅 Book Your Free Discovery Call Today
Let’s start making life easier — for both of you.
