Devon-based clinic launches ‘world-first’ free behaviour advice initiative for vets

A Devon-based veterinary behaviour clinic has launched a new initiative aimed at helping tackle the growing number of dogs surrendered to rescue centres due to behavioural issues.

Behavet, described as the UK’s leading vet behaviour clinic, has unveiled Behavet Impact, a contribution-focused programme designed to support dogs and owners experiencing behaviour problems by improving access to early, evidence-based advice.

A central part of the scheme involves equipping veterinary practices with tools to deliver first-line behavioural guidance during routine consultations. Dr Tom Mitchell MRCVS, Devon-based clinical director and CEO of Behavet, said: “We have a goal of integrating free behaviour advice into over 1,000 vet practices in the first 12 months of our Behavet Impact mission and have already reached over 400 practices in under three months, highlighting both the need and desire of the entire profession to plug the welfare gap in behaviour that currently exists.”

Behavet said complex behaviour problems can leave owners feeling overwhelmed, particularly when faced with “free, conflicting and ineffectual advice”, which may lead to frustration and disengagement. The clinic pointed to research showing the scale of the issue, including a 2013 study which found 48% of dog owners felt that a single behaviour problem could strongly influence their decision to rehome a dog.

While early clinical intervention can be effective, Behavet said access to specialist support remains limited. The clinic cited barriers faced by vets, including lack of time in appointments, uncertainty over what advice to give, concerns about whether guidance is up to date, and owners feeling insecure or overwhelmed.

These challenges, the organisation says, contribute to a widening “welfare gap” where owners are unable to find the right support at the right time, resulting in worsening outcomes for dogs and families.

Behavet said this early stage is crucial, as many owners rely on free advice and never progress to specialist help. It highlighted the potential consequences of unresolved behavioural issues, referencing data that 65.6% of UK shelter dogs were euthanised for behaviour problems in 2009.

The first phase of Behavet Impact has focused on providing free behavioural support resources to vet practices. The programme has already supplied 406 UK practices with what it describes as “first-aid behaviour support”, including online training covering 10-minute behaviour consultations for common problems, along with client-facing materials such as leaflets and posters.

The aim, Behavet said, is to enable vets to start conversations around behavioural support earlier, provide owners with practical guidance when time is limited, and reduce the likelihood of behaviour-related rehoming and euthanasia.

More information and free resources are available at https://www.beha.vet/