‘It’s an incredible privilege to be recognised’ – Okehampton vet wins major global award for online dog training

An Okehampton-based veterinary behaviourist has been recognised in a global awards programme celebrating innovation in the pet care industry.

Dr Tom Mitchell, founder of Behavet and Help! My Dog, was named Most Inspiring Dog Trainer & Behaviourist 2025 in the LuxLife Pet Products & Services Awards, which aim to spotlight excellence and innovation in services for pets worldwide.

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Two of Dr Mitchell’s businesses also received recognition. Behavet was awarded Best Online Veterinary Behaviour Practice 2025 – UK, while Help! My Dog was named Most Supportive Online Dog Training Hub 2025 – UK.

Behavet offers online consultations with a team of veterinary behaviourists, supporting pet owners remotely via Zoom.

The service currently handles more than 600 behaviour cases each month, according to the company.

Help! My Dog, an online training platform launched in December 2023, provides dog owners with structured courses, Q&A sessions with trainers, and community-led challenges.

The platform has attracted more than 2,000 members and hosts a podcast and social media presence aimed at making dog training more accessible.

Dr Mitchell said the awards reflect the dedication of the teams involved and the growing demand for remote behaviour support and training services.

“These awards reflect the heart and hard work behind everything we do,” he said.

The LuxLife Pet Products & Services Awards are organised annually by LuxLife Magazine and are open to nominees across the global pet care sector.