Are You Struggling with Your Pet’s Behaviour?

Living with a pet exhibiting challenging behaviour can be stressful for both you and your animal companion. Whether it’s aggression, anxiety, phobias, or other complex issues, finding the right help is crucial.

At RSPCA Cornwall, we offer dedicated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) services led by our highly qualified expert, Sarah Tapsell. Our goal is to help you understand the underlying causes of your pet’s behaviour and develop effective, kind, and science-based solutions to improve their well-being and your relationship. Our prices start from £350 for an initial consultation and meet, please consult your vet for a referral if you are using insurance to cover costs.

Sarah is a highly qualified and experienced animal behaviour professional dedicated to improving animal welfare through evidence-based practice.

• Academic Excellence: Holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc Hons) degree and a Master of Science (MSc) in Clinical Animal Behaviour.
• Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB): Sarah has achieved CCAB accreditation, representing the ‘gold standard’ for pet behaviour practitioners. CCABs undergo rigorous academic and practical assessment, ensuring they have the advanced knowledge and skills required to treat complex behavioural problems.
• ABTC Registered: Sarah is registered with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) as both a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) and an Animal Training Instructor (ATI). The ABTC is the regulatory body representing animal trainers and behaviourists in the UK.
• Ethical & Kind Approach: Committed to using only positive, reward-based methods that are backed by scientific understanding of animal behaviour and learning.
• RSPCA Values: Sarah’s work aligns perfectly with the RSPCA’s mission to promote kindness and prevent cruelty to animals.

What is Clinical Animal Behaviour?

Clinical Animal Behaviour goes beyond standard obedience training. It involves:

• In-depth Assessment: Thoroughly evaluating the pet’s behaviour, history, environment, and health.
• Understanding Motivation: Identifying the underlying emotional, environmental, or medical reasons behind the behaviour.
• Diagnosis: Providing a specific behavioural diagnosis where appropriate.
• Tailored Treatment Plans: Creating bespoke, practical behaviour modification plans for owners to implement.
• Collaboration: Working closely with your referring veterinarian to ensure a holistic approach to your pet’s care.

Our Clinical Behaviour Service Offering:

Our service focuses on diagnosing and treating behavioural problems in pets, primarily dogs and cats (please enquire for other species). This is typically managed through:

1. Veterinary Referral: All clinical behaviour consultations require a referral from your registered veterinarian. This ensures any potential underlying medical conditions contributing to the behaviour are identified and addressed.
2. Behaviour Consultation: An in-depth consultation (often lasting 1.5-2 hours) involving detailed history taking and observation (where appropriate and safe). This may take place at our Centre, online, or potentially via a home visit depending on the case and location.
3. Personalised Behaviour Modification Plan: Following the consultation, you will receive a comprehensive written report detailing the assessment findings and a step-by-step plan for you to follow.
4. Follow-Up Support: Ongoing support via email or phone is typically included for a set period to guide you through the implementation of the plan.

Who Can Benefit?

Our Clinical Animal Behaviourist service can help with a wide range of issues, including (but not limited to):

• Aggression towards people or other animals
• Separation-related problems (e.g., anxiety, destruction)
• Noise phobias (e.g., fireworks, thunderstorms)
• General anxiety and fearfulness
• Compulsive or repetitive behaviours
• Inappropriate toileting or marking
• Resource guarding (food, toys, spaces)
• Livestock chasing
• Problems related to rescue animals or past trauma

Why Choose RSPCA Cornwall’s CAB Service?

• Certified Expertise: Access to a CCAB and ABTC-registered professional, ensuring the highest standards of knowledge and ethical practice.
• Science-Based & Kind Methods: We only use positive, humane techniques grounded in behavioural science.
• Veterinary Partnership: We work closely with your vet for comprehensive care.
• Supporting Animal Welfare: By using our services, you are also supporting the vital work of the RSPCA Cornwall Branch in helping vulnerable animals in our community.