Behaviour Service

Veterinary Referral for Behaviour Service

Referral form for qualified veterinarians to complete when referring a patient to our Behaviour Service.
Vets Only

Dog Behaviour Service
Pre-Consult Questionnaire

For dog owners to complete before booking a consultation with our Behaviour Service.
self-refer

Cat Behaviour Service
Pre-Consult Questionnaire

For cat owners to complete before booking a consultation with our Behaviour Service.
Self-Refer

What We Do

Not long ago, vets spent most of our time treating infections or injuries. (When Bruce started working in London he saw dogs with distemper, cats with infectious enteritis and dogs and cats with broken bones every week.) We didn’t pay much attention to pet behaviour but as we understood more about how dogs and cats work we became more aware of their needs and emotions, and of our responsibility to prevent or to treat behaviour problems in these honorary members of our families. That’s why we created the London Vet Clinic’s Behaviour Referral Service.

Who We Are

Dr Natalia Aira Bewick, DVM, MSc (Clinical Animal Behaviour), MRCVS, oversees Behaviour Services at the London Vet Clinic.

Ms Vicky Cross, RVN, BSc MSc (Clinical Animal Behaviour) assists in the Behaviour Service with a special interest in cat behaviour.

Bruce Fogle, MBE DVM MRCVS, the Founder of the London Vet Clinic has written many of the first books about our relationship with pets and about pet behaviour. His book The Dog’s Mind has been in the core curriculum of many professional dog trainer courses for over 30 years.

Prevention

Preventing problems is always easier and faster than overcoming problems that have developed.

For new kittens we provide you with advice through our ‘Kitten App’ on how to ensure your home is cat friendly. Through video or home consults we can visit your home and advise on what you can do to meet your kitten or cat’s natural needs. At York Street we ensure that your cat’s visits with us are as stress free as possible.

For new pups, we provide through our Puppy App a course that teaches you how to use rewards, make your pup feel safe (for example when left alone), socialize with people and other dogs, walk on a lead with confidence and accept handling by others.

Modifying Behaviour

Dogs and cat behaviour isn’t as complicated as human behaviour. While genetics certainly plays a part (Some problems occur more readily in certain breeds.) many problems develop because of a dog’s experiences. Problem behaviours can be reduced or eliminated but correction takes time.

Dr Natalia Aira Bewick, clinical veterinarian and behaviourist, examining a pet.
A small brown and white dog with perked ears licking its nose, while a veterinary receptionist speaks on the phone in the background.

Dogs

We help you manage a variety of behaviour problems but regardless of what the problem is, don’t expect an instant cure. A full behaviour report includes an assessment of what is happening, a diagnosis of the problem and a thorough treatment plan. Most treatment plans last three months or longer and involve face to face visits, video, phone call and email support.

Treatable dog behaviour problems include:

Treatable dog behaviour problems include:

If your dog has a behaviour problem, the vet nurse or receptionist will ask you a few questions. If she thinks that there is a possible medical component she will book an appointment for you with one of our general practice vets.

If we feel there are no associated medical conditions we will book you an initial fact finding behaviour consultation with Dr. Berwick.

A light brown tabby cat lying on a soft grey bed on an examination table, looking up attentively.

Cats

The majority of cat behaviour problems, including aggression, litter tray problems and house soiling problems have their origins in medical problems.

If your cat has developed a behaviour concern we always first undertake a medical assessment with a general practice vet. This involves:

If we find a medical problem we treat that first, before asking Dr. Bewick to become involved. If we feel pain is involved, treatment includes pain relief for at least 6 weeks.

Even when medical causes of behaviour changes, such as cystitis or joint pain, are controlled or eliminated, behaviour problems can continue, because there’s a learned component. So illness and behaviour sometimes need to be managed at the same time and Natalia or Vicky will create a bespoke programme for your cat.

Our Testimonials

Absolutely amazing , I was so stressed and staff made me feel so calm and secure. Even offer cup of tea , take away of course. So professional and incredibly helpful. Wigmore (dog) feeling much better 🙏

Google Icon

Steve Sutton

Review Star

Dr Stephen is taking care of my dog for a long time.
The best!

Google Icon

Marcos Wenzel

Review Star

Very happy with this place. Friendly, efficient staff. Dr Watson was extremely knowledgeable and caring.

Google Icon

Alexander

Review Star

Very helpful and professional staff. Dr. Hugo Richardson goes out of his way to ensure the right treatment is provided for my dog who has the Leishmania disease.

Google Icon

L Michel

Review Star

Dr. Fogle is the best vet my dogs and cats met in their life!
More: he’s calm, gentle and truly in love with animals.

Google Icon

Maurizio Peramezza

Review Star

Amazing! I couldn’t recommend this clinic more highly. The team of vets and nurses are extremely knowledgeable, practical, helpful and kind.

Google Icon

Caroline

Review Star