Behavioural Medicine

Over recent years there has been an increase in emphasis on the relationship between people and animals from an anthrozoological viewpoint and from the perspective of veterinary medicine. This change has been most apparent within the field of companion animal medicine.  From the end of the seventies to the beginning of the nineties, several national and international veterinary associations, dedicated to applied ethology combined with a clinical approach to the behaviour disorders in dogs and cats, were founded.

The sub-specialty of Behavioural Medicine aims to improve and ensure a high standard of veterinary medical services by establishing and defining the standards for veterinary surgeons who act as specialists in the field of veterinary behavioural medicine.  The provision of such a specialised service will be of benefit to the pet owning public, the relevant public authorities and to animal charities.

The College achieves these goals by:

• developing residency programmes in veterinary behavioural medicine
• encouraging its diplomates to carry out original research and to publish in the veterinary and scientific literature
• supervising the professional activities of diplomates
• cooperating with European and national veterinary associations
• providing continuing education to veterinary surgeons interested in behavioural medicine
• by advising charities and public authorities on a range of subjects related to animal behaviour