Our animal behaviour services
Adopting or fostering a pet from us? Our animal behaviourists support pets throughout the adoption process.
Pets helped by our behaviourists before adoption in 2023
Pets supported in the home by our behaviourists in 2023
Our behaviour services team supports the pets that come to us at every step of their adoption journey. We help them to overcome their fears or worries while they are waiting for their new homes. We train them so they have valuable new skills and we’re also on standby to support you with any challenges you might face after adoption.
Rehabilitation before you adopt
Before a pet comes to Blue Cross, we find out about their previous life – including their likes and dislikes. Once a pet is in our care, our experts get to know them more closely. We assess their behaviour around people and other animals to see what sort of home and family they would be most compatible with.
Some pets need that extra bit of support. A dog might struggle to remain calm in the presence of other dogs. A cat might fear being handled. A horse might take fright when being loaded onto a trailer. Whatever the challenge, we use the most advanced reward-based techniques to help change the animal’s feelings and behaviour.
Support in the home
Once you’ve adopted or fostered a pet, we might ask you to continue any training we’ve started at Blue Cross. House training, for example, is best completed in your home.
We’re here to support you and your pet after adoption – you never have to face a behaviour problem alone. Contact us for practical advice and, if necessary, we can arrange for one of our behaviourists to get in touch.
Tip
Not only can you talk to a Blue Cross animal behaviourist if you’ve adopted a pet from us, you can also consult a behaviourist if you’re registered at one of our animal hospitals. You'll only be asked for a donation.
Advice for all kinds of pets
When you adopt a pet from Blue Cross, you can get tailored support from one of our behaviourists. Or you can be guided by our online pet advice.
Dogs
If you’re uncertain about adopting a dog because they need a bit of management, we’re here to help.
- How to muzzle train your dog (also see video, right)
- How to stop a dog barking
- Separation anxiety in dogs
- How to control your dog chewing
- Dog and puppy training
Cats
Check in with us about handling your new feline friend.
Horses
Our horse behaviourist at Burford is expert at sorting out rider concerns and handling issues.
Small pets
Our experienced behaviourists support small pets such as rabbits, degus, hamsters, rats, mice, guinea pigs and gerbils.
Lovely 10-month-old Bolan came into our Suffolk centre when a change in his owner’s job meant she could no longer care for him. While extremely friendly, this bouncy and energetic fellow was a little ‘full on’, so our team worked with him to calm his behaviour. He was rehomed just a few weeks later and is now part of a new family.
Our behaviour specialists
We have seven animal behaviourists in our central team. They support our rehoming centres across the UK. Most of our rehoming centres also have at least one Rehabilitation Trainer and Behaviour Advisor (RTBA).
Find your nearest rehoming centre.
Talk to one of our team
It's simple to arrange an advice session with one of our behaviourists. Speak directly to the Blue Cross centre you adopted your pet from. Or call our Customer Care team on 0300 777 1975.
Help our behaviourists
Homeless pets depend on our behaviourists to find loving new families.
Help our behaviourists
Homeless pets depend on our behaviourists to find loving new families.
