Veterinary referrals for dog behaviour support

I work with clients and their dogs on veterinary referral, providing evidence-based behaviour support and written reports for the referring veterinary team.

I am Jordan Lewis Butler BSc (Hons) MRes, an Associate Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors. I support dogs experiencing fear, anxiety, frustration, conflict-related behaviour, handling difficulties, separation-related distress, and behaviour concerns that may affect welfare or safety.

Canine Kin offers virtual behaviour support across the UK and in-person support within approximately one hour of Pershore, Worcestershire.

Why refer to Canine Kin?

Behaviour concerns are often complex and may involve emotional, medical, environmental, learning, welfare, and safety factors. A veterinary referral helps ensure that behaviour support is considered alongside the dog’s physical health and wider clinical picture.

At Canine Kin, I work collaboratively with veterinary teams and clients to understand what a dog may be communicating and to develop kind, practical behaviour plans that support welfare, safety, and realistic progress.

My approach is evidence-based, welfare-led, and non-judgemental. I do not use dominance-based methods, intimidation, or punitive equipment. Behaviour change is approached gradually, with careful attention to the dog’s emotional state, the client’s circumstances, and any relevant veterinary considerations.

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When referral may be appropriate

Please consider referral where a dog is showing behaviour that may be associated with fear, anxiety, frustration, pain, stress, conflict, or difficulty coping.

Referral may be particularly helpful where a dog is experiencing concerns such as:

• Barking, lunging, growling, snapping, or biting
• Difficulty coping around unfamiliar people or dogs
• Fear or anxiety around visitors, handling, grooming, or veterinary care
• Separation-related distress or difficulty being left alone
• Sound sensitivities or noise-related fear
• Guarding of food, resting spaces, people, or objects
• Repetitive, excessive, or unusual behaviours
• Sudden behaviour change or behaviour that appears out of character
• Behaviour concerns that may affect welfare or safety
• Behaviour requiring long-term management, environmental change, or a structured behaviour modification plan

Medical factors do not need to be fully ruled out before referral. Where pain, illness, medication, hormonal status, sensory change, or other clinical factors may be relevant, I will work collaboratively with the referring veterinary team.

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What the veterinary team will receive

Following assessment, the referring veterinary practice will receive a written behaviour report outlining the presenting concerns, relevant history, behavioural formulation, welfare considerations, risk management, and recommended behaviour modification plan.

Where ongoing liaison is helpful, I will keep the referring veterinary surgeon updated about relevant progress, concerns, or changes that may require veterinary consideration.

If psychoactive medication, pain assessment, further investigation, or wider clinical review may be relevant, I will contact the referring veterinary surgeon. Diagnosis, prescribing decisions, medication selection, and dosage remain the responsibility of the veterinary surgeon.

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How to refer

To refer a client and their dog to Canine Kin, please complete the referral form below.

Some veterinary practice systems block embedded forms. If the form does not load, please open the referral form directly or email the referral and clinical history to: jordan.butler@caninekin.co.uk

What to send with the referral

To help me support the client and dog safely, please include:

• The completed referral form
• The dog’s full medical history, shared with the client’s consent
• Current medication, supplement, and diet information where relevant
• Relevant laboratory results, imaging reports, or clinical notes
• Details of current or recent pain, illness, injury, sensory change, or mobility concerns
• The date and findings of the most recent clinical examination, where possible
• Any relevant handling, safety, bite, or injury history
• Any concerns about risk to the client, veterinary staff, visitors, the public, dogs, or other animals

If a clinical examination has not been possible, please briefly explain why. I understand that examination may not always be practical where a dog is highly fearful, distressed, in pain, or difficult to handle safely.

Complete Referral Form

Professional referral information

Canine Kin works within APBC referral guidance and is guided by ABTC Clinical Animal Behaviourist standards for humane, evidence-based behaviour support.

Useful professional documents:

I am happy to speak with veterinary practices who would like to clarify the referral process, discuss what information is helpful to include, or arrange a short introductory call.

Prefer email? Contact jordan.butler@caninekin.co.uk

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Why this support is needed

Behaviour concerns are common and can have significant welfare and safety implications. The Dogs Trust National Dog Survey 2024 reported that 17% of dogs rarely stay calm around other dogs when out walking, and 30% had been involved in an incident with another dog where the respondent was worried for the safety of a dog or person.

The same survey also highlighted that many dog guardians feel confident reading canine body language, but only 24% could consistently identify worried dog behaviours. This means dogs may be struggling before people recognise that support is needed.

Early, evidence-based support can help clients better understand their dog’s emotional state, reduce avoidable escalation, and improve welfare-focused management.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do behaviour consultations require veterinary referral?

Yes. Clinical behaviour consultations are carried out on veterinary referral so that behaviour support can be considered alongside the dog’s physical health, clinical history, and any relevant veterinary treatment.

Can a client ask their vet for a referral?

Yes. A client can ask their veterinary practice to refer, or a veterinary surgeon can initiate the referral following discussion with the client.

What if the dog cannot be clinically examined safely?

A recent clinical examination is helpful where possible, but I understand this may not always be practical. If examination has not been possible, please explain the reason on the referral form so that we can work safely and proportionately.

Do you provide written reports?

Yes. Following assessment, the referring veterinary practice will receive a written behaviour report and relevant updates where appropriate.

Do you discuss medication with the referring vet?

I may discuss with the referring veterinary surgeon where medication or further clinical review could be relevant to the behaviour plan. Diagnosis, prescribing decisions, medication choice, and dosage remain the responsibility of the veterinary surgeon.

Do you offer virtual support?

Yes. Virtual behaviour support is available across the UK. In-person support is available within approximately one hour of Pershore, Worcestershire.