Senior Clinical Animal Behaviourist

Do you have proven extensive experience in clinical behavioural practice? Are you skilled in mentoring or developing individuals in clinical behaviour?

We are recruiting for a Senior Clinical Animal Behaviourist to provide specialist clinical behaviour support to behaviour teams across all areas of operational activity. You'll be a source of specialist advice for cases which are complex or difficult to interpret, supporting clinical teams to come to a clear assessment of likely motivation and associated treatment plan.

This is a one year fixed term contract between 1 May 2026 - 1 May 2027.

This is a hybrid role based at a Rehoming Centre.

This is a hybrid role based at a Rehoming Centre.

What does this role do?

As Senior Clinical Animal Behaviourist, you'll:

• provide non-critical support for Welfare Managers in Rehoming Centres and CABs in Behaviour Services teams, responding rapidly to requests and taking a collegiate approach to working through cases to enable the best outcomes for the dogs involved.
• keep up to date with clinical behaviour knowledge and skills, ensuring that standards of advice and support to colleagues reflect best practice and the highest level of expertise.
• work closely with colleagues in the CAB standard development team to ensure a cohesive approach between clinical support and professional development and highlight areas of professional development needs as required.
• work closely with Veterinary Behaviourists and Veterinary Clinical Support teams to provide cohesive wrap around support for clinical teams in cases where medial, or potentially medical factors are identified, or where psychoactive medication may be indicated.
• rapidly review cases, using extensive knowledge and case experience to provide expert support for colleagues, helping them to review likely underlying motivations or emotional states, and the potential influence of physiological or medical factors.

Could this be you?

To be successful in this role you'll ideally be accredited as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) with CCAB Certification Ltd, or be accredited as a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC).  You'll have proven experience in clinical behavioural practice, with demonstrable expertise at assessing the likely motivation for behavioural signs, identifying where physiological or medical factors may be important, and deciding on suitable treatment options even where there may be limited history or observable evidence. 

In addition, you'll have exceptional interpersonal skills, and you'll have real credibility and gravitas, with the ability to discuss any type of dog behaviour case with confidence and authority, whilst being able to seek further advice or information when required.

In addition, you'll have exceptional interpersonal skills, and you'll have real credibility and gravitas, with the ability to discuss any type of dog behaviour case with confidence and authority, whilst being able to seek further advice or information when required.

What does this team do?

The Clinical Behaviour Support team help clinicians assess, treat, or review cases in their care, and support with the progression of more complex cases.  

The Veterinary and Welfare department is responsible for providing clinical support, specialist professional development, engagement with professional stakeholders, and policy and standards for veterinary and behaviour specialist areas as well as standard operational procedures.

The Veterinary and Welfare department is responsible for providing clinical support, specialist professional development, engagement with professional stakeholders, and policy and standards for veterinary and behaviour specialist areas as well as standard operational procedures.

About Dogs Trust

We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.

Documents

To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
 

Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Feel free to send us an email at

jobs@dogstrust.org.uk. We're here to support you every step of the way.