APBC page for vets & VNs

31/12/2025

EARLY-BIRD TICKET PRICING ENDS TONIGHT!

The APBC Annual Conference 2026 will take place 20-21 June 2026 at the Mercure Daventry Court Hotel in the UK. The theme is “Companion Animals in the Urban Environment” - exploring how pets cope with life in towns and cities and what this means for animal welfare professionals.

This fascinating programme will cover multiple species (from reptiles to dogs, cats and horses) with expert talks on welfare, behaviour, human–animal interactions, urban challenges and solutions.

Book your REDUCED ticket NOW and pay-in-three at: https://bit.ly/49674nr

30/12/2025

WHY ATTEND THE APBC CONFERENCE 2026? LET US COUNT THE WAYS...

If you’re wondering whether the Conference is worth your time and investment, here’s your answer:

1. A Timely & Transformative Theme + Expert Line-Up
2. Earn 12 Hours CPD — Gain 12 hours of verifiable CPD, plus a certificate of participation to enhance your professional profile.
3. Build Valuable Connections — Network with peers, mentors, and industry leaders in an inspiring environment.
4. Early Bird Savings — Enjoy discounts with flexible payment options and group offers available.
5. Benefits for Every Career Stage — Students, practitioners, and non-members all receive tailored value and growth opportunities.
6. Engage Directly with Experts — Take part in real-time Q&As and face-to-face learning experiences — unlike any webinar.
7. Top-Class Venue — Experience learning and networking at the beautiful, pet-friendly Mercure Daventry Court Hotel, chosen with you in mind.

Early Bird Booking is Still Open. Secure your place today and invest in a career-defining experience.

https://bit.ly/4o5aJYc

30/12/2025

John Chitty joins us at the APBC's 2026 Conference.

John’s session will explore keeping birds as companion animals in urban environments. This includes:

· Why people choose to keep birds in cities and how that shapes their welfare.

· The welfare challenges birds may face in urban settings (e.g., space limitations, solitary indoor cages vs backyard aviaries, biosecurity concerns like avian flu, zoonotic risks).

· How urban living affects both birds and broader animal communities, including potential impacts on other pets and wildlife.

Book NOW to get YOUR discounted ticket before 31st December! https://bit.ly/49674nr

30/12/2025

On behalf of all at the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors, I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to family, friends and colleagues of Sarah Fisher.

Sarah touched the lives of many in the dog world, and beyond, with her dedication to improving the lives of animals, directly and through educating those who care for them. Through her work overall and her introduction of ‘freework’ as a way of adding variety and interest to animals’ lives and, thus, both reducing their stress and increasing their confidence.

Sarah has left a legacy for which we are all grateful. Thankyou Sarah.

Anne McBride, APBC Chair

29/12/2025

Connect. Collaborate. Grow.

One of the biggest highlights of the APBC Conference is the people.

Join 200+ colleagues, peers, and industry leaders for two days of rich conversation, shared insight, and meaningful professional connection.

From lively networking sessions to relaxed chats over coffee, this is where collaborations are born and professional bonds are strengthened.

You’ll also have the chance to meet our sponsors and exhibitors, showcasing innovative products and services that support your work — and the wider animal behaviour community.

Early Bird Booking is Closing in Two Days – secure your place and be part of this vibrant gathering.

https://bit.ly/4o5aJYc

29/12/2025

“It’s a Dog’s Life” will be a key presentation at the APBC 2026 Conference by Sara McIver.

Sara’s talk will focus on urban dog welfare challenges arising from recent demographic and societal changes including:

-Rapid growth in the dog population in the UK — especially during and after the pandemic — leading to more dogs living in towns and cities.

-Urban constraints that affect dogs’ wellbeing:
Crowded parks and limited open space
Lack of owner knowledge about behaviour and training
Reduced opportunities for appropriate exercise and mental stimulation
Socialisation challenges for dogs and owners alike
Behaviour and welfare consequences
Increased behavioural issues
Stressors for both dogs and caregivers

-Public-health and community impacts from unmet canine needs

-Practical suggestions for addressing these challenges, including behaviour-focused support and strategies to improve dog welfare in urban settings.

Just a few days left to book and benefit from our early-bird discount! https://bit.ly/49674nr

26/12/2025

The 2026 Conference brings together the latest thinking on animal behaviour and welfare in urban contexts - insights that can inform your approach to welfare, behaviour challenges, enrichment, management, and human–animal interactions.

As policy lead for companion animals at RSPCA, Dr Samantha Gaines brings a science policy perspective — focusing on how policy, social behaviour and human decision making impact animal wellbeing in emergencies.

Pay in three NOW - Early-bird discounts end on 31st December

https://bit.ly/49674nr

25/12/2025

24/12/2025

It’s not just cats and dogs – we’ll be addressing the challenges of keeping ‘The Dinosaur Pet’ with Jane Williams, a world-renowned behaviourist and expert in reptile care and welfare.

This session will:
-Highlight how urban living affects reptile welfare.
-Provide insights into real-world husbandry and behaviour issues relevant to tortoise keepers and advisers.
-Offer perspectives from an expert who has written and spoken widely on welfare.

This presentation is KEY to all tortoise owners, caregivers and for those working with animal rescue, rehoming or welfare education where tortoise care standards matter.

Pay-in-three NOW with early-bird discounts ending on 31st December!
https://bit.ly/49674nr

23/12/2025

We’re delighted to be joined by Suzanne Rogers at the APBC 2026 Conference.

Suzanne is the co-director of Human Behaviour Change for Life (HBCL) who apply the science of behaviour change to challenges affecting people, animals and the planet.

“The Downtown Dobbin”, will specifically address , , and in urban environments - exploring how city life impacts their welfare and needs.

professional? Pay-in-3 NOW with early-bird discounts ending on 31st December!

https://bit.ly/49674nr

20/12/2025

Eryn joins the APBC as a Full CAB Member following a successful assessment by the APBC and TCBTS!

Our membership allows access to focused support groups where members share their knowledge and discuss any issues facing behaviourists, whatever their role or membership type. Our members meet and gain insight and support from other, like-minded professionals and we're thrilled to have experienced Clinical Animal Behaviourists like Eryn joining us.

https://bit.ly/4n3hGca

19/12/2025

Lauren Sharkey has been successfully assessed and is now a Full Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) member of the APBC!

Find out more about our assessment process here: https://bit.ly/4fbO7SN