Veterinary care for small animals & pets in Nottinghamshire

Sarah Dolbear
BVM BVS MRCVS BVetMedSci PGCert

Our behaviour consultation appointments are performed by a Sarah who has a postgraduate certificate in clinical animal behaviour and undertakes her behavioural consultations from our Bingham branch. The consultations make use of our bespoke consulting room making use of a much larger and more comfortable setting than most veterinary consultations.

A veterinary Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) is a focused 24-month qualification for advancing clinical skills, but does not make the vet a specialist as this would require a Diploma level qualification to become an RCVS Recognised Specialist.

Referral Request Form

Why come for a behavioural consultation at Minster?

The benefits of seeing a veterinary behaviourist with your behavioural problem are that the links between medical and behavioural conditions are very strong. Research estimates that up to 80% of dogs suffering from a behavioural issue are suffering from a painful condition. Therefore to look at behaviour from a medical aspect has significant benefits. Behavioural consults at Minster allow for a multidisciplinary approach with close relationships between physiotherapists and external behaviourists too to get your pet everything they need.

What type of problems can we help with?

We are happy to offer advice and help for any kind of behavioural issue in dogs and cats. Some examples of the cases we can see include:
● Separation anxiety
● Reactivity to dogs and people
● Handling issues
● Barking
● Medication administration concerns (eg applying regular ear treatment or managing injections in diabetic dogs)

We will be able to offer an initial management plan, advice, resources and/or medication which allow you to manage the behavioural problem and make progress with your training plan. Sometimes behavioural concerns are very complex and would benefit from an extended consultation and practical sessions outside of the clinic. In these instances we have access to referral to external Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourists to work in conjunction with us in order to best help you and your pet.

What can I expect from my appointment?

Behaviour appointments with Sarah are 60-90 minutes long. This time will be spent having a discussion with Sarah to try and get as much information as needed about the behavioural problem you are struggling with. Sarah will then examine your pet if they are comfortable with her doing so, and put in place a plan of action going forward.

This plan may include:

Trialling medication either for health conditions or behaviour medication
Management suggestions for the behavioural problem, including first aid advice
Referral to a vet physio or to Motion@Minster
Referral to an external behavioural specialist should that be necessary
Training handouts and how to guides, direction to appropriate resources.

You will also receive a follow up email containing any relevant resources and a summary report of the consultation and plan.

How Do I book? How Can I Be Referred? What Does it Cost?

We are pleased to accept internal referrals from within our Minster Veterinary Centre family. However, external referrals can be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Please contact our Bingham branch for more information or to book a referral.

For active clients of the practice Initial Assessment and Behaviour Report To Owner £240

This also includes the first 30 Minute Follow Up Consultation and 6 months of email support

Referrals from other veterinary practices Initial Assessment and Behaviour Report To Owner and Referral Veterinary Practice £325

This also includes the first 30 Minute Follow Up Consultation and 6 months of email support

Follow Up Consultations £66

Call to Action

📍 Based within Minster Veterinary Centre Bingham Surgery
📩 External referrals accepted
📞 Contact the practice to arrange a consultation

Referral Request Form

Minster Veterinary Centre Routine Services Include:

- Puppy and kitten health check and primary vaccination courses
- Puppy and kitten care packages
- Booster vaccinations and health checks
- Annual parasite prevention packages
- Microchipping
- Neutering
- BVA hip scoring
- BVA elbow scoring
- Nurse led clinics
- Diagnostic imaging – x-ray and ultra sound
- Dental procedures
- In-house blood work
- 24 hour emergency service
- Referral to appropriate specialists