Two labradors in War Memorial Park, Coventry

Meet your local pet behaviourists in Birmingham

Hannah Dawes

Hannah Dawes

Veterinary Behaviourist

Hannah is a Veterinary Surgeon who graduated from the Royal Veterinary Cottage in 2008 and has worked in companion animal general practice ever since. She works part-time at a veterinary surgery in Stourbridge.

Hannah has a General Practitioner certificate in Small Animal Medicine and a postgraduate diploma in companion animal behaviour.

Find out more about Hannah here.

 

Zoe Demery

Zoe Demery

Senior Behaviourist

Zoe is an independently accredited Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) in dogs, cats and parrots.

Zoe is proud to be a Certificated Member of the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians, a registered Clinical Animal Behaviourist with the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and a Certified Animal Behaviour Consultant (in parrots, cats and dogs) with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants.

Find out more about Zoe here.

 

Megan Richardson

Megan Richardson

Senior Behaviourist

Megan graduated from Harper Adams University with a first class BSc (Hons) degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, then grew her clinical behaviour practice with dogs and cats.  She has many years of experience and is an independently accredited Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB in dogs).

Megan is an active member of various organisations, including FAB Clinicians, APBC and PACT.  Last but not least Megan is registered as a CAB and ATI with the ABTC.

Find out more about Megan here.

Keely Needham

Keely Needham

Senior Behaviourist

Keely graduated from Harper Adams University in 2021 with a first class honours degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour and Welfare. She works part-time as a behaviourist for a large animal welfare organisation. Keely has independent CCAB accreditation in dogs.

Keely has a wealth of experience working with dogs of all breeds and backgrounds and has a passion for understanding the complex needs of troubled dogs and enhancing the bonds with their care-givers and owners.

Find out more about Keely here.

Contact us

In emergencies please call your normal vets local to you.

Second Nature Behaviour
87 Watford Rd, Cotteridge,
Birmingham, West Midlands B30 1NP
Phone: 0121 299 0188
Fax: 0121 281 2225
Email: brum@secondnature.bio

Monday09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday09:00 - 17:00
Thursday09:00 - 17:00
Friday09:00 - 17:00
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

  • Our Birmingham Hub for Clinical Animal Behaviour

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  • We have two naughty cats that we would have had to separate if it wasnt for Zoe's help. She is friendly, supportive and created a pragmatic plan to try to get them to coexist. We have had huge progress and recommend highly to anybody having pet behavioural issues 👍

    Abs Casaus Avatar Abs Casaus
    22/10/2020

    I would like to thank Zoe for all the support provided me throughout our mentoring relationship over the period I was studying in the UK, three years ago. Our mentoring sessions have had an incredible impact on my professional growth as a behaviourist. I am very grateful to have been allowed to learn from your experience.

    sara valverde Avatar sara valverde
    29/11/2023

    Zoe has been a fab mentor, supporting me through tricky cases with advice and experience. I’m really pleased to have passed my CAB exams with her support. Thank you Zoe!

    Alice Watts Avatar Alice Watts
    02/04/2025
  • Fantastic communication, gave some amazing advice and have been very helpful with everything, couldn’t recommend enough!

    Lalalanicelady Avatar Lalalanicelady
    21/09/2025

    I had a longstanding worry with my male cat urinating in the house and vocalising a lot. I was overwhelmed. This was a complex situation and Zoe has been really down to earth, approachable, and persistent - even at those times I was ready to give up. The home assessment and report was great, and then lots of practical advice, written advice, follow up calls and solutions have followed. The issue is much improved and we continue to talk about ways to make my cat's experience and mine better. It is an affordable service. I sincerely wish that I would have approached as soon as the behaviour began. Part of the process is my cat having a health assessment with the vet before her consultation, and this was a wonderful thing because he did have some health needs. Zoe really benefitted from understanding his physical health needs to give us the best advice. Zoe even helped us to learned clicker training! My cat loves it. D. Adams and @finnlefang (on instagram)

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    D Adams Avatar D Adams
    20/02/2018

    I recently used Second Nature Behaviour for my dog's anxiety issues, and I couldn't be more pleased with the service provided by Dr. Zoe Demery and her team. Zoe's deep understanding of animal behaviour and her compassionate approach made a significant difference for us. From the initial consultation, Zoe was incredibly thorough, taking the time to understand our specific situation and tailoring her advice accordingly. Her methods are both evidence-based and kind, focusing on positive reinforcement, which really resonated with us. Over a few sessions, we saw a remarkable improvement in our dog's behaviour, and Zoe provided us with the tools and confidence to continue working with him on our own. The team's support didn't end with the sessions; they were always available for follow-up questions and additional advice. This level of dedication and professionalism is truly outstanding. I highly recommend Second Nature Behaviour to any pet owner facing behavioural challenges with their pets. They truly care about the well-being of the animals and their owners.

    Hemendra Singh Avatar Hemendra Singh
    28/05/2024
  • Zoe has mentored me over the last two years as I’ve built up my practical experience of behaviour consultations. Her feedback and advice throughout the process of carrying out consultations, writing reports and following-up with clients have been invaluable. The supportive WhatsApp group that she set up to enable her mentees to communicate with her and each other has also been very useful for me, and enabled me to get to know other behaviourists with varied backgrounds, and to discuss cases with them. I’m also very grateful for the encouragement Zoe gave me as I prepared to be assessed by the accreditation committee of the Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour, and her delight when I became accredited as a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist for dogs.

    Lynne Taylor Avatar Lynne Taylor
    20/02/2022

    Zoe at Second Nature Behaviour is a phenomenal mentor. She’s empathic, knowledgeable and experienced. She’s also super approachable which means our sessions never feel like an imposition or a chore and I look forward to our meetings. I’ve learned lots working with her and I highly recommend her services.

    Lesley Townsend Avatar Lesley Townsend
    20/09/2024

    Zoe changed our lives for the better. My dogs had started to fight with each other for various reasons. Zoe spent hours with us trying to work out why and how to overcome the problem. Zoe put in hours of work and we out lots of hard work in too with support from Zoe. Whilst we still have a long way to go things have vastly improved and we can enjoy our beautiful collies again. We can't thank Zoe enough

    Rachael Harrison Avatar Rachael Harrison
    20/02/2018

Ella the vet

Parrot vet
As a referring vet, i want my clients to feel happy with whom I have referred them to and I can honestly say every one has been very pleased!

Nicki the vet

Cat and vet
As a vet, I have referred many of my patients to Zoe – she works absolute miracles on cats, dogs and parrots!

Luke, Harry & Trixie

2 dogs
I cannot recommend Second Nature enough. Zoe gives both my dogs so much care and attention.

Benji, Dawn & Paul

Terrier
Zoe has shown us how to deal with our dog’s problems.

Ted, Rob and Michelle

Dog
Really pleased with the outcome and what an enjoyable experience meeting with you – Ted has calmed down a lot now!

Gracie

Dog
Whilst Gracie is still an anxious dog, she has made incredible progress and if we are completely honest, more progress than we thought she could make.

Echo

Dog
I do think that if we had not had help Echo wouldn’t be with us today, so this service has been fabulous! With the behaviour plan in place and lots of hard work from us as a family we now have a more relaxed dog.

Chip, James & Sarah

Dog
We found Zoe to be extremely knowledgeable and attentive when it came to talking us through the processes we needed to follow to get our little Yorkie under control.

Riley & Paul

Dog
I must say the advice you gave me was excellent. I would without hesitation recommend you to anybody with a problem dog.

Pebbles & Family

Puppy lying in grass
Pebbles is just wonderful! Thank you ever so much for your help and support – we couldn’t believe the improvements with her after just one week.

Trinity, Bella & Rachael

dogs
Zoe changed our lives for the better. We can’t thank Zoe enough.

Dotty, Annie & Colin

Dalmation
We feel totally supported – Second Nature Behaviour are sticking with us on the journey!

Brambles & Corinne

Dog
I trust them completely: what they don’t know about animals is not worth knowing. Their calmness and reassuring manner transfers to both dogs and owners.

Bubba, Karen & Gary

Dog
It was very helpful to speak to you. You offered some very good advice, most of which we have put into practice and we really are seeing results.

Alfie, Mary, Michael & Chris

Dog
We were a little apprehensive going to the meeting with Zoe, but we shouldn’t have been as she made us feel at ease very quickly. We were amazed at how quickly Alfie settled. The suggestions Zoe made were easy to follow.

Ernie, Jennie, Ian & Alfie

Dog
We’ve been delighted with the service. You’ve tailored your approach specifically to our concerns and have always been available for advice and further support.

Ozzy & Bev

Dog
I would happily recommend you to any owner with a dog-reactive dog. Your set-up with stooge dogs is excellent. I was very pleased to find you.

Goldie & Lucy

Dog
Thank you so much for all your support with Goldie! The advice and training Zoe gave us has transformed our walks and made life much less stressful!

Sophie, Chloe & Rosie

Dog
I wholeheartedly recommend Second Nature Behaviour. I have marvellous professional advice and support.

Blaze, Laura & Glyn

Dog
Although it is still early days, Zoe has helped us feel more in control, thereby keeping Blaze in a happier place.

Cocoa & Julia

Dog
I have been following your advice with Cocoa and we have noticed a difference in his behaviour already!!

Bailey, Andrew & Denise

Dog
We found Zoe and her team to be extremely professional and knowledgeable, taking the time to listen to our concerns and offer practical and helpful advice.

Dylan, Juliet & Carl

Dog
Zoe’s early input was so helpful at looking at Dylan’s night-time anxieties in a new way. Her ideas and strategies really worked!

Frank & Lynne

GSD dog
You were fab and I couldn’t have asked any more of you.

Buzz, Andy & Faye

Dog
We were very very happy with the service you guys gave us and have recommended you to a several people. Buzz has made so much progress since we have seen you!

Jessie, Charlotte & Dan

Dog
It was so lovely to meet you guys! Thank you so much for your help, you have such a kind attitude and have plenty of time for people!

Yogi & Rupert

Dogs sitting together
You can tell Zoe is passionate about what she does and clearly loves animals. She is very thorough and is always on hand for advice.

Murphy & Anna

Dog
Murphy was scared of the vets and generally a little OTT. Things are now going really well – amazing Zoe! Thank you for coming over and giving very sensible, practical advice.

Irene & Pauline

Collie
Irene used to be terrified of noises. The service Zoe provided gave me the confidence and skills to make Irene more confident.

Kizzy, Gyp, Barry & Hilary

Bull Terrier
We have put a lot of Zoe’s advice into practice and Kizzy has turned into a lovely and very loving dog. Things with her and our older dog, Gyp, are much better and no further incidents.

Alfie & Charley

dogs
Zoe is the most kind and considerate person – if you are looking for a professional pet behaviour therapist that loves animals look no further.

Don & Poppy

Dogs playing
With a few simple techniques, easily and clearly explained, and lots of consistent practice and hard work, we now have a significantly more relaxed household and two much calmer, happier dogs.

Bobby & Jayne

Dog
I have found your knowledge of dogs behaviour inspiring and it’s clear to see you have a real passion for dogs. Zoe is the best at what she does

Cookie, Storm, Andy & Julie

Dog
Our girls, Cookie and Storm, suddenly started fighting with each other. We are really happy with the time Zoe spent with us and the dogs.

Bracken & Vivienne

Beagle
Thank you so much for all your help. Before meeting you we were at our wit’s end as to what to do with Bracken, but your time and advice has put us back in control.

Dexter & Dougie

Dogs
We went into our first visit with Zoe feeling anxious we may end up having to rehome one of our beloved Frenchies. Fast-forward 6 months – our dogs are happier (and better behaved!) than ever.

Sadie, Julie and Mark

Beagle
You have done everything in a very compassionate and non-judgemental way; an approach that we have really appreciated.

Nala

Dog
If you’re looking for someone to sort out your pet’s behaviour, that you know it’s weird and don’t have a clue why they’re acting like they are, then contact Second Nature

Skye & Lynette

Dog
Zoe is a real dog lover who understands that life has to go on around the training. I have learned and am still learning so much from her to help me help my dog.

Jules & Linda

Grey Parrot
These are wonderful people, really professional, compassionate and knowledgeable.

RSPCA Brighton

Billy the cockatoo
As a charity we are extremely grateful for your generosity and wisdom!

Lily & Kiki

Rainbow Lorikeet

You have been wonderful to work with – clearly such a caring person.  You have turned Kiki’s life around.

Nardie’s Flock

parrots
Even the budgies who were easily spooked respond well to me now and really love their fly time!

Cocky & Timothy

Cockatoo

We couldn’t be happier with the changes we’ve seen in our feathered family member – thank you Zoe.  You’ve worked wonders.

Otis, Grace & Dom

Cat
Zoe is fantastic and spotted solutions with our cat Otis straightaway.

Finn & Deborah

Cat
Zoe has been really down to earth, approachable, and persistent – even at those times, I was ready to give up.

Harry & Phantom

Cats
Really thorough process – we felt you really took the time to understand us and the cats. We saw almost instant improvements with some of the strategies suggested.

Hettie, Lily & Chester

Cats and dog
Zoe’s expertise and advice have been invaluable in helping our dog to settle at night due to separation anxiety and overcoming tricky interactions with our two cats.

Charlie & Milo

Grey cats
The help you have given us has been so useful with our two cats who weren’t getting along.

Marley & Elaine

cat
It has been a comfort knowing that if I needed any more advice, you were always there.

Billie, Tammy & Mary

Cat
Zoe, I can’t thank you enough for all your help and support with my cats. Your advice has been invaluable.

Riley & Paul

Cats cuddling
We have two naughty cats that we would have had to separate if it wasnt for Zoe’s help.

Blossom Stanyon Jones

Would recommend the Second Nature team until I’m blue in the face! We’ve been working hard to build confidence in my reactive whippet X Italian Greyhound. We’re starting to see some really amazing progress with the clear and sensible suggestions made by Keely and I can’t thank her and the rest of the team enough.

Lilly Smith

You have been wonderful to work with – clearly such a caring person. You have turned our lorikeet Kiki’s life around.

RSPCA Brighton

Thank you for all your help with our 3 feathered residents, Billie, Dave and Alfie. As a charity we are extremely grateful for your generosity and wisdom!

Heather Jakeman

Zoe & the team have been brillant with their help & support over the last 14 months with Badger & Patch. Two brothers from the same litter who at 6 months old had a major fight.

Nicki Davis

Second Nature Behaviour provides an excellent service for a very reasonable price. As a vet, I have referred many of my patients to Zoe for behavioural and psychological issues and have worked alongside her in managing patients with medical intervention. Zoe has worked absolute miracles on cats and dogs and given pet owners chance to

Richard Yarnell

We were referred to Zoe by our vets as one of our greyhounds was proving difficult to settle and was reactive to other dogs, seemed to have some sort of sleep terrors and was generally proving difficult to adjust into our household. Zoe’s clear methods and easy style of communication quickly put us at ease,

Sonia Webb Academyofdance

Thank you Zoe for everything that you have done to help my two dogs Alfie (Shitzu ) and Charley ((Yorkie) I don’t know what we would have done with out you. Zoe is the most kind and considerate person if you are looking for a professional pet behaviour therapist that loves animals look no further

Jayne Knight

Zoe is the best at what she does. She has given me the confidence to tackle my dogs behaviour issues. I am now able to restrain my dog myself and make going to the vets less stressful for me and my dog. Zoe is a very genuine person and thinks of solutions to overcome any

Kadioula Duggan

We went into our first visit with Zoe feeling anxious and afraid that we may end up having to find a new home for one of our beloved frenchies if they didn’t stop their aggressive behaviour towards each other. Fast forward 6 months and our dogs are happier (and better behaved!) than ever and we

Dawn Myatt

Really enjoyed the training with Zoe. She has showed us how to deal with our dog Benji’s problems & we now have the tools to carry on with his training. Would definitley recommend second nature & would use again in the future.

Rosie Jenkins

I wholeheartedly recommend Second Nature Behaviour. I have marvellous professional advice and support from Zoe who is so committed to helping me and my dog,Sophie.

André Sousa

If you’re looking for someone to sort out your pet’s behaviour, that you know it’s weird and don’t have a clue why he’s acting like he is, then contact Zoe. Zoe has been amazing and gone the extra mile with us. From diagnosing our newfie with anxiety to putting in practice an action plan but

Birmingham dog training and pet behaviour counselling

Welcome to our Birmingham clinic, located in the heart of the West Midlands. We provide expert behavioural support for owners of dogs, cats, and parrots, addressing issues like anxiety, aggression, and socialisation to ensure your pets thrive.

We frequently meet dog owners at Cannon Hill Park, Sutton Park, and Lickey Hills for practical, hands-on training. Birmingham's canal network also offers a unique setting for socialisation walks and behavioural exercises. In Highbury Park and Warley Woods, we often see vibrant ring-necked parakeets, which provide inspiration for our free-flying colourful parrot clients.

Our pet behaviourists cover all over the West Midlands

Our clinic supports the popular feline community in Kings Heath, providing specialised advice tailored to local cat owners. Serving Birmingham and areas such as Edgbaston, Moseley, Harborne, Solihull, West Bromwich, Dudley, Redditch, Walsall, Sandwell, and Bromsgrove, we understand the local environment and provide effective support. We also cover the Black Country region.

Our pet behaviourists work exclusively on vet referral, ensuring each case is thoroughly vetted and aligned with medical advice. We participate in community events and collaborate with local pet organisations to offer the best support to the Birmingham pet community. Whether you're near the Bullring, Jewellery Quarter, or Cadbury World, our expert team is here to help.

Please note that if you are more than 20 miles away from our Birmingham Hub, then there is an additional £2/mi charge for the return journey.

Clinical Animal Behaviourist providing a dog behaviour consultation