About ESVCE

Our Mission

The European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE) is a non-profit making organisation which aims to promote and support scientific progress in veterinary behaviour medicine and comparative clinical ethology.

The ESVCE encourages and aims to facilitate co-ordination of research and other contributions to knowledge related to diagnosis, therapy, prevention, and control of behaviour problems in animals.

Our Objectives

• Support the formation and activities of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine (ECAWBM), which certifies European Veterinary Specialists in Behavioural Medicine
• Further education in veterinary clinical ethology through training programmes and postgraduate studies across Europe
• Organise the biennial European Veterinary Congress of Behavioural Medicine and Animal Welfare (EVCBMAW), together with the ECAWBM
• Encourage communication with other behaviour-oriented associations and national groups
• Publish newsletters and provide discussion platforms for members
• Support clinical research through the Rudy De Meester (RDM) Grant

What is Veterinary Clinical Ethology?

Veterinary Clinical Ethology is a developing multidisciplinary science which places the approach to understanding the problematic behaviour of animals within a veterinary context. Veterinary behavioural medicine is a branch of internal medicine and is a mainstream aspect of veterinary practice.

Behavioural signs are an outward expression of underlying emotional drives in response to a range of social or environmental stimuli. Veterinary behaviourists combine physical and emotional health evaluation, behavioural management, pheromone and pharmacological interventions — distinguishing veterinary behavioural medicine from non-veterinary behaviour specialists.

ESVCE Board

The ESVCE is governed by an elected board of veterinary behaviour specialists from across Europe.

ECAWBM

The ESVCE works closely with the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine (ECAWBM), which certifies diplomates as “European Veterinary Specialist in Behavioural Medicine (companion animals).” The ECAWBM is recognised by the European Board of Veterinary Specialisation (EBVS).

Legal Information

ESVCE VZW/ASBL is a registered non-profit organisation under Belgian law.