Hospital for Small Animals is the first approved training centre in the UK The European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine (ECAWBM) has approved the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies' Hospital for Small Animals as the first training centre in the UK to provide a standard residency programme in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine.This will allow vets the opportunity to study in a dedicated centre in the UK while working towards ECAWBM Behavioural Medicine Diplomate status, the highest qualification in veterinary behavioural medicine.Existing ExpertiseWith a dedicated referral-only Behaviour Clinic led by Dr Kevin McPeake, European and RCVS Specialist in Behavioural Medicine, the Hospital for Small Animals constitutes an ideal training centre for ECAWBM scholars. The Behaviour Clinic specialises in the assessment and treatment of behaviour problems in dogs and cats, and benefits from the expertise offered by over 12 other on-site, Specialist-led referral services when dealing with patients with complex medical problems. Dr Kevin McPeake (left) with Dr Benjamin Cross (right) and Mac the cairn terrier cross Dr McPeake will serve as supervisor and oversee the training of ECAWBM scholars during their four-year residency, and help prepare them for their board exams. We are delighted to be accredited to offer this residency programme. Veterinary Behavioural Medicine is an exciting and expanding field, and this accreditation allows us to be at the forefront of developing specialists for the future so we can help more patients and their carers.Benjamin’s appointment and expansion to the Behaviour Clinic team also means we will be able to increase our capacity and help more dogs and cats with behaviour problems Dr Kevin McPeake Head of the Behaviour Clinic, Hospital for Small Animals First scholar welcomed Dr Benjamin Cross, the first vet to be enrolled onto the new standard residency programme in Behavioural Medicine in the UK, commenced his scholarship at the Hospital recently. Dr Cross, who completed his undergraduate studies at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and undertook a rotating internship in the Hospital for Small Animals, has a particular interest in preventative behavioural medicine. I am delighted to return to the Dick Vet and to join the Behaviour Clinic team. It is a real privilege to learn and work alongside so many brilliant and dedicated colleagues and I am excited to further develop my knowledge and skills as well as help deliver excellent care to our patients. Dr Benjamin Cross Resident in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine Dr Cross joins Dr McPeake and Dr Amy Miele, and will gain extensive clinical training assessing and treating dogs and cats referred to the Hospital's Behaviour Clinic. He will also receive training in exotic animal and equine behaviour and complete a Professional Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVetMed) from the University of Edinburgh as part of his training. About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Animal Welfare Centre We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Tags HfSA Vet Publication date 02 Oct, 2025
