Sarah Tapsell
sarahtapsellccab@gmail.com | 📞 07936 694952 | 📷 @Sarahdogtapsellccab

About Sarah

Sarah Tapsell is a Clinical Animal Behaviourist with 20 years’ experience working in rescue, welfare and clinical behaviour roles.

She provides evidence-based, welfare-focused behaviour and training support for pet owners and caregivers whose animals are struggling with fear, anxiety, reactivity or more complex behavioural needs.

Sarah’s work is thoughtful, realistic and ethical. Her focus is always on long-term behavioural improvement that works in everyday life - not quick fixes.

Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB)

Sarah Tapsell is a Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Animal Training Instructor,, with 20 years of professional experience in animal behaviour, welfare and rescue.

Sarah specialises in dogs but has also worked extensively with cats and other small companion animals.

Professional Qualifications

From Wolves to Rescue Work

Sarah’s career began at 20 during work experience at a zoo, where she worked alongside a wolf charity. She went on to volunteer for four years, gaining a unique insight into canine behaviour and social dynamics.

Her first employed role was with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and much of her career has since been shaped by work in rescue and rehoming environments.

Within these settings, Sarah has supported dogs and cats with:

She has worked in senior and specialist roles involving behavioural assessment, risk management, behaviour modification planning, staff and volunteer training, education programmes, policy development and collaboration with veterinary teams.

Bringing Rescue Experience into Private Practice

This depth of experience underpins Sarah’s work with private clients. She takes a careful, whole-picture approach to behaviour. This means considering:

Sarah is known for working calmly and without judgement. Her aim is to help owners truly understand their pet’s behaviour and feel confident implementing sustainable changes that improve welfare for both animals and people.

Life at Home

Sarah currently lives near Exmoor and shares her home with three Chihuahuas, a Basset Hound and four lop-eared rabbits. All are rescues. She has also cared for dogs, cats, rats, hamsters, chinchillas, guinea pigs and rabbits over the years — giving her a practical understanding of multi-species households and individual temperament differences.

Insurance

Due to Sarah’s qualifications and professional registrations, behaviour consultations are covered by many pet insurance policies.

If your pet is insured, it is worth checking your policy details, level of cover and excess, as behaviour support is often included when provided by a qualified Clinical Animal Behaviourist.