Emotional wellbeing in animals took centre stage at a landmark two-day conference in Torquay, where some of the world’s leading behaviourists, vets and welfare experts gathered to explore what many delegates saw as a significant shift in the future of pet care.
Held at the Imperial Hotel, the event welcomed professionals from across the UK, Europe and beyond, united by a growing belief that emotional health must be taken as seriously as physical welfare in modern animal care.
Set against the backdrop of the English Riviera, the conference opened with a welcome from Gill Edwards and emotional wellbeing expert Andrew Hale, who framed the event around a clear message: understanding how animals feel is fundamental to improving their lives.
One of the most moving moments of day one came from Sarah Whiffen, speaking publicly for the first time since the death of ACE founder Sarah Fisher. In an emotional tribute to her mentor, Whiffen reflected on Fisher’s transformative influence on the sector before delivering a technically rich session on ACE Free Work, which earned a standing ovation.
The scientific focus continued with Dr Amber Batson, who examined the distinction between animal welfare and emotional wellbeing. Drawing on emerging research, she highlighted growing evidence linking emotional state with physical health outcomes, reinforcing the case for a more holistic approach to care.
Further innovation came from Dr Hannah Capon, who introduced her platform, The Pain Vet. Designed to move beyond the limitations of traditional consultations, the approach uses detailed assessments and video analysis to build a fuller picture of chronic conditions such as canine arthritis, opening up new possibilities for improved treatment outcomes.
Day two maintained the momentum with a keynote from veterinary behaviourist Dr Robert Falconer-Taylor, whose session on sleep science struck a chord with delegates. He emphasised that restorative rest is essential for both animals and their owners, warning that modern lifestyles are increasingly at odds with biological needs.
Renowned trainer Victoria Stilwell (pictured left), best known for ‘It’s Me or the Dog’, brought an interactive element to proceedings, encouraging attendees to look beyond surface behaviours and consider the emotional drivers behind them. Her focus on empathy for both dogs and their guardians resonated strongly with the professional audience.
A holistic perspective was offered by Julia Robertson, who urged practitioners to adopt a “whole dog” approach, while Chloe Scoones shared insight into how large welfare organisations are embedding emotional wellbeing into everyday care practices.
Throughout the conference, one message came through clearly: the future of animal care lies in recognising emotional wellbeing as a core component of health, not an optional extra.
For the pet trade, that shift carries clear implications. As consumer awareness grows and expectations evolve, demand is rising for products, services and professional advice that support not just physical health, but emotional balance too.
The conference was hosted by Pet Remedy, whose organisers described it at the close as “just the beginning”, signalling ongoing investment in education and collaboration across the sector.
For more information visit www.petremedy.co.uk