Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond: A Behavioral Journey through Veterinary Psychiatry

Portrait of Dr. Stéphane Bleuer-Elsner, ECAWBM-BM Diplomate

Introduction

The human-animal bond is one of the most emotionally charged, scientifically fascinating, and socially important relationships in our world. As a veterinary behaviorist and psychiatrist, I have devoted over three decades to understanding this bond—not only by treating animals with behavioral disorders but also by helping humans better interpret and respond to the needs of their companions.

My career has encompassed private practice, academic research, clinical leadership, and international teaching. Throughout it all, I have remained guided by a core belief: behavioral medicine is not a luxury—it is essential to the health and well-being of animals and to fostering harmony between species.

Professional Journey and Expertise

My path into behavioral medicine began with my veterinary training at the École Nationale Vétérinaire de Lyon (1992), followed by over a decade of general veterinary practice in France. In 2005, I shifted toward behavioral medicine and psychiatry, completing an advanced program through the French National Veterinary Schools. This marked the beginning of a specialization that continues to drive my professional life.

From 2011 to 2020, I worked in Israel, eventually leading the behavior and psychiatry departments of two hospitals in the “Veterinar Toran” network. In 2020, I launched an independent practice focused exclusively on behavioral medicine and psychiatry in Tel Aviv.

In 2024, I became a diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioral Medicine (ECAWBM-BM)—a distinction that reflects not only clinical expertise but also a long-standing commitment to research, teaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I currently lead the Behavior and Psychiatry Department at Vétélys Veterinary Clinic in Geneva, Switzerland, and provide consultations at the Saint Martin Veterinary Hospital in Annecy, France, while continuing my independent practice in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Throughout these years, I have contributed to the academic field through co-authorship of veterinary psychiatry books—including Veterinary Psychiatry of the Dog (Springer Nature, 2024) and the forthcoming Veterinary Psychiatry of the Cat (2025)—as well as numerous peer-reviewed publications.

I also serve as board member of GECAF (Study Group on the Behavior of Companion Animals) within the AFVAC (French Association of Companion Animal Veterinarians), and of the examination committee of the ECAWBM (European College of animal welfare and behavioral medicine).

Progress, Challenges, and Key Insights

Over time, I have witnessed profound changes in how the veterinary world views animal behavior. Once marginal, behavioral consultations are now recognized as essential for both preventive care and the management of chronic mental distress in animals.

This shift has been rewarding—but it has also come with challenges. Behavioral symptoms are often misinterpreted as disobedience or character flaws. Owners arrive frustrated, ashamed, or grieving the loss of a harmonious relationship with their pet. As clinicians, we must be both scientifically precise and deeply empathetic. We work at the intersection of medicine, psychology, and communication.

One of the most impactful insights I’ve gained is that emotional suffering in animals is often rooted in a mismatch between the animal’s environment and its genetic vulnerabilities. Tools such as positive reinforcement, environmental enrichment, and behavioral therapy are not merely techniques—they are a language through which we rebuild safety and trust. However, when a pathological mental state is present, these approaches alone are insufficient. In such cases, pharmacological intervention is essentialto rebalance brain function, making it possible for the animal to engage in new learning and benefit from behavioral reeducation.

Technological advancements have also shaped my work. At the University of Haifa, Israël, where I have been a Research Fellow since 2018, I contributed to projects using artificial intelligence to analyze canine behavior. Our research explored how movement patterns and physiological responses can serve as indicators of stress or attention disorders—laying the groundwork for new, objective tools to enhance clinical assessment.

Societal Impact and Future Perspectives

Veterinary psychiatry goes beyond individual animals—it has far-reaching societal implications. Animals today occupy deeply integrated roles in human families, public institutions, and therapy settings. Their mental well-being affects human mental health, safety, education, and even legal policy.

Drawing from my experience with traumatic exposure in Israel, I have devoted significant attention to the prevention and treatment of trauma in companion animals affected by war or violence. Through my involvement with the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE), I co-authored veterinary guidelines on PTSD in companion animals, developed in response to the war in Ukraine. This work highlights the critical importance of integrating behavioral medicine into emergency response planning and broader public health strategies.

Looking ahead, I believe our field must fully embrace a holistic and multidisciplinary approach. Integrating neuroscience, animal welfare science, and veterinary medicine is essential—but equally important is safeguarding the ethical and emotional dimensions of our work. Behavior is not merely a collection of patterns; it is the animal’s voice, a vital expression of its well-being, and an integral component of its overall health.

I also see an increasing need for public education. As veterinary behaviorists, we are uniquely positioned to guide pet owners, educators, and policymakers toward evidence-based, humane approaches to animal training and care. Whether teaching dog trainers, collaborating with police units, or delivering continuing education programs for veterinarians and the wider public, I consider knowledge-sharing to be a central part of my mission.

Conclusion

Veterinary behavioral medicine is a frontier of deep listening—an attunement to signals beneath the surface, to patterns shaped by emotion, cognition, and mood. It demands humility, patience, and courage. Above all, it calls on us to see animals not merely as patients, but as sentient beings with a fundamental right to mental well-being.

My journey across countries, institutions, and species has been deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. I am grateful to be part of a movement that is shaping a more compassionate future—one in which the human-animal bond is not only protected but understood, respected, and nurtured.