About us

Who is Daniel Mills?

About me

I am a global pioneer in the field of companion animal behaviour. In 2004, I became the first veterinary behavioural medicine specialist to be recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), and in the same year was appointed Europe’s first Professor of Veterinary Behavioural Medicine. In 2016, the RCVS further recognised my contribution to the discipline by awarding me Fellowship status—the first individual to receive this honour for work in veterinary behavioural medicine. In recent years I have been consistently ranked among the world’s top scientists across all disciplines in the Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientists ranking, reaching a career-high position of 25^th within the subdiscipline of veterinary science shortly before my retirement from academia in 2026.

Evidence-Based Expertise You Can Trust

In an age of unlimited online content and AI-generated information, finding reliable and trustworthy sources has never been more important. Scientific progress is not simply about generating facts; it is also about understanding how knowledge is produced, its strengths, and its limitations.

My work is grounded in scientific rigour, critical thinking, and open-minded enquiry. I believe that genuine progress comes from questioning assumptions, engaging in rational discussion, and being willing to learn from others. Throughout much of my career, I have focused on developing a systematic and psychobiological approach to the assessment and understanding of problem behaviour. This work is helping to generate new insights and more effective interventions that improve animal welfare and support better outcomes for both animals and their caregivers.

A Passion for Animals, People, and Learning that Extends into Human Health and Well-being

I am deeply passionate about companion animal behaviour and the relationships people have with their animals. I am also fascinated by the many ways companion animals affect their carers. Combining extensive practical experience with a strong academic background, I aim to share knowledge, develop skills, and help others build healthier, more rewarding relationships with the animals in their care.

My interests also extend beyond clinical animal behavioural practice. I am fascinated by the ways in which animal behaviour and the human–animal bond can contribute to our understanding of human mental health and wellbeing, particularly within the field of evolutionary psychiatry. Through my research, teaching, and public engagement, I seek to encourage both professional and personal reflection on these important connections.

Transforming our understanding of problem animal behaviour and clinical animal behaviour practice

I have pioneered a transformation in our scientific understanding of companion animal problem behaviour, through the development of a “psychobiological approach” to clinical animal behaviour assessment. I have published more than 250 full peer-reviewed scientific articles and more than 60 books and chapters. I have supervised more than 40 post graduate research students (mainly PhDs) to successful completion, and taught thousands of students from all over the world since moving into academia in 1994. I have also helped thousands of owners through my role as behaviour clinician and Director of the University of Lincoln Animal Behaviour Clinic up until my retirement in 2026. I run the audio and YouTube channel, which includes unique insights into clinical animal behaviour, including the series focusing on owners’ experience of problem pet ownership “Pet Behaviour Odysseys” and their route to a more fulfilling and healthy relationship.