Writing a behaviour report can be a daunting task, especially when you’re balancing the expectations of professional standards, ethical responsibilities, and client comprehension. Whether you're preparing documentation for private clients, educational portfolios, or progression within a professional register, structure and clarity are essential.
A well-organised report not only reflects your competence, but also supports better outcomes for both the animal and their caregiver. In this article, we explore a clear, professional framework for writing behaviour reports, and share some key insights to help your work communicate your expertise with confidence.

Start With Context, Not Just the Problem

Effective behaviour reports begin by establishing context. Rather than opening with the presenting issue, begin by outlining key background information such as medical history, daily routines, diet, environment, and any prior behavioural interventions. This provides the reader with a holistic understanding of the animal’s situation, and can often uncover contributing factors to the behaviour being assessed.

Observation Comes Before Interpretation

One of the most common pitfalls in behaviour reports is the tendency to interpret behaviour before accurately describing it. Focus first on observable behaviour—what the animal did, when, and in what context—before offering analysis. For example, rather than stating 'the dog became aggressive', describe the observed behaviour: 'the dog growled, lunged, and bared its teeth when approached.' This allows for a more objective and credible interpretation later in the report.