A sensing band for a tail-mounted sensor device for monitoring vital signs of an animal having a tail, wherein the sensing band comprises means for sensing heart rate and/or temperature of the animal and is adapted to be mounted around the tail and be releasably connected to the sensor device.Also provided is tail-mounted sensor device for monitoring vital signs of an animal, comprising a housing and a fastening device attached to the housing and adapted to fasten the sensor device on at least part of the tail, wherein the sensor device is adapted to receive a sensing band according to any preceding claim for releasable attachment thereto to provide an electrical connection between the sensing band and the sensor device, wherein the sensing band is separate from the fastening device.
