top of page

Please note:

Dr Jen is not offering private behaviour consultations at this time. Please see below for referral options for a behaviour qualified vet or trainer for your pet. 

pexels-photo-26511 cat.jpg

BEHAVIOUR REFERRAL OPTIONS -

Central Coast and Newcastle region

So, your pet has a behaviour that you need some help with.

It may be something that a trainer can help with, or it may need a

behaviour vet, or both. This blog or this document may help you

work out who to contact first. If you are still not sure, then any

of the contacts listed below should be able to advise you on

where to go first. Know what you are looking for?

Follow the links to jump straight to:

​

​

​

​

BEHAVIOUR VETERINARIANS

(MEMBERS OF THE ANZCVS VETERINARY BEHAVIOUR CHAPTER):

 

College Membership signifies that a veterinarian has expertise and competence in a nominated subject area.

To become a member of the College a candidate must have at least four years post-graduate experience as a veterinarian and have successfully completed both written and oral/practical examinations in veterinary behaviour.

These veterinarians have a high degree of knowledge and experience in the field of veterinary behaviour. They provide consultation services to behaviour cases referred from the general public or from veterinarians in general practice.

​

 

Dr Kathy Cornack BVSC (Hons) MANZVCS (Veterinary behaviour)

Holistic Vets Newcastle

www.holisticvets.com.au 

0421 501977

Dr Kathy provides behavioural services in the Newcastle area. In home consultations and assessments.

​

Dr Joanna McLachlan, BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS(Veterinary Behaviour) PgCert.VetConsMed N8285

Pet Behaviour Vet

02 8599 0859

admin@petbehaviourvet.com.au

www.petbehaviourvet.com.au

www.facebook.com/PetBehaviourVet/

Our behaviour veterinarians and experienced force-free trainers offer house-call, in-clinic and telephone/Skype consultations (where appropriate). Our office is based in south-eastern Sydney, however we travel to all areas of Sydney and make regular trips to regional areas including the Wollongong, Illawarra, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Newcastle (extra mileage charges apply). We primarily see dogs and cats, but will also see birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and other exotic pets. Skype consultations may be possible for some patients.

​

The ANZCVS Behaviour Chapter website lists more Members who may service this area, including those who offer remote consultations by Skype or other video chat software.

​

 

 

VETERINARY BEHAVIOUR SPECIALISTS (FELLOWS OF THE ANZCVS VETERINARY BEHAVIOUR CHAPTER)

​

These veterinarians have the highest level of experience and knowledge in the field of veterinary behaviour. They provide consultation services to behaviour cases referred from the general public, or from other veterinarians, including those holding MANZCVS qualifications.

 

There are currrently no practicing veterinary behaviour specialists based in NSW. However, some of the Australian based Veterinary Behaviour Specialists do offer remote consulting with pet guardians, or vet-to-vet consulting. 

The ANZCVS Behaviour Chapter website lists Specialists who may service this area, including those who offer remote consultations by Skype or other video chat software.

​

​

VETERINARIANS WITH FURTHER QUALIFICATIONS IN BEHAVIOUR

Dr Findy Wills

Let's Talk Paws

https://www.letstalkpaws.com.au/about-dr-findy.html

​

​

VETERINARIANS WITH AN INTEREST IN BEHAVIOUR

​

​

Dr Lauren Polsom

Doyalson Animal Hospital

423 Scenic Dr

Doyalson

NSW 2262

02 4399 2129

Dr Lauren provides behaviour consultations.

​

Dr Paul McCarthy

Brunker Road Veterinary Centre

278 Brunker Road

Adamstown, NSW 2289
02 4957 2269
Dr Paul provides behaviour consultations.

https://www.brunkerroadvets.com.au/ServicesFacilities/BehaviouralConsultations.aspx 

​

Also look for veterinarians who have Fear Free or Low Stress Handling training. This website lists some, but is not exhaustive. 

​

 

 

 

QUALIFIED TRAINERS

Look for trainers who only use positive reinforcement methods and have qualifications such as Delta Trainer, and membership of organisations like PPG and APDT. They should be willing to work in consultation with veterinarians. The following trainers offering behaviour services in the area meet these guidelines:

​

Gail Hudson - Woofs and Wags

0409 747 841

https://www.woofsandwags.com.au

Training classes in the Central Coast area. Gail is not currently offering private consultations.

​

Kasia Motte - Bingo Dog Training

https://www.bingodogtraining.com.au/

0474154463

bingodogtraining@hotmail.com

Certificate of Higher Education in Canine Behaviour with Middlesex University (UK)

Member of APDTA

​

Penny - Ocean Paws Dog Training

https://www.oceanpawsdogtraining.com.au/

 

 

Sharon Carroll - Avanti Dog Training

https://avantidogtraining.com.au/

Fully certified behaviour consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) in both dogs (CDBC) and horses (CHBC).
BAppSc, Graduate Diploma (Captive Vertebrate Management – exotics and wildlife), Master of Animal Science, and PhD candidate (Veterinary Pharmacology).
Primary focus on dogs displaying significant aggression (dog-to-human and dog-to-dog). Also routinely works cases where the animal is performing a range of other behaviours associated with fear or anxiety. 
Working in conjunction with veterinarians and veterinary behaviourist on complex cases. 
Helping owners to understand the underlying cause for their dog’s behaviour, and to implement effective behaviour modification and management strategies.
Private appointments available in the Newcastle, Maitland and Port Stephens areas. Other areas available via Zoom.

​

​

Dr Elyssa Payne PhD.

elyssa.payne@gmail.com

Member of PPGA and APDTA

Private consultations available in the Lake Macquarie region, on Saturday mornings

​

Terri Lou - Newcastle Dog Training

Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (Dog Training) from the Delta Society of Australia.
Bachelor of Science (Computer Science). 
Full member of: The Delta Institute,  Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia, Pet Professional Guild Australia
Full details including fees: www.dogtrainingnewcastle.com.au/
terri@dogtrainingnewcastle.com.au

Small group classes at Kotara South Public School, private lessons in most of Newcastle and northern and eastern Lake Macquarie.

​

Page Power -
Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (Dog Training) from the Delta Society of Australia.
Certificate IV Veterinary nurse
Puppy school classes at Greencross Lambton
Clinic ph. 4957 8860

page.power@greencrossvet.com.au

​

Eve McKenzie - Dogaholics

Private, one-on-one training/behaviour consultations for dogs and cats. Dog Training classes. Dog Massage. 

Greenhound Assessment for Greyhounds. Temperament/behavioural assessments for dogs declared dangerous or menacing

Training for assistance dogs (including Mind Dogs) for Public Access Test. Public Access Test (PAT) assessments.

  • Diploma of Canine Behaviour Science and Technology 

  • Diploma of Feline Behaviour Science and Technology

  • Cert IV in Dog Behavioural Training (Delta Society)

  • Living and Learning with Animals Certificate (Behaviour Works)

  • Approved Greenhound Assessor for Greyhounds 

  • Certificate in Canine Myofunctional Therapy (Dog Massage)

  • Statement of Attainment - Identify and respond to animal behaviour (TAFE)

  • Bachelor of Business 

  • Associate Diploma in Management

  • Diploma in Management

  • Cert IV in Training and Assessment 

  • Senior First Aid Certificate

Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia (APDT), Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA), Delta Institute of Australia,

Companion Animals Committee - Lake Macquarie City Council

Servicing the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions of NSW

https://www.dogaholics.com.au/

​

Lorraine Broadway

Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (Dog Training) from the Delta Society of Australia.

Lemon Tree Passage area (happy to travel a reasonable distance).

Private behaviour consultations.

0412070148.

​

Margaret Keast - Jigsaw Dogs

Certificate III in Dog Behaviour & Training from National Dog Trainers Federation, currently completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science. 

Lake Macquarie region generally but will travel further if requested (travel fee may be charged).

I work with reactive (human and dog), fearful and anxious dogs mostly in private consultations.
Sniffer Dog classes (nosework).

jigsawdogs@bigpond.com
0403676047
www.jigsawdogs.com.au 

 

Megan Bowe

Offering K9 Nose Work classes for therapy and competition in the East Maitland area.
Certified NACSW K9 Nose Work Instructor.
Completed Susan Friedman's LAL Professional Course.
Member APDT
megbowe@bigpond.com
0407917494

​

Toni Chambers 

Currently completing Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services (Dog Training) through the Delta Society of Australia.

Currently offering private consults, pet home visits and dog walking. Classes when requested.

Member of APDT and PPG.

toni@sniffsnwags.com.au

0408600457

http://sniffsnwags.com.au/

Maitland region but will travel as required

​

Sharon Tonkin

A veterinary nurse at Brunker Road Veterinary Centre and also a Delta qualified dog trainer can providing home visits and training advice to improve the outcome of a behavioural modification programme.

​

​

​

​

Anchor 1
Anchor 2
Anchor 3
Anchor 4
bottom of page