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.
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:
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BEHAVIOUR VETERINARIANS -
VETS WITH FURTHER QUALIFICATIONS IN BEHAVIOUR
(MEMBERS OF THE ANZCVS VETERINARY BEHAVIOUR CHAPTER,
or MASTERS IN CLINICAL ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR)
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. To gain a Masters in Clinical Animal Behaviour requires 3-6 years (PT) of structured coursework, examinations and dissertation.
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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.
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Dr Findy Wills BVSc (Hons I) MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour PhD Candidate in Psychology
Let’s Talk Paws Veterinary Behaviour Services (Central Coast)
www.letstalkpaws.com.au
Letstalkpaws@gmail.com​
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Dr Kathy Cornack BVSC (Hons) MANZVCS (Veterinary behaviour)
Holistic Vets Newcastle
0421 501977
Dr Kathy provides behavioural services in the Newcastle area. In home consultations and assessments.
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Dr Nicki Martinson BA VetMB MVS MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)
Somersby Animal Hospital
(02) 4372 1799
Dr Nicki offers in-clinic behaviour consultations.
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Dr Joanna McLachlan, BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour) PgCert.VetConsMed
Pet Behaviour Vet
02 8599 0859
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.
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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.
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VETERINARY BEHAVIOUR SPECIALISTS (FELLOWS OF THE ANZCVS VETERINARY BEHAVIOUR CHAPTER)
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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. There are also several residents (those in the process of completing specialist training).
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.
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VETERINARIANS WITH AN INTEREST IN BEHAVIOUR
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Dr Lauren Poulsom, Veterinarian BVSc MANZCVS (Medicine of Cats)
Veterinary Behaviour consultations in clinic.
General veterinary consultations for anxious pets and owners!
Petstock Vet Gosford and Erina:
Petstock Vet West Gosford
378 Manns Rd, West Gosford NSW 2250
Petstock Vet Erina
312 The Entrance Rd, Erina, NSW, 2250
(02) 4367 4066.
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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
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Dr Joyce Lai
Dr Paws Kotara
4B/88 Park Ave
Kotara
In-clinic behavioural consults.
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Also look for veterinarians who have Fear Free or Low Stress Handling training. This website lists some, but is not exhaustive.
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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:
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Central Coast and Lake Macquarie regions
Amy Cole SIRIUS Dog Trainer Academy (Top Dog Academy - Ian Dunbar), Science Based Dog Training - Puppy and Adult Dog Courses (Ian Dunbar)
Servicing the Central Coast (lower). PPGA member.
Coast Canine Care Instagram: coastcaninecare FB: Coast Canine Care
0403899592
One on one consultations, dog-walking, puppy classes in Balgowlah and Teenage and Rescue Dogs group class at Terrigal for Goodog Positive Dog Training (Barbara Hodel) and Baby Puppy classes at Gosford for Ocean Paws Dog Training (Penny Dorsett).
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Dr Elyssa Payne B. An Vet Bio (Hons I) PhD Dog Behaviour
Servicing Central Coast and Newcastle regions
Member of PPGA and APDTA
Private behaviour consultations
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Frankie Aston - DogFit Conditioning & Performance Cert IV Companion Animal Studies Cert LLA - Behaviour Works Certified Canine Fitness Trainer Certified Hydrotherapist
Servicing the Central Coast
Offering Scentwork classes, Teenage puppy, 1:1 Behaviour training and am also a Canine Therapist http://dogfitperformance.com
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Gail Hudson Cert IV Dog Behavioural Training
Servicing the Central Coast
Classes for puppies and young dogs.
Also trick training, basic agility, obedience for fun.
https://www.woofsandwags.com.au/
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Lisa Archer Delta Institute - Cert IV in Companion Animal Services
Servicing the Central Coast
0431 230 328
Private in-home consults
Other services coming 2025
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Penny Dorsett Cert IV in Companion Animal Services – Delta Institute & Cert III in Animal Attending
Servicing the Central Coast (& Morpeth/Maitland region)
In home Behaviour Consults and Training Packages, Baby Puppy Classes, Assistance Dog and School Support Dog Training and Assessments , Assessor and Trainer for mindDog ( & Hopefully reintroducing Senior Puppy on the Central Coast in 2025)
www.oceanpawsdogtraining.com.au
Force Free - Positive Reward Based Training
0413 000 030
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Ting Wu - Delta certified positive reinforcement trainer
Servicing north end of Central coast and Lake Macquarie
0481328827
Variety of group classes for dogs from 8 weeks to 24 months.
Private sessions are available for adult dogs and dogs who are not suitable for the class environment.
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Newcastle and Maitland regions
Amelia King
Delta Institute - Certificate IV in Dog Training and Animal Behaviour
0493426278
Servicing Newcastle:
1-1 Sessions, Home Visits, Co-operative Care Sessions, Puppy School, Freework Sessions.
Dr Elyssa Payne B. An Vet Bio (Hons I) PhD Dog Behaviour
Servicing Central Coast and Newcastle regions
One-on-one behaviour consultations
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Eve McKenzie, 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
Servicing the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie regions of NSW
Memberships: Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia (APDT), Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA), Delta Institute of Australia
Services: Private, one-on-one training/behaviour consultations for dogs and cats. Puppy School classes. Greenhound Assessment for Greyhounds. Temperament/behavioural assessments for dogs declared dangerous or menacing. Training for assistance dogs. Training for therapy dogs. Independent Public Access Test (PAT) assessments. Nose Work classes (new in 2025!)
https://www.dogaholicsdogtraining.com.au
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Megan Bowe
K9 Nose Work Certified Insructor (CNWI). Offering classes in the East Maitland area for both therapy and competition. Our classes are suitable for dog reactive dogs. Human reactive dogs inclusion is based upon individual application.
Completed Susan Friedman's LAL Professional Course.
Member APDT
megbowe@bigpond.com
0407917494
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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 Warner's Bay and Greenhills Clinic
4957 8860
page.power@greencrossvet.com.au
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Penny Dorsett Cert IV in Companion Animal Services – Delta Institute & Cert III in Animal Attending
Servicing the Central Coast & Morpeth/Maitland region
In home Behaviour Consults and Training Packages, Baby Puppy Classes, Assistance Dog and School Support Dog Training and Assessments , Assessor and Trainer for mindDog ( & Hopefully reintroducing Senior Puppy on the Central Coast in 2025)
www.oceanpawsdogtraining.com.au
Force Free - Positive Reward Based Training
0413 000 030
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Sharon Carroll - Avanti Dog Training
https://avantidogtraining.com.au/
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​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.
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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.
0408600457
Maitland region but will travel as required
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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.
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