Meet the Behaviourist – Kate Mornement, BSc(Hons)

Kate is an Animal Behaviourist, media personality, educator and freelance writer. She writes for several magazines and web-based publications on the topic of animal behaviour and is the resident animal behaviourist for Hound TV (Channel 31, Melbourne). See the ‘Media‘ page for more information and links to some of Kate’s latest articles and media activities.

Kate has had a life-long passion for animals and keen interest in their behaviour and welfare. Having owned many pets throughout her life including dogs, cats, parrots and rabbits, she currently has a Boxer called Archie and a reclassified guide dog Labrador Retriever called Joseph.

 

Kate’s qualifications and experience:

Academic:

• Currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) – Canine behaviour (Monash University, Melbourne, Australia).
• Bachelor of Science with first class Honours in Zoology – Animal Behaviour (LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Australia).
• Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia).

Professional Courses:

• Professional Animal Training Workshop (Ken Ramirez, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago USA).
• Contemporary Animal Training & Management (Steve Martin and Dr Susan Friedman, Natural Encounters Inc., Florida, USA).
• Living & Learning with Parrots (Dr Susan Friedman, Behavior Works, USA).
• Poultry in Motion Chicken Camp (Terry Ryan, Legacy Canine, USA).
• Step-Up: People and Parrots Working Together (Barbara Heidenreich, Good Bird Inc, USA).
• Lifestyle Canine Communication Dog Training course (The Alpha Canine Group, Melbourne, Australia).
• Nursing and Management of Australian Wildlife (Box Hill Institute, Melbourne, Australia).

*Kate regularly attends National and International conferences, seminars and workshops on animal behaviour as part of her continued education in the field.

 

What is an Animal Behaviourist?

Animal behaviourists study the causes, functions, development and evolution of behaviour in wild, captive or companion animals. Companion animal behaviourists, like Kate, assess and treat behaviour problems in companion animals including cats, dogs, parrots and small animals.

 

Why choose an Animal Behaviourist?

Behaviour problems in companion animals can be very complex, consisting of several interrelated factors, requiring in-depth evaluation and appropriate treatment protocols specifically tailored to the individual animal in question. Choosing an animal behaviourist ensures that you and your pet receive the best help available in the field of animal behaviour. Look for an animal behaviourist with at least an Honours Degree in Science (psychology, zoology, animal science) and ideally postgraduate qualifications (a Masters or PhD) in animal behaviour. Professional and practical experience with behaviour modification and training is also important, as is continued education demonstrated through regular attendance at conferences and workshops focussing on animal behaviour.

Kate is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Australia, the Association of Animal Behaviour Professionals (AABP) and the Parrot Society of Australia (PSOA).