Welcome!
I'm Dr. Lucy Scott and the face behind Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ.
Let me tell you a little more about why I'm here and how I can help....
I'm a qualified Veterinarian, having graduated from Massey University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc).
I've always been really interested in behaviour and training. With my last horse Beanie, I used positive reinforcement training and found him so much more receptive to working with me and we could work through our problems in a humane and systematic way. Since Beanie, I've trained hundreds of animals and still find it the most powerful tool in our human-animal communication toolbox.
As my knowledge grew, I struggled seeing the fear and anxiety our pets were dealing with in the vet clinic and how this body language could be misunderstood. I also started to adapt how I worked in the clinic, with a focus on improving how animals felt about me and the clinic environment. I absorbed as much information as I could on low-stress handling techniques and fear-free practicing.
The next logical step was to gain a Veterinary Behaviour Qualification so that I had all the tools I needed to help animals and their humans with the big issues (including fear, aggression, separation anxiety, phobias, reactivity, inter-animal fighting), and the problematic behaviours that affect the bond between owner and pet. So in June 2021 I was awarded a Membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Behaviour and started Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ 🐾
I'm now here to offer education, one on one training, and consultations for complex issues. My aim is to be your coach, teacher and your animals' second favourite person all in one (after you of course...)
I offer Virtual consultations New Zealand wide, and in-person consultations in the Horowhenua, Manawatu, Palmerston North and Kapiti coast areas, and I visit the Hutt and Wellington every two weeks.
Contact me today to start making a plan for you and your animal!