About Dr Caroline Thursfield
Dr Caroline Thursfield BVSc (Hons) MSc (CAB); Resident in Behavior (ACVB), Low Stress Handling® Silver Certification, Fear Free Shelter Certification
Dr Caroline Thursfield BVSc (Hons) MSc (CAB); Resident in Behavior (ACVB), Low Stress Handling® Silver Certification, Fear Free Shelter Certification
Dr Caroline Thursfield BVSc (Hons) MSc (CAB); Resident in Behavior (ACVB), Low Stress Handling® Silver Certification, Fear Free Shelter Certification
Dr. Caroline is a Melbourne University graduate and has worked predominantly in small animal practice. Caroline has volunteered her veterinary services in South Africa and Botswana, working with a variety of species. She also was the behaviour veterinarian in a large shelter between 2021 and 2024.
In addition to her extensive experience, C
Dr. Caroline is a Melbourne University graduate and has worked predominantly in small animal practice. Caroline has volunteered her veterinary services in South Africa and Botswana, working with a variety of species. She also was the behaviour veterinarian in a large shelter between 2021 and 2024.
In addition to her extensive experience, Caroline is a current resident with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and has recently completed a Master of Science (Clinical Animal Behaviour). This pathway will enable her to register as a veterinary specialist in animal behaviour. All her cases are overseen by her mentor Dr. Gabrielle Carter, a Veterinary Specialist in Animal Behaviour, and Diplomate of the ACVB.
Caroline's Approach
Dr Caroline Thursfield BVSc (Hons) MSc (CAB); Resident in Behavior (ACVB), Low Stress Handling® Silver Certification, Fear Free Shelter Certification
Dr Caroline Thursfield BVSc (Hons) MSc (CAB); Resident in Behavior (ACVB), Low Stress Handling® Silver Certification, Fear Free Shelter Certification
Caroline's passion for behaviour comes from personal experience with her previous dog that had fear and reactivity issues. She understands the challenges behavioural issues may present to pet owners. Caroline employs a science-based approach to behavioural issues, looking at the underlying motivations for problem behaviours. Her focus is
Caroline's passion for behaviour comes from personal experience with her previous dog that had fear and reactivity issues. She understands the challenges behavioural issues may present to pet owners. Caroline employs a science-based approach to behavioural issues, looking at the underlying motivations for problem behaviours. Her focus is on improving the human-animal relationship through understanding and compassion. Caroline is committed to reducing stress for animals in the veterinary environment and has obtained her Low-Stress Handling Certification.
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Management of Problem Behaviours
Dr Caroline Thursfield BVSc (Hons) MSc (CAB); Resident in Behavior (ACVB), Low Stress Handling® Silver Certification, Fear Free Shelter Certification
Management of Problem Behaviours
Caroline is highly experienced in a wide range of behavioural issues in dogs and cats. These include:
- Fear and Anxiety Issues
- Separation Anxiety
- Reactivity toward dogs/people
- Aggressive Behaviours
- Toileting/Elimination Problems
- Hyperactivity and Impulse Control Issues
- Repetitive Behaviours
- Noise Sensitivities and Fears
- Handling and Vet Visit Conc
Caroline is highly experienced in a wide range of behavioural issues in dogs and cats. These include:
- Fear and Anxiety Issues
- Separation Anxiety
- Reactivity toward dogs/people
- Aggressive Behaviours
- Toileting/Elimination Problems
- Hyperactivity and Impulse Control Issues
- Repetitive Behaviours
- Noise Sensitivities and Fears
- Handling and Vet Visit Concerns
- Pain-related Behavioural Issues
- Medical conditions affecting behaviour
- Shelter-related Behaviour Concerns
What Does a Veterinary Behaviour Consultation Involve?
Getting your animal's history
Completing the relevant behaviour questionnaires which are attached to the website and submitting this prior to your appointment. Contacting your veterinarian and requesting your pet's veterinary history be sent through. This allows review of your pet's history in advance of your appointment so more time can be devoted to specific discussion of your pet's behavioural issues.
The consultation
1 & 1/2 - 2 hour consultation with you and your pet. This is conducted in person at a veterinary consulting room in Hobart, in your home (subject to availability) or video consultation.
Report Writing
An individual behavioural report is written and sent to you after the consultation. This details the 3M's (Management, Medication and Behaviour Modification), an understanding of why the problem behaviour is occurring and a specific behaviour plan.
Communication and Follow up
Follow up phone calls or email communication depending on your preference. The behavioural report is also sent to your primary veterinary care team to enable ongoing co-operative care of your pet.
Behavioural Training
Referring to local force free trainers to assist you and your pet with successful behavioural modification. A team orientated approach is encouraged.
Behaviour History Forms
Behaviour History Form for Dogs
Scan the QR code to the left or click the link below. Please complete the form and submit prior to your appointment.
https://forms.office.com/r/AAWsrvHQTz
Behaviour History Form for Cats
Scan the QR code to the right or click the link below. Please complete the form and submit prior to your appointment.
https://forms.office.com/r/KBGYms4pWt