Let’s Meet Lisa! Can you tell us a bit about
yourself?
I recently
completed the Feline Training & Behavior certificate at the Animal Behavior
Institute. I am establishing my own business as a Feline Behavioral Consultant
and am working with local shelters to improve the retention of adopted animals.
I have worked with animals all of my life in one capacity or another. I started
out doing so when I was very young, assisting our local veterinarian. I grew up
with animals; my life as an only child contributed to the intimate, lifelong
connection I have had with them.
When I began working in my
first animal shelter I realized I wanted to do more for homeless animals. I
have worked for shelters in positions ranging from adoption counselor, to
rescue/foster coordinator, to retention & behavioral specialist. I have a
special connection with cats, I feel I understand them better than any other
animal. So after many years of hands-on experience, I was determined to find a
program that would bring together my knowledge and experience while advancing
my career.
How did you benefit from your experience
at ABI?
I have a lot of knowledge and
experience with animals and ABI allowed me to narrow down my goals to find
something I really wanted to concentrate on. I was able to understand how I
could take that knowledge and experience and turn it into something I could do
for a living and be happy with. I look forward to returning to ABI at one point
to learn more.
What was your favorite course?
I would have to say Feline
Heath & Nutrition because I was less familiar with this subject area. The
course helped me better understand the importance of physical health and how it
relates to mental health and behavior.
How did you complete your field
experience?
At the time I was taking
classes I was employed as the pet retention/behavior specialist at my local
shelter.
Would you recommend ABI to others?
While working with animals over
the years I realized there were many more resources for dogs than there were
for cats, so I decided to concentrate on finding something specifically for
felines. I read about the feline behavior certification at ABI and knew that
would be a great next step towards my career goal of starting my own cat
behavior consulting business. And thanks to ABI I have been able to bring what
I have wanted to do for so long to fruition! I would definitely recommend ABI
to anyone who wants to further their career, or for those that want to become
better guardians of their own animals.