Dr. Valerie Chalcraft

Professor of Animal Science

For over a decade, Dr. Chalcraft has consulted on companion animal behavior problems in the homes of clients as well as shelters. She has gained extensive experience with feral cat socialization and adoption through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts. Dr. Chalcraft has observed many hours of behavior consultations at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in New York and has served as the Director of their Behavior Helpline. Dr. Chalcraft has studied how an enriched environment impacted the behavioral and linguistic development of captive chimpanzees. She has created enrichment protocols for chimpanzees, gorillas, monkeys, and a variety of small mammals. Most recently, Dr. Chalcraft has consulted on the welfare of a wide variety of species in laboratories.

Education:
BA in Psychology, University of California, Berkeley
MA and PhD in Experimental Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno