About Us

Emma knew from a young age that she wanted to be a vet and graduated from Massey University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science with distinction. She spent numerous years working in small animal practices (including some time at a Behaviour referral practice) in Adelaide, South Australia and has recently made the move back home to Auckland.

Emma's path to becoming a behaviour vet started with wanting to improve the experience pets have during their clinic visits, learning to reduce their stress levels meant a better relationship with both pet and owner,  something she is still passionate about. Getting her own special needs dog in 2020 prompted her to get further involved in the animal behaviour world to address her separation distress and general anxiety. During this journery she found a desire to help others better understand their pets' behaviour so they have happier lives together. She gained her Membership qualification in Veterinary Behaviour in 2023.

In her spare time Emma and her partner enjoy teaching and competing in Ceroc (also known as Modern Jive) dancing. She also enjoys baking, training her dog, Echo, finding local food spots, and spending time with friends and family.

Hi! I’m Shivaun, I have worked in the Animal Industry for over 25 years. My first qualification was a certificate in Veterinary Nursing, and I have worked across a wide range of animal related roles.

I undertook further study in animal behaviour, completing my Certificate of Canine Behaviour and Training and a Certificate in Animal Welfare at UNITEC. I then went on to complete a Bachelor in Applied Animal Technology, majoring in Animal Behaviour. I have been a Dog Trainer for 16 years.

For the last two years I have been working with Dr Jess Beer at Kiwi Vet Behaviour, specialising in aggressive behaviour. I am committed to using fear free, scientifically supported, progressive reinforcement training. I continue to undertake ongoing education, having recently completed The Aggression in Dogs Master Course.

I am an Accredited Dog Trainer with the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants and an Endorsed Dog Trainer with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers New Zealand. I am also an accredited Animal Trainer and Animal Training Instructor with the Companion Animal Council of New Zealand. I am incredibly privileged to be part of the Kiwi Vet Behaviour Team.

Hi I’m Angela, I have been a veterinary nurse since 2003 and I have loved teaching puppy classes since 2006. I teach dogs and even cats and rabbits using positive reinforcement techniques.

 

I am Fear Free elite certified, a member of APDTNZ, completed my Delta Certification in Animal Behaviour and Training, and have a Level 2 Coopertive Care Certificate. Currently, I am completing the Aggression in Dogs Master Course.

 

I enjoy helping people and their families set their pets up for success and to understand and improve communication with their pets.  I love helping bridge the training and veterinary worlds by building confidence in the veterinary clinic and teaching cooperative care to give dogs the ability to consent to medications, handling and treatment without using fear or force. 

Hi, I'm Viviela, a dog trainer who joined the Kiwi Vet Behaviour team in November 2023. I have always had a deep passion towards canine companions. I volunteered at the SPCA for 3 years which sparked the idea of working with dogs.

 

I studied Dog Training and Behaviour at UNITEC graduating in 2020. Throughout my studies I gained work experience in daycares, puppy classes and pack walks.

 

After receiving my qualification I adopted a rescue, worked at a dog walking company, and in early 2022 started my own training business. I drive to be a positive, fun and exciting trainer. It brings me joy to build relationships between dogs and their owners.

Margaret’s career began in Marketing and Event Management soon after graduating from Auckland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Communications. 

 

After volunteering in animal rescue, she decided to change career paths and began working at the SPCA Auckland.

 

Over the course of 4-years, Margaret worked in Administration and as a Canine Attendant at the SPCA. She took a career break to have a family and is now an Administrator at Kiwi Vet Behaviour.

 

Margaret is responsible for overall day-to-day office administration, class/workshop registrations and coordination. She manages our social media platforms and assists with Dr Jess Beer's schedule.