Our staff

---

With a passion for domestic animals from a child, completing an animal science and management degree at university was an obvious choice. When completing her Honours year, Sonja fell in love with animal welfare science and research. This ultimately led Sonja to study a Doctor of Philosophy in the field of animal welfare and behavioural psychology. Sonja completed her PhD in 2011. 

In addition to her qualifications, Sonja has worked within the companion animal industry for 20 years. These roles have been in numerous organisations within Victoria and New South Wales, including not for profit groups and government areas. These various positions have been in many organisations within the industry including animal shelters and welfare groups, municipality animal pounds, veterinary clinics and boarding / training / quarantine kennels and catteries. Within these organisations, Sonja has worked in pretty much every area /position including hands on animal care and husbandry, customer service, administration, staff recruitment and management, education and training, facility management and foster and volunteer management.

Sonja is also a member of the Australian Institute of Animal Management and the Association for the Advancement of Animal Welfare. This allows Sonja to keep abreast of current industry issues and research. 

With this unique mix of extensive education and practical experience within the field, Sonja is able to provide high level consultancy on a range of areas within the companion animal industry.