Who We Are

Dr Trepheena Hunter

Veterinary Specialist in Animal Behaviour, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, Board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist, BAgSc (hons), MAgSci, BVSc (hons), MANZCVS (behaviour), DACVB, Elite Fear Free Certified Professional, Member of the ISFM Academy of Feline Practitioners

After completing a research degree in animal production, Trepheena made the change to animal health and became a veterinarian. Trepheena always had a passion for veterinary behaviour and started seeing behaviour clients as a new graduate in her first job. She has been a veterinarian for fifteen years during which time she has worked in mixed practice, small animal practice, behaviour practice and shelter behaviour. Trepheena has managed the behaviour department in a large open-intake shelter, as the Animal Behaviour Manager and then General Manager of Animal Welfare.

Trepheena has been working in behavioural practice for the past nine years. She undertook specialist training and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and a registered Specialist in Animal Behaviour. She continues to consult for shelters, rescue groups and other animal organisations, lectures at conferences around Australia, and teaches shelter staff, trainers, veterinarians, and veterinary students.

Trepheena has an empathetic and pragmatic approach to veterinary behavioural medicine, working to support the human-animal bond using the latest scientific knowledge. Trepheena shares her home with her husband and two sons as well as her beloved two cats, turtles, and chickens.

Dr Emma Rigby

BVSc, MANZCVS (Behaviour), Fear Free Certified Professional

Emma has worked as a general practice veterinarian for twenty-five years, gaining valuable knowledge in medicine and surgery, and building strong relationships with her clients and their pets. In recent years, her passion for behaviour medicine led her to attain further qualifications and focus on veterinary behavioural medicine.

For the past five years, Emma has worked in private behaviour practice and shelter behaviour, where she treated animals in the shelter and in their homes after adoption.

Emma shares her home with her husband, two teenage children, and two cheeky cats.

Dr Hannah Sherry

BSc, BVSc (Hons), MANZCVS (Behaviour), Fear Free Certified Professional

Hannah has enjoyed working in the veterinary industry for over twenty years and has practiced as a veterinarian for the last eleven years in both general practice and emergency clinics, with rescue groups in Melbourne, and as part of a home call service.

Over this time, her passion for veterinary behavioural medicine has grown and lead her to further studies and qualifications in this area. Hannah enjoys developing relationships and understanding with pets and their people and is passionate about enhancing the quality of life for all her patients.

Hannah lives with her husband, two young sons, and a much loved dog. In her spare time she enjoys running, reading, and going on adventures with her family.

Dr Melanie Rockman

BVSc, MANZCVS (Behaviour), Behaviour Resident (American College of Veterinary Behaviorists), Fear Free Certified Professional

Over the past twenty-five years since becoming a veterinarian, Mel has worked in large and mixed animal practice, small animal practice in the inner city and overseas, shelter medicine, and spent sixteen years of those years as both a practicing and teaching veterinarian at a university veterinary hospital.

After receiving further qualifications in behaviour medicine, Mel has been working in the fascinating field of animal behaviour over the past ten years, running her own behavioural consultancy and managing behavioural cases through a university veterinary clinic.

Mel is currently seeing patients under the mentorship of Trepheena as she completes her residency in veterinary behavioural medicine with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

Mel shares her home on the surf coast of Victoria with her partner, son, and her loved animals including a dog, cat, and two goldfish, all surrounded by the amazing local wildlife.

Seren Robinson

BSc (Animal Health and Disease), Nationally Accredited Animal Behaviour Trainer (Delta Society), Fear Free Certified Professional

After studying animal health, behaviour, and welfare at university, Seren decided to pursue her passion for animal behaviour, completing a nationally accredited qualification in training with the Delta Society.

For the past four years, Seren has been working as a behaviour trainer, both in shelter behaviour and private practice. She has been involved in the behaviour department of a large welfare organisation in several capacities: as a volunteer, behavioural trainer, and in a leadership role. She has experience in delivering behaviour modification programs for dogs in the shelter environment, providing educational programs, and working with private clients and their pets.

Seren is dedicated to evidence-based, force-free training, and values a compassionate approach for both animals and the people who care for them. She shares her home with a very silly, and very sweet, young cat.