Dr Emma Hughes BSc (Hons); BVSc (Hons); MSc (Animal Behaviour & Welfare); MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour).

Dr Emma has worked as a veterinary practitioner for over a decade. But her passion for animals and their welfare started much earlier.

Growing up in the English countryside, she was surrounded by animals from a very young age. Always happy for an early start before school to ride her pony; whilst most friends outgrew their equine obsessions, hers only seemed to strengthen.

Undertaking a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Zoology degree cemented a fascination in animal behaviour. After graduating with First Class Honours, she went on to obtain a Master of Science (MSc) at Edinburgh University in Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare.

A year travelling solo around the world took her through Africa, Asia and parts of the Middle East. During these travels she met her now husband; his commitments in Australia meant a move to this side of the world.

It was as manager at the NSW Cat Protection Society working alongside their vets, that her desire to become a veterinarian was re-ignited. She graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) First Class Honours degree from the University of Sydney in 2007.

For the past 10 years Dr Emma has worked in both welfare and private practice as a general veterinary practitioner. It became apparent to her that many patients had behaviour problems which were impossible to address in a typical clinic environment that revolved around 15 minute consultations.

It was clear that to provide the very best behavioural advice and support to clients; a different format was required.
Upon passing examinations held by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists she was admitted as a Member in Veterinary Behaviour (MANZCVS)* and became the owner and founder of Better Behaviour Veterinary Services.

BBVS provides extended consultations within the clients’ home and on-going support for the patient and its human family.
Veterinary science and animal behaviour are constantly evolving fields of study and Dr Emma’s passion in these areas ensures that she remains up to date with current knowledge.

She attends conferences worldwide and subscribes to several scientific journals. Being a member of the Australian Veterinary Association behaviour interest group (AVBIG) provides a forum to share knowledge with other behaviour veterinarians. She is also a professional member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Australia – an organisation of force free trainers and behaviour veterinarians dedicated to the humane treatment of pet behaviour issues.

Her goal is to not only improve her patients’ quality of life but also that of their owner. Having adopted a dog with severe anxiety herself, she understands the toll it can take on the human-animal bond and the strain it may place on relationships within a family. Her empathy ensures that every case is treated with compassion and understanding.

Dr Emma lives on a hobby farm in the Macedon Ranges with her husband, their three children and an eclectic collection of animals.

Read our tribute: In Merlot's Memory

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-Bachelor of Science (BSc) Zoology
-Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc)
-Master of Science (MSc) Applied Animal Behaviour and Welfare
-Member by examination of the The Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Behaviour (MANZCVS*)

*Currently there are just two veterinarians working within Australia that have achieved Specialist qualification (the level above MANZCVS) in Veterinary Behaviour. If you would like more information or referral to them at any stage we will be happy to assist.