Dr Kate Mornement is a Board Certified Applied Animal Behaviourist, animal welfare scientist, author and science communicator with more than 20 years’ experience helping people better understand the animals they share their lives with.
Kate holds a PhD in canine behaviour from Monash University and a Bachelor of Science Honours in Zoology (Animal Behaviour) from La Trobe University. She is one of Australia’s leading voices in companion animal behaviour and welfare, with experience spanning research, consulting, education, policy and animal welfare.
For over 20 years, Kate ran her own behaviour consultancy, Pets Behaving Badly, working with thousands of dogs, cats (and even some parrots!) and their families. She has also worked with animal shelters, government, veterinary and animal welfare organisations and industry, and has contributed her expertise to projects ranging from shelter dog assessment and rehoming suitability to companion animal welfare policy and practice.
Kate is a sought-after media commentator and educator, and has appeared across television, radio and print, including as an expert on the ABC documentary series A Dog’s World with Tony Armstrong. She is also a regular contributor to Whole Dog Journal and has presented at conferences and events including the Australian Veterinary Association Conference, The Pet Show and the Dog and Cat Lovers Festivals.
She is passionate about moving beyond outdated ideas of control and obedience and towards a more compassionate, science-based understanding of our relationships with dogs. Her work is grounded in the belief that when we understand dogs as individuals and learn to truly listen to them, we can build relationships based on trust, connection and mutual understanding.
Kate lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her family, her Border Collie, Lenny and a small flock of backyard chickens.