About Melissa
Licensed veterinary technician (LVT) and a Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in behavior.
Providing educated and strategic behavior solutions for pet owners, pets, and professionals.
Melissa, an experienced Veterinary Technician Specialist, brings over two decades of expertise to her role as the owner and Veterinary Technician Behavior Consultant at On Location Animal Training and Consulting in Southeastern Michigan. Passionate about animal behavior and veterinary medicine, she empowers pet owners, pets, and professionals to understand and address behavioral challenges.
A sought-after speaker at renowned conferences and contributor to publications, Melissa shares insights on topics ranging from leash reactivity to client empowerment in managing behavior concerns. With a foundation in behavior, medical excellence, and training, Melissa is dedicated to advancing animal well-being and fostering knowledge among caretakers. Eager to connect and explore collaborative opportunities in the dynamic realms of veterinary medicine and animal behavior, Melissa is committed to creating positive impacts in the lives of animals and their human companions.
Meet Melissa
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Melissa is a Licensed Veterinary Technician whose journey to this esteemed status involved completing a rigorous formal education program accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Her educational pursuit comprised a comprehensive curriculum, combining classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience, ultimately earning her an Associate of Applied Animal Science degree. Melissa solidified her professional standing by successfully passing both national and state licensing examinations, attaining the prestigious title of Licensed Veterinary Technician.
In adherence to Michigan’s regulatory standards, Melissa engages in annual continuing education to maintain her licensure. This ongoing commitment reflects her dedication to staying informed about the latest advancements in veterinary medicine, ensuring that she provides optimal care to her clients and their cherished animal companions. Melissa’s unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in her continuous pursuit of knowledge and skills in the dynamic field of veterinary medicine.
Veterinary Technician Specialist in Behavior
Melissa proudly holds the title of Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) in Behavior, showcasing advanced expertise in the intricate realm of veterinary behavior. Her journey involved surpassing basic requirements for credentialed veterinary technicians through rigorous additional education and hands-on experience, dedicating over 4,000 hours to behavioral medicine, and acquiring advanced knowledge in the field—a process spanning approximately four additional years.
Melissa’s commitment culminated in successfully completing and passing a specialized national exam. As mandated by the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America, Melissa not only attends but also actively contributes by teaching continuing education. This ensures her knowledge and skills remain at the forefront of the evolving field.
Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner
Melissa has achieved certification as a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA- CTP). To attain this esteemed certification, Melissa successfully completed the comprehensive Dog Trainer Professional Program offered by Karen Pryor Academy. Throughout the program, she gained in-depth knowledge of positive reinforcement training methods, behavior analysis, and effective animal training techniques. This involved a combination of online learning, in-person workshops, and hands-on training experience. Undergoing assessments and exams, Melissa demonstrated proficiency in training skills and graduated from the program with the tools and expertise needed to excel in the field of animal training. As a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, Melissa is dedicated to upholding high ethical standards and continuing her education to stay at the forefront of positive reinforcement training methods. This certification reflects her commitment to providing effective and compassionate training for animals and their caretakers.
TAGteach Certified – Level One
Melissa has achieved TAGteach Level One certification. TAG stands for “Teaching with Acoustical Guidance” which is a methodology to enhance learning through positive reinforcement. TAGteach, rooted in behavior analysis principles, utilizes an audible signal for immediate feedback, reinforcing desired behaviors. Widely applicable across diverse fields, such as sports, surgery, and animal training. TAGteach emphasizes precision and skill breakdown to facilitate focused learning on specific aspects of a task.
Beyond her proficiency in animal training, Melissa prioritizes educating humans effectively. TAGteach enables her to articulate complex concepts in a clear, accessible manner, fostering understanding for both animals and their caretakers. Her commitment extends to breaking down intricate skills into manageable components, ensuring that her teachings are comprehensible and tailored to the specific audience. Melissa’s dedication to TAGteach reflects her unwavering commitment to creating positive and impactful learning experiences for both animals and their human companions.
Elite Fear Free Certified Professional
Melissa is an Elite Level Fear Free certified professional, signifying a commitment to excellence in fear-free veterinary care. Achieving this elite status entails completing the fundamental Fear Free Certification, along with levels 2 and 3, involving extensive online courses covering diverse aspects of pet behavior, creating Fear Free environments, and implementing gentle handling techniques. The journey includes assessments to evaluate proficiency and ongoing education to stay abreast of advancements in Fear Free practices. At On Location Animal Training and Consulting, we prioritize a Fear Free approach, ensuring a stress-free experience for pets. Melissa’s specialized training, from gentle handling techniques to calming pheromones, fosters a calm and comfortable environment, minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress. With a Fear Free Certified professional, trust that your pet’s well-being is our foremost priority, guaranteeing a positive and fear-free experience in every interaction.
Looking For A Professional?
At On Location Animal Training and Consulting we are dedicated to enhancing the well-being of pets and their caretakers. Contact us today to help get started on a path to improved behavior.
Contact us to get started on your behavioral success journey.
Call or Text
(586) 524-4787