Meet the Team:
Becka
Director, Clinical Animal Behaviourist and Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN)
Becka is a Jersey girl with an inherent love for all animals, who has over 12 years professional experience working with animals so you can be sure that your pet’s are in safe hands. Becka’s first degree was in veterinary nursing and her training progressed when she embarked on a master’s degree in animal behaviour.
Becka’s interest in animal behaviour began after she rehomed a dog with several behavioural ‘problems’. Although no fault of his own, this dog was challenging, at times embarrassing and certainly not the ‘perfect’ first dog. Becka realised that her dog was struggling to cope with stressors in his life, she worked tirelessly to manage his behaviour and help him to feel safe. He certainly taught Becka to be patient and she would now not choose any other dog.
Becka was inspired to establish companion conundrums, a service aiming to manage pet behavioural complaints and to support the human-animal bond. Becka understands that living with a pet with a behavioural ‘problem’ can be stressful and frustratrating, her primary role is to provide professional behavioural support in a non-judgmental, supportive and empathetic manner.
If you think Becka may be able to help you and your pet, please get in touch!
Becka’s Education and Training:
2008: Becka began her trident work experience at a veterinary practice in Jersey.
2012: Becka returned to the veterinary practice as a veterinary care assistant.
2016: Becka enrolled with Myerscough College/University of Central Lancashire and began working as a Student Veterinary Nurse (SVN).
2019: Becka qualified with her foundation degree in veterinary nursing and registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN).
2021: Becka completed her honours degree top-up in veterinary nursing and enrolled on her masters degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour with the University of Edinburgh.
2023: Becka registered as a provisional member with the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) and achieved pre-certification with CCAB Certification Ltd. This reflects that she has met the theoretical knowledge requirements, however, she is continuing to work towards full certification/membership with these organisations.
2024: Becka completed her Masters degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour, this included carrying our research and writing a 13,000 word dissertation titled ‘'Assessing the level of agreement between veterinary staff and animal behaviourists in recognising stress-related body language of brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs”. Becka also certified as a MHERA licenced practitioner and established Companion Conundrums in this year.
Now: Becka is working towards her full certification with the Association of Pet Behaviourists (APBC) and CCAB Certification Ltd. She is also studying the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) cat behavioural health programme and separation anxiety practitioner certification.
Becka follows a code of professional conduct to retain her registrations, as part of her yearly renewal she must complete a minimum of 45 hours of continued professional development (CPD). This ensures that Becka keeps skills and knowledge up to date, thus ensuring that she continually improves in her clinical performance and provides gold standard behavioural support to all companion animals and their owners.