Fear, pain, and aggression: Navigating behavioural challenges in the clinic

  Wednesday 17 September 2025

  7.00PM: Drinks, nibbles & mingling | 7.30PM: Talk commences

  Room WK134, Whitieria & Weltec Campus. 3 Wi Neera Drive, Elsdon, Porirua

Description

Aggressive behaviour in the clinic can be stressful, time-consuming, and occasionally dangerous—for the veterinary team, the client, and the patient. We will explore how recognising the behavioural and emotional underpinnings of aggression can support safer, more effective clinical decision-making. Topics will include common causes of aggression in dogs and cats within the veterinary context, recognising early warning signs, the role of fear, anxiety and pain, and strategies for reducing risk. The session will also touch on medication options, pre-visit protocols, and when it may be appropriate to defer examination, go straight to sedation or consider referral. This session aims to provide general practitioners with practical, behaviourally-informed approaches for navigating difficult cases in a way that supports both safety and welfare.

Speaker

• Dr Lucy Scott

Dr Lucy Scott graduated from Massey University in 2015, then spent seven years doing mixed practice in the Waikato. In 2021, she completed a membership to the ANZCVS in Veterinary Behaviour and started her business Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ. 

Lucy is currently completing a Master's in Clinical Animal Behaviour through the University of Edinburgh and provides in-person and online behaviour consultations New Zealand wide for dogs, cats, and horses.