Dr. Karen Dawson BVSc Hons MANZCVS (Behaviour)

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After graduating from the University of Queensland, Dr Dawson worked for many years in small animal practice in both Australian and the United Kingdom.
Dr Dawson developed an interest in veterinary behavioural medicine when she became involved in greyhound rehoming many years ago.  Although many greyhounds made the transition to retirement with relative ease, many more did not.  She set out to understand why, and soon discovered that a widespread lack of socialisation within the industry had a direct impact on welfare, performance, “wastage” and ultimately rehoming.
Subsequently she was asked to provide evidence on how current rearing practices impact on performance and contribute to wastage to the select committee of the NSW parliamentary inquiry into greyhound racing, the Queensland Greyhound Racing Industry Commission of Inquiry and more recently the NSW Special Commission of Inquiry into greyhound racing, ultimately leading to the closure of the industry in that state.
She has been involved in the recent and ongoing amendments to compulsory muzzling law requirements for pet greyhounds in Queensland, Victoria and New South Wales, and is the primary presenter for the Greyhound Racing New South Wales Greenhounds program for the purpose of muzzling exemption – Identify and Respond to Animal Behaviour – Greyhound.  She was also a contributing researcher to the recent Working Dog Alliance publication, Review & assessment of best practice rearing, socialisation, education & training methods for greyhounds in a racing context.
Having a special needs animal in your life can be exhausting, frustrating and at times embarrassing.  Information is often conflicting and unhelpful.  It really is in everybody’s interests to get the right advice as early in the course of the disease as possible.
Behavioral problems such as excessive fear, anxiety, separation distress and aggression are invariably medical issues and are not due to lack of training.  As such, they do require a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Dr Dawson regularly provides assistance to pet owners, trainers, shelters and many rescue organisations to help break the cycle of frustration and relinquishment.  She understands firsthand the difficulties faced by everyone who dedicates themselves to the often thankless task of rescue; whether that be as a rehomer or new owner.  She currently runs the Greyhound Rehoming Centre in conjunction with support from other staff from the Veterinary Specialist Centre.