Sara Taylor CABI CPDT-KA, Director of Animal Behavior & Training

Sara has always been fascinated with how animals communicate and has dedicated a lifetime to learning, interpreting and understanding animal behavior. Determined to seek out accurate information supported by science and the world’s leading animal behavior experts and to help broaden her knowledge and experience, Sara has undertaken many recognized certificate courses, workshops and seminars gaining international educational certification and professional working experience in Europe, the United States, and Australia.

Sara is a Certified Companion Animal Behaviorist and a Professional Dog Trainer with over 12 years of professional animal training and behavior consulting experience and throughout her international career has worked with many different breeds of dog and species of animals. She is accredited by The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and holds professional memberships to The Association of Pet Dog Trainers and The Pet Professional Guild.

Sara’s professional work history includes starting and operating a professional Dog Training, Boarding & Behavior Consultancy business in Ireland where over the years she successfully developed the business through veterinary and client referrals. Using modern training methods and behavior modification techniques Sara created specialized Training Plans for dogs with Behavior Problems, tailored Training Packages for Puppy Training & Socialization, Obedience Training and for Board & Train students as well as prepared the curriculum for all Group Training classes. Sara has also worked as a Service Dog Trainer assessing dogs and training task work as well as testing potential pet therapy dogs and their handlers for various non-profit programs.

As Director of Animal Behavior & Training, Sara oversees all Behavior & Training programs for the three spcaLA Los Angeles based shelters. This includes the development and implementation of Shelter Enrichment programs in accordance with the latest scientific research, preparation and implementation of specialized behavior rehabilitation Training Plans for dogs who have suffered abuse and/or neglect and who are in Protective Custody from current Animal Cruelty Investigations and, the revamping of the Helping Enhance Animals Lives (HEAL)™ Volunteer Training program for shelter animals.

Sara continues to stay current with the latest developments in behavioral science and is a published contributor for various behavior and training publications. Sara is also an Educational Speaker and has presented at the annual Association of Professional Dog Trainers Conference on ‘Training Shelter Dogs for Adoption’ and more recently at the California Animal Welfare Association ‘Meeting of the Minds’ event to discuss current Behavior Assessment Practices in Animal Sheltering.

Sara always strives to apply her skills, knowledge and expertise to continue to develop efficient programs and implement new initiatives and works directly with the shelter animals to incorporate the latest developments in applied learning theory to modify behavior and improve adoption potential.