Our Team

Dr Lucy Scott graduated from Massey University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and founded Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ in 2021.

Lucy has always had a strong interest in animal behaviour and training. Her interest in positive reinforcement training began with her own horse, Beanie, where she saw first-hand how changing the way animals are taught and communicated with could transform both behaviour and the human-animal relationship.

During her years in general veterinary practice, Lucy became increasingly interested in the fear, anxiety and stress experienced by animals in the veterinary clinic, and in how easily these behaviours could be misunderstood. She began incorporating low-stress handling and Fear Free principles into her clinical work, with a particular focus on improving how animals felt about veterinary care.

This led her to pursue further qualifications in veterinary behavioural medicine. In 2021, Lucy achieved Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Behaviour and established Veterinary Behaviour Services NZ.

Lucy works with dogs, cats and horses experiencing behavioural concerns including fear and anxiety, aggression, reactivity, separation-related problems, phobias, inter-animal conflict and behaviour associated with pain or other medical conditions. Her approach combines veterinary medicine, behavioural science and practical training, with the aim of improving both animal welfare and the relationship between animals and the people who care for them.

Lucy offers online consultations throughout New Zealand and in-person consultations across Horowhenua, Manawatū, Palmerston North and the Kāpiti Coast, with regular consulting visits to the Hutt Valley and Wellington.

Qualifications & Memberships

• •Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) — Massey University, 2015
• •Membership, Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Veterinary Behaviour) — 2021
• •Fear Free Certified Professional (Veterinary)

Dr Priyanka graduated from the Veterinary College Bangalore in 2016 and became licensed to practise in New Zealand in 2020. Her interest in veterinary behaviour grew from personal experience, after her own dog experienced behavioural challenges, which led her to work with Dr Lucy in 2022.

That experience inspired her to pursue further training in this field, and in 2025 she achieved Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Veterinary Behaviour Chapter).

Based on a Waikato lifestyle block, Dr Priyanka shares her home with two dogs, two horses, a few too many chickens, and a Kune Kune piglet — giving her a deep appreciation for the real-world complexities of living with animals.

We're excited to have Dr Priyanka joining our extended team and look forward to the care, insight, and empathy she brings to her behaviour consultations.

Qualifications & Memberships

• •Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc) — Veterinary College Bangalore, 2016
• •Licensed to practise in New Zealand — 2020
• •Master of Veterinary Studies (MVS)
• •Membership, Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Veterinary Behaviour) — 2025