About

Dr. Michelle Rassool BSc. DVM MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour)

I’m a veterinarian working in Melbourne, Australia. I graduated from Melbourne University with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Animal Behaviour and Welfare, as well as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. I completed my memberships in Veterinary Behavioural Medicine, meaning I have additional qualification expertise in the area.

I work as a GP Vet, local to where I grew up as a youngster. It’s important for me to be well rounded, performing surgeries, dental work, and general practice consultations, as well as my specialised work.

I’ve also opened my veterinary behaviour service from a non-clinical space in Melbourne’s Inner North, to help make behavioural medicine accessible to dogs that find the clinic tough!

I have always had a strong, practical interest in animal behaviour, spending my early days working and training horses, and later becoming passionate about dog training, before starting my journey to become a vet. I’ve spent hundreds of hours of training with both my own, and client’s dogs. My degree focusing on applied animal behaviour holds me in good practical stead as a trainer.

As a behaviour vet, I aim to bridge the gap between trainers and veterinarians, creating an open dialogue to support my clients and their pets through behavioural issues. I’m focused on preventative behavioural care, from the first puppy visit to senior checks, and work hard to create positive experiences for pets in clinic from the day I meet them. I not only manage the medicine side of behaviour, but understand and can carry out training and practical stuff too. I practice dog training and development daily and take pride in furthering my skills with ongoing coaching, education, and mentoring.

I’ve developed specific medicine and training plans for hundreds of patients, working collaboratively with qualified trainers to achieve positive outcomes. Every single one of my general practice appointments touches on behavioural health, as well as physical health concerns.

I hold a special place for dogs with behavioural challenges that make ‘normal’ clinic visits difficult, and am driven to create plans to facilitate the high level of care all dogs deserve from their veterinarian. You can get a good feel for if we’d be a good fit to work together through my socials.


My dogs

  • Herriot

    Now a gentle old boy, Herriot sparked my interest in training and behaviour. He’s always keen to train and rock solid in what he knows. Nothing much phases him at all.

    Herriot has been developed as the ultimate pet dog with slick obedience skills and abundant social neutrality. He’s as at home at the pub as doing heelwork on the training field.

    Herriot is a Border Collie and named after the fictional vet, James Herriot from All Creatures Great and Small.

  • Nara

    The newest addition to my gang, and the leap of faith into serious dogs, Nara came home in November 2021. She’s quick and sassy, but loves a snuggle and play with her friends.

    Nara is being developed as versatile sport and working dog, with building a high level of engagement and enthusiasm top priority. She’s a Varg Kennels progeny with a heap of input from trainers around Melbourne.

    Nara is a Malinois (Belgian Shepherd) and is named after the beautiful city in Japan.

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