Petra A. Mertens, DR, MED, VET, MSW, FTAV, DECVBM-CA, CAAB, DACVB, LGSW

Petra A. Mertens, MSW, FTAV, DECVBM-CA, CAAB, DACVB, LGSW

Dr. Petra Mertens received her veterinary degree and her doctorate in animal welfare and behavior from the University of Munich, Germany. She is certified in her specialty through the German Veterinary Association (FTAV), the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB), the European College of Veterinary Behavior Medicine (DECVBM-CA), and the Animal Behavior Society (CAAB).

After enrolling in the Behavior Residency program at Tufts University and working as a veterinary behaviorist at the Veterinary School in Munich, Germany, Petra held a position as Assistant Professor in Behavior Medicine at the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine where she directed the behavior clinic for well over 10 years.

After pursuing her interest in Veterinary Social Work, adding a Master of Social Work to her accomplishments, Dr. Mertens joined the San Diego Humane Society & SPCA in Fall of 2010 as Director of Behavior and Training. Petra and her team provide a training program for the general public as well as in-house animals, a behavior assessment program for dogs and cats, and a growing research program, focusing on canine and feline behavior in shelters as well as the human-animal-bond. Petra is the author of numerous articles, book chapters, as well as a popular speaker at national and international veterinary meetings.

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