We still need you to sign & share. Despite writing to Kingston twice, we have had no response to our request for a review of their decision - a decision and policy change which has impacted many people in our community. 

We have received many emails and letters written to Kingston Council expressing concern & supporting the service we have provided for nearly 25 years.  Here are some snippets of what they are saying -

"Responsible dog trainers are hard to find, and to exclude the great community service that Paw Behaviour provides for our area is not the right thing to do. That one of the few good and responsible trainers around is unfairly excluded from a community venue, that is used for a valuable community service, is unreasonable and needs to be reconsidered." - Local Resident Carrum

"I have worked as a veterinarian in the Kingston local community for the past 10 years and have seen a huge rise in anxiety in our dog population, especially since the covid lockdowns.  I urge you to please consider the detrimental effects of stopping her from providing her training classes.

We have a serious problem already with dogs in our community suffering from anxiety, showing aggression and getting into fights.  I regularly see animals that have been attacked by other dogs.  I see dogs with behavioural issues on a daily basis. Please consider the impacts of this decision." - Local Veterinarian

"She is helped us here at the institute welcoming and mentoring students undergoing Cert III & Cert IV courses in learning the practical skills of being a dog trainer and everything dogs!  Without her help our students would not have had the best in the industry  available to them in a secure safe workplace.

Without the use of this hall and grounds the local community will be at a loss without the services of Paw Behaviour.  - Animal Studies Teacher - Box Hill TAFE

"As you will be aware, Ms Wilcox has provided a service to pet dog owners for nearly 25 years at this facility.  Her skills and knowledge as a professional behavioural animal trainer are of the highest level, and her work is professionally regarded as among the best in Australia.

As well as providing community education, she lectures on animal behaviour and also provides a service mentoring current students of animal behaviour studies.  She is an incredible asset to any community, and is very well known and respected as a resident of your municipality.

We are deeply concerned that, by forcing Ms Wilcox to cease her work at this community facility, Kingston Council is doing not only local residents and rate payers, but people from all over Melbourne, a great disservice.  As you will also be aware, pet dog ownership is among the highest of family-based activities, and responsible management of pet dogs is of paramount importance.

Additionally, as a highly respected Rescue Organisation, we ourselves often benefit from guidance and advice, given freely, by Ms Wilcox." - Airenet Rescue Service

"Jennifer is a highly regarded and respected trainer in the dog training industry. She has not only held classes at the facility for many years without issue but also provides mentoring to many TAFE students undertaking courses within the animal industry. 

The Pet Professional Guild Australia is a membership organisation representing over 350 pet industry professionals across Australia who are committed to science-based, force-free training and pet care.  We ask that you reconsider your decision to cancel access to the community hall for Jennifer."  - PPGA Australia

"2024 statistics say that 69% of Australian households own a pet - and that 48% are dogs. Your constituents have a right to access quality, local, community based classes in their Community Hall. " - Prior client

"The City of Kingston prides itself on ensuring residents are aware of responsible pet ownership. Paw Behaviour, a critical service that helps residents understand their dog-owning responsibilities, is a key part of this. Jennifer contributes significantly to a safer and more harmonious community by helping puppy owners achieve successful dog ownership for life." - Association of Professional Dog Trainers

"As a student dog trainer currently learning positive reinforcement and fear-free dog training methods through Paw Behaviour, I have witnessed firsthand the incredible benefits these classes provide to both dogs and their owners.

The closure of Paw Behaviour would have a devastating impact on my personal and professional development. I have invested countless hours in learning these valuable skills and building my knowledge base. The opportunity to train under the guidance and expertise of Jennifer Wilcox has been invaluable." - Current student of Cert IV Animal Behaviour

"I fail to understand why you would close down a successful business and why it has been done whilst Council is in Caretaker mode." - Prior client

If you would like to help City of Kingston understand how class closure impacts you, please email them -

Peter.bean@kingston.vic.gov.au and
info@kingston.vic.govau
and a copy to
info@pawbehaviour.com.au