Cat Behavior Consultant
Karen Plescia has had feline companions most of her life. However, it wasn’t until she rescued a neonatal feral kitten in 2005 that she became fascinated with feline development and behavior. Hand-raising and observing that days-old kitten ignited a passion in Karen that she didn’t know existed. She began to learn everything she could about feline behavior and eventually formalized her education and credentials.
Over the past fifteen years, Karen has been involved in animal care and welfare in a wide variety of roles. She is a former shelter volunteer, was the assistant manager of a cat shelter, and worked at a veterinary clinic.
Currently, she is on the Board of Directors for Charles River Alleycats, is a foster caregiver for several Boston-area shelters and rescues and deploys as a professional behavior responder for the ASPCA Anti-Cruelty Behavior Team. She is on the faculty of the Animal Behavior Institute where she teaches remote learning courses on feline and canine behavior and training topics.
Her pet behavior consulting business, By Your Side Pet Behavior Consulting & Training, offers individualized support to dog and cat guardians experiencing behavioral challenges with their pets.
Karen is a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant and Associate Certified Dog Behavior Consultant through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is also a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed (CCPDT-KA) and is Fear-Free Certified trainer.
Download a free copy of Karen’s handout – “Think Inside the Box“, a guide to resolving common litter box avoidance issues.
Download a free copy of Resource Links for Cat Owners.
