Veterinary animal behaviourist Professor Jaume Fatjo set to impress at AVA Conference

With the countdown to the 2025 AVA Conference well and truly on, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is thrilled to have veterinary animal behaviourist and human-animal bond researcher, Professor Jaume Fatjo as a keynote speaker. 

Born in Barcelona, Jaume is a Diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine, where he served as President from 2012 to 2014.  

Since 2010, he's been an assistant professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine at the Autonomous University of Barcelona. Leading the Affinity Foundation Chair for Animals and Health since 2012, he directs Ethogroup, a behavioural medicine referral service in Barcelona.  

As head of behavioural medicine and animal welfare at VetPartners Spain, his research delves into human-animal relationships and the assessment of animal behaviour. 

Professor Jaume Fatjo's expertise in veterinary animal behaviour and human-animal bond research makes him an exceptional keynote speaker for the 2025 AVA Conference. His extensive experience and leadership roles in the field will provide valuable insights to delegates, aligning perfectly with the conference's theme of "Cutting Through" in veterinary medicine. 

Professor Jaume Fatjo will be presenting on the following topics: 

• The pros and cons of neutering in behaviour: Are we facing a new paradigm? Tuesday 13 May, 11:00am – 12:00pm 

• A new multi-axial approach to behaviour problems: Tuesday 13 May, 3:30pm – 4:25pm 

• Beyond anxiety: The role of frustration in behaviour problems: Wednesday 14 May, 1:00pm – 1:55pm 

• Practical designs on drugs to control behaviour problems: Wednesday 14 May, 3:00pm – 3:55pm 

• Frustration and behaviour problems in cats: When temperament and environment clash: Thursday 15 May, 8:00am – 8:55am 

• New findings on the diagnosis and treatment of repetitive disorders: Thursday 15 May, 4:00pm – 5:00pm 

Alongside Professor Fatjo, the ‘Behaviour’ track of the AVA Conference program will also feature: 

• Ashleigh Hargreaves: Early recognition and advice on puppy problems 

• Nicole Lobry de Bruyn:Post traumatic stress disorder in dogs: The what, why and how to treat 

• Jennifer Nesbitt-Hawes: Reactive dogs: Practical tips for GP vets and their clients 

• Duncan Lascelles: Diagnosing osteoarthritis pain in dogs through behavior 

• Susan Hazel: Dog bites- new insights from a community survey and public health campaign in South Australia 

• Kersti Seksel: The pros and cons of clonidine (Catapres®): Is it all its cracked up to be? 
• Bronwen Bollaert: Why diagnosis is important for creating your treatment plan 

On Friday 16 May, the Australian Veterinary Behaviour Medicine (AVBM) group will be holding a ‘Fear Free Techniques Workshop’, where delegates can learn how to reduce fear and anxiety in the consultation room, learn to recognise signs of stress and anxiety in animals, practice handling skills to reduce stress and learn how to help owners deliver calm pets to your hospital/practice. 

An AVA membership entitles you to substantial discounts on an AVA Conference registration, check out the full program and registration here.