Ilse Fourie

I'm multi-credentialed Companion Animal Behaviour Consultant, Fear Free™ Certified Animal Trainer, Fear Free™ Certified Elite Professional and Fear Free™ Coach. I am passionate about building a Fear Free culture in clinics, other pet professional businesses as well as for pets at home. 

I obtained my Master’s degree in Arts (University of Cape Town), before making the decision to turn my passion for pet welfare into a full-time vocation at the end of 2016. I furthered my education to complete both the Certificate and Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour and Training (CertCAB and DipCABT) from the Centre of Applied Pet Ethology (COAPE), and my CBCC-KA (Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers®). 

In January 2021, I joined a veterinary behaviour team at a clinic in Abu Dhabi and worked closely with the only board-certified veterinary behaviourist in the Middle East, developing and implementing behaviour modification plans for behaviour patients. I was the “Fear Free advocate” at the clinic, frequently training the clinical, reception, and housekeeping teams in Fear Free™ practices as well as supporting the clinical team with examinations and procedures. Additionally, I played an instrumental role in obtaining the clinic's Fear Free™ Veterinary Practice Certification; a first for Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
 

I am ardent about sharing the knowledge and experience I gained with veterinary and other pet care professionals, as well as focusing on preventative care measures for pet parents. 

2012 - 2019 PR & Communications Manager (agency and freelance)

2019- 2020 Marketing manager - COAPE International
2017 - 2021 Behaviour Consultant & Trainer - Zimzala K9 Estate - Stellenbosch (part time)
2021 - 2025 Behaviour Consultant & Trainer - The German Veterinary Clinic, Abu Dhabi

2004- 2008 BA (Hons) Dramatic Arts - University of the Witwatersrand
2010 - 2012 MA Dramatic Arts - University of Cape Town
2017 - CertCAB Certificate in Companion Animal Behaviour & Training (COAPE International)

2019 - DipCABT Advanced Diploma in Companion Animal Behaviour (COAPE International)