Heather Kalman, CPDT-KA, SBA, ABCDT, CGCE, Embedded Data Coordinator, American Pets Alive!, Human Animal Support Services

Heather’s passion for animal training began as a volunteer guide dog puppy raiser, where she fostered and socialized puppies preparing for service work in guiding the visually impaired. Heather has since worked in animal behavior, training, and care for several organizations including the Animal Rescue Foundation of Texas, Southeastern Guide Dogs, and Humane Society of Pinellas prior to joining APA!. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology through the University of South Florida and is currently pursuing a master’s in animal behavior. She is an Embedded Data Coordinator for the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) program within APA! helping shelters leverage data to improve lifesaving.

She has a passion for working with aggression, reactivity, and fear in dogs. Heather has had the opportunity to speak across the Tampa Bay region, St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine, and for the Humane Society of the United States’ Animal Care Expo on the behavior, training, and enrichment of animals in shelters. She has also had the privilege to author articles for the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) on the topics of behavior, training, and fostering in animal shelters. She strives to always continue her education and maintain best practices in scientifically supported, positive training methods. 

When not working, you can find Heather spending time with her four dogs, Mitch, Eli, Eva, and Tori, and her husband Josh!