Specialist Consulting for Working & Companion Animal Industries

Supporting businesses, government and organisations in navigating regulation, accreditation and professional standards.

Specialist Advisory for Australia’s Animal Industries

CLW Consulting is a professional advisory firm providing strategic guidance to organisations operating in working and companion animal sectors.

Our team specialises in policy development, regulatory compliance, accreditation pathways, dispute resolution, and industry reform. We work with businesses, government departments, educational institutions, legal teams, and animal industry professionals to strengthen standards, streamline operations, and navigate complex regulatory environments.

We are committed to raising professional standards across Australia’s animal landscape through evidence-based practice, ethical frameworks, and legally informed advisory services.

From program development and accreditation preparation to expert witness services and operational audits, CLW Consulting delivers structured, independent, and solutions-focused support tailored to each client’s needs.

Our approach combines practical field experience with policy expertise — ensuring that animal welfare, compliance, and organisational sustainability remain aligned.

Services We Provide

CLW Consulting provides specialist advisory services to organisations operating within the working and companion animal sectors.

We support businesses, government departments, educational institutions, legal teams and industry professionals in navigating regulatory frameworks, strengthening operational systems, developing accreditation pathways, and maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and compliance.

Our services are strategic, evidence-based, and tailored to the unique needs of each organisation.

Regulatory Compliance & Accreditation

Guidance on national and state-based accreditation pathways, industry memberships, and regulatory obligations.

Policy & Procedure Development

Creation and review of operational manuals, welfare frameworks, staff policies, enrichment protocols and governance documentation.

Expert Advisory & Court Reports

Independent expert witness reports, subject matter expertise, and tribunal support in regulatory and dispute matters.

Dispute Resolution & Advocacy Support

Strategic assistance in resolving regulatory, contractual, discrimination, and operational disputes.

Program Development

Design and implementation of breeding programs, public access testing systems, temperament assessment frameworks, rescue onboarding processes, and structured training pathways.

Education & Curriculum Development

Development of nationally aligned training materials for RTOs, universities, schools and professional development programs.

Business Operations & Auditing

Independent review and streamlining of operational processes, compliance systems, record keeping, and welfare standards.

Facility Planning & Compliance Design

Consultation on facility layouts and enclosure planning aligned with local council and state government requirements.

Government & Policy Submissions

Preparation of formal submissions and strategic advisory for legislative reform and regulatory development.

And More

Each engagement is customised. We provide tailored consulting solutions based on the operational, regulatory and strategic needs of your organisation.

Meet Our Principal Consultant

CLW Consulting is led by C.L. Williams, an internationally recognised animal industry specialist, educator, policy advisor, and multi-award-winning academic.

Claire brings an exceptional breadth of interdisciplinary expertise spanning environmental management, agriculture, business leadership, maritime and fisheries policy, law, disability and inclusion, education, mental health, and animal sciences. Holding multiple postgraduate qualifications — including master’s degrees across conservation, law, education, disability, agriculture, and policy — she combines scientific rigour with regulatory literacy and practical field experience.

Her professional background spans:

  • Working animal program development and accreditation

  • Companion animal behaviour and regulatory consulting

  • Tribunal and court-level expert engagement

  • University and RTO teaching and curriculum design

  • Government policy advisory

  • Cross-sector compliance and operational reform

Claire also holds extensive vocational and industry certifications across veterinary nursing, animal technology, animal control and regulation, behaviour assessment, training and assessment, disability practice, work health and safety, and small business leadership — ensuring that her advisory work is grounded in both academic excellence and real-world operational competence.

As a best-selling author, educator, and award recipient — including academic commendations, national scholarships, and industry recognition — Claire is committed to advancing professional standards within Australia’s animal industries.

Beyond consultancy, she is an active advocate for animal welfare, assistance animal rights, and inclusive practice. Her lived experience within disability and working animal sectors informs her reform-driven, ethical, and evidence-based approach.

CLW Consulting operates under her leadership, drawing on a network of specialist collaborators and industry experts where appropriate to ensure comprehensive, multidisciplinary solutions for clients.

Learn more about Claire’s broader work at clwilliams.com.au

From Our Clients

We have earned the trust and satisfaction from hundreds of clients by providing reliable, high-quality service. See what they're saying.

CLW Consulting provided unparalleled guidance in developing our assistance dog program. Their expertise in compliance, training standards, and accreditation pathways ensured everything ran smoothly. Claire’s professionalism and depth of knowledge are unmatched.

Rachael

Sole Trader

Thanks to CLW Consulting, our kennel operations are now fully compliant with national welfare and training standards. Their insights into behavioural management and enrichment have transformed our approach to companion animal care.

Jane

Facility Manager

We engaged CLW Consulting to review our organisation’s policies and procedures. Their recommendations were thorough, practical, and implementable. They truly understand the regulatory landscape and animal welfare obligations.

Michael

Wildlife Rescue Coordinator

Who We Support

Our consultants actively participate in, and volunteer for, a range of professional, educational, and community programs to support animal welfare, industry standards, and ongoing professional development.

Additional Information

Specialist Animal Industry Advisory & Professional Consulting

Mammalian | Avian | Reptilian | Amphibian | Fish | Invertebrate

CLW Consulting was founded with a clear vision: to bridge the gap in world-class support, regulation, education, and policy development within Australia's animal industries.

Led by C.L. Williams, best-selling author and senior industry consultant, our team provides strategic, evidence-based guidance across working and companion animal sectors.

We work at the intersection of:

  • Animal welfare

  • Regulatory compliance

  • Education and accreditation

  • Policy development

  • Dispute resolution

  • Industry reform

Although we are not all lawyers, we are proud members of the Law Society of New South Wales, and provide pro-bono advocacy support to assistance animal handlers experiencing discrimination or NDIS access barriers.

We believe that professional standards must be built on:

  • Evidence-based methodology

  • Ethical practice

  • Legal literacy

  • Species-appropriate welfare

  • Regulatory compliance

Our Areas of Practice

  • Assistance Animal Organisations and Facilities

  • Therapy & Facility Programs

  • Detection & Security Programs

  • Education Dog Programs

  • Animal Actors

  • Universities & RTOs

  • Local, State & Federal Government

  • Legal Teams & Advocacy Bodies

  • Veterinary Clinics

  • Breeders

  • Dog Trainers & Behaviourists

  • Groomers

  • Dog Daycare & Boarding

  • Animal Welfare Organisations

  • Pounds & Shelters

  • Zoos & Captive Facilities

  • Local Councils

  • Pet Industry Businesses

  • Educational Institutions

Core Services

  • Independent Public Access Test Development

  • Expert Witness & Subject Matter Expert Reports

  • Policy & Procedure Development

  • Accreditation Program Development

  • Breeding & Puppy Raising Program Development

  • Rescue Onboarding & Assessment Frameworks

  • National Accreditation Pathway Preparation

  • Facility & Compliance Planning

  • Evidence Preparation for Travel and Access Rights

  • Immigration Recognition Support for Assistance Animal Teams

  • Bespoke Manual Development (Husbandry, Enrichment, Staff, Operations)

  • Dangerous Dog Order Expert Reports

  • Regulatory Compliance Consulting

  • Business Operations Audits

  • Education Program Development (Schools, RTOs, Universities)

  • Facility and Enclosure Planning

  • Policy Submissions

  • National Qualification Development (ASQA, TEQSA Aligned)

  • Industry Accreditation Preparation and Development

Proven Track Record

  • NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal

  • NSW Land and Environment Court

  • Federal Court of Australia

  • NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal

  • Australian Human Rights Commission

  • Administrative Appeals Tribunal

  • Federal Court of Australia

  • Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

Why CLW Consulting?

  • Multi-sector industry expertise

  • Government policy advisory experience

  • Tribunal & court-level engagement

  • National and international recognition

  • Multi-species specialisation

  • Proven reform leadership in working animal standards

  • Author-led thought leadership

Our Credentials

Law Society of NSW

CLW Consulting maintains membership with the Law Society of New South Wales to ensure our work is informed by strong legal literacy, ethical standards, and contemporary legal practice. While we are not a law firm, our consulting frequently intersects with regulatory compliance, tribunal processes, discrimination matters, and policy development. Membership supports our commitment to operating with integrity, procedural fairness, and accountability, and enables us to collaborate effectively with legal professionals when advising clients across working and companion animal sectors.

Working Animals Federation of Australia

CLW Consulting is a member of the Working Animals Federation of Australia to actively contribute to the development of consistent, ethical, and evidence-based standards within Australia’s working animal sector. Our membership reflects our commitment to transparency, animal welfare, accreditation integrity, and nationally aligned frameworks. Through WAFA, we collaborate with industry leaders, handlers, trainers, and policymakers to strengthen professional accountability and support reform that protects both animals and the communities they serve.

Fear Free Professionals

CLW Consulting is a member of Fear Free Professionals to promote the highest standards of animal welfare and stress-free handling. Membership ensures our practices and advice reflect modern, evidence-based techniques that prioritise the emotional and physical well-being of animals in all settings. By integrating Fear Free principles, we enhance the quality, safety, and effectiveness of training, therapy, and working animal programs, demonstrating our commitment to compassionate, professional, and ethical care for every animal under our guidance.

International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

CLW Consulting maintains membership with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants to stay connected with leading research, ethical guidelines, and best practices in animal behavior and training. This membership supports our commitment to evidence-based, humane, and professional approaches when advising clients across working and companion animal sectors. Through IAABC, we access continuing education, networking, and standards that enhance the quality and credibility of our consulting, ensuring that every program we develop prioritizes both animal welfare and handler outcomes.

Australian Bird Study Association

CLW Consulting maintains membership with the Australian Bird Study Association to stay at the forefront of avian research, conservation practices, and ethical handling standards. This membership supports our work with companion, captive, and wild birds, ensuring that our programs, training, and welfare advice are informed by the latest scientific knowledge. Through engagement with the association, we strengthen our commitment to evidence-based practice, responsible stewardship, and the protection and enrichment of Australia’s bird populations.

International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council

CLW Consulting is a member of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council to uphold the highest standards in wildlife care, rehabilitation, and release practices. Membership provides access to evidence-based protocols, training resources, and global networks of wildlife professionals. This ensures our consulting and program development for native and exotic species reflects best practice, prioritises animal welfare, and supports ethical, scientifically informed outcomes in both rehabilitation and broader wildlife management initiatives.

International Working Dog Association

CLW Consulting is a member of the International Working Dog Association to stay connected with global best practices in working dog training, welfare, and operational standards. Membership provides access to evidence-based techniques, continuing education, and industry networks that inform our advisory work with assistance, therapy, detection, and service dog programs. By engaging with IWDA, we ensure our consulting reflects the highest standards of animal welfare, handler safety, and program effectiveness in both national and international working dog contexts.

The International Cat Association

CLW Consulting maintains membership with the International Cat Association to support best practices in feline welfare, breeding, and behaviour management. Membership ensures our advice and programs for companion cats, breeders, and therapy cat initiatives are aligned with internationally recognised standards. Through TICA, we access education, resources, and professional networks that enhance the health, enrichment, and ethical treatment of cats across domestic, rescue, and therapy settings.

Australian Plant Society

CLW Consulting maintains membership with the Australian Plants Society to support our knowledge of native flora, ecosystem management, and conservation practices. This membership informs our work with wildlife habitats, captive animal enclosures, and environmental enrichment programs, ensuring plant selection and care aligns with ecological sustainability and animal welfare. Through engagement with the society, we strengthen our commitment to evidence-based practice, biodiversity preservation, and the creation of safe, naturalistic environments for the animals we work with.

Therapy Dogs International

CLW Consulting maintains membership with Therapy Dogs International to remain aligned with internationally recognised standards for therapy animal assessment, handler responsibility, and community engagement. Our involvement reflects our commitment to structured, welfare-focused therapy programs that prioritise safety, professionalism, and measurable outcomes. By engaging with established global frameworks, we ensure that our advisory work in therapy and facility animal programs is informed by best practice and consistent with respected international benchmarks.

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