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.
Expertise Behind CLW Consulting
CLW Consulting is led by an experienced animal-industry specialist, educator, researcher, policy advisor and multi-award-winning academic, supported by specialist collaborators and industry professionals where required.
Our leadership brings extensive interdisciplinary expertise spanning animal science and behaviour, environmental management and conservation, agriculture, business leadership, maritime and fisheries policy, law, disability and inclusion, education, mental health, research and professional practice.
This unusually broad background allows CLW Consulting to approach complex animal-industry issues from multiple perspectives — combining scientific evidence, animal welfare, regulatory literacy, policy, education and practical industry experience.
Extensive Postgraduate & Professional Education
Qualifications held within our leadership include master's degrees across:
Agriculture • Environmental Management & Conservation • Fisheries Policy • Marine Policy • Law • Business Administration • Education • Autism & Neurodivergent Studies • Disability & Inclusion • Human Services & Wellbeing
alongside further postgraduate education in health professions education and mental health.
These qualifications are complemented by extensive vocational and professional education across animal behaviour and training, veterinary nursing, animal technology, animal care, animal control and regulation, training and assessment, disability practice, work health and safety and business operations.
Animal Industry Experience
Our professional experience spans:
working and assistance animal program development
animal behaviour and training
companion-animal industry consulting
animal welfare and husbandry
regulatory compliance and accreditation
policy and procedure development
tribunal and court-level matters
expert and subject-matter advice
university and RTO education
curriculum and qualification development
government and policy submissions
operational and compliance review
wildlife, conservation and multi-species practice.
Our expertise is not restricted to dogs. CLW Consulting works across mammalian, avian, reptilian, amphibian, fish and invertebrate species, allowing us to provide genuinely multidisciplinary advice across diverse animal industries.
Professional Engagement
Our professional affiliations span law, animal behaviour, working animals, wildlife rehabilitation, avian science, feline practice, animal welfare and conservation.
These include engagement with organisations such as the Law Society of New South Wales, International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Fear Free Professionals, International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council, International Working Dog Association, Australian Bird Study Association and The International Cat Association.
Ongoing professional development ensures our advice remains informed by contemporary evidence, emerging industry standards and evolving regulatory environments.
Research, Education & Recognition
Our leadership includes an established author, educator and researcher, with published work and ongoing scholarship spanning animal industries, working animals, disability, education, law, policy and professional practice.
Academic and professional achievements include awards, scholarships, academic commendations and industry recognition, alongside membership of Mensa and Golden Key International Honour Society.
Multidisciplinary Advice for Complex Problems
CLW Consulting was established to bridge the gaps that often exist between animal welfare, industry practice, regulation, law, education and policy.
We don't approach an issue from only one professional perspective.
We examine the evidence, regulatory environment, operational realities, animal-welfare implications and broader system surrounding the problem — then develop practical solutions appropriate to the organisation and circumstances.
Where a matter requires expertise beyond our internal capabilities, we collaborate with appropriate industry professionals and specialist consultants to provide comprehensive multidisciplinary support.
Evidence-Based. Ethically Grounded. Legally Informed. Practically Focused.
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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.
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.
CONTACT US TODAY
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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