Veterinary Expertise & Forensic Analysis
In matters where animals behave aggressively, evaluating the types and forms of aggression can help offer insight to the causes of incidents, or how they could have been prevented in the first place.
In matters that occur in veterinary facilities, experience and understanding reasonable veterinary practices is paramount to an evaluation of an event.
Various factors for consideration with animal-related incidents include:
- Breed/genetic makeup
- Setting of the incident
- Training history
- Rabies vaccination history
- Behavioral history
- Medical history
- Measures taken to control/restrain the animal
- Applicable regulations and codes
Viewing Animal-Related Incidents Through a Forensic Lens
While many of us consider our pets to be family members that bring great joy, sometimes their actions warrant evaluation. In matters involving animal bites to humans, each event is unique. A comprehensive knowledge of animal behavior is imperative to fully understand and properly assess the situation.
- Dog Bites
- Veterinary Practices
- Animal Behavior
Melissa R. Goldberg, DVM
The Veterinary Expert
Dr. Melissa R. Goldberg, DVM, has over 25 years of veterinary experience. She currently serves as the Director of Operations at Heart & Paw, where she oversees ten hospitals across five states, leading them in both their medical and operational success. Before joining Heart & Paw, Dr. Goldberg held the role of Area Chief of Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital, a position she began in December 2022. Notably, she has implemented policies and procedures across three Banfield Pet Hospital locations.
Dr. Goldberg provides professional support and expertise through every stage of animal-related incident analysis, including site examinations, medical records reviews, and animal evaluations. Her extensive background in veterinary medicine and surgery equips her with a deep understanding of veterinary facility practices and safety procedures.
Dr. Goldberg recently completed her Master’s in Management and Organizational Leadership. She had earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University and a Bachelor’s in Biological Science from Rutgers University. Her dedication to animal care extends beyond her professional career to volunteer roles, including her contributions to the veterinary science department at the Eastern Center for Arts and Technology. She is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. Dr. Goldberg has been a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) since 1999 and the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) since 2000.
Dr. Goldberg specializes in assessing the behavior of dogs and cats, with expertise in evaluating animals’ body language, breed tendencies, and health and behavioral histories. Her unique combination of clinical experience and behavioral analysis makes her a valuable resource for addressing animal-related incidents.