Wailani Sung, PhD, DVM, DACVB

19 years of experience as a veterinarian, with a special emphasis on animal behavior
10 years as a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Multiple TV and documentary appearances, including Inside the Mind of a Cat, Clear the Shelters and Cat Tales

Experience

A board-certified veterinary behaviorist, Wailani previously served as the director of behavior and welfare programs for the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She is co-author of the book From Fearful to Fear Free (written in collaboration with "America’s veterinarian" Dr. Marty Becker, veterinary colleague Dr. Lisa Radosta and renowned trainer Mikkel Becker), as well as the author of Decoding Your Cat.

Wailani is also an educator, writing chapters for multiple veterinary textbooks, including Behavior of Exotic Pets; Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Canine and Feline Behavior; Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult: Canine and Feline; Animal Behavior for Shelter Veterinarian and Staff; and the Clinical Handbook of Feline Behavior Medicine. On screen, she has appeared in the documentaries Cat Tales and Inside the Mind of a Cat.

Education

University of Georgia

DVM, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

University of Georgia

PhD, Biopsychology

University of Georgia

MA, Biopsychology

Cornell University

BS, Animal Sciences

Articles

dog kissing and licking a girl in the face

Why Do Dogs Lick You? 4 Reasons a Dog May Lick You

Are dog licks really canine kisses? Here's what to know about why dogs lick.

overhead view of a dog tail and rear end of anonymous dog standing on blue tile floor

Why Do Dogs Have Tails? A Vet Explains

Fluffy, curly, short or stumpy, tails are an adorable feature of our furry friends. But if not for human amusement, why do dogs have tails? A vet explains.