Legal Consulting & Expert Witness Services
Dr. Camille Ward provides professional consultation and expert witness services for attorneys and legal professionals in matters involving canine behavior, aggression, and behavioral incidents.
As a Ph.D.-level Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Ward brings multiple decades of professional experience to the evaluation and interpretation of canine behavior. Her work combines extensive applied experience with advanced academic training in animal behavior, cognition, learning, and welfare.
Dr. Ward provides independent, evidence-based opinions grounded in the available case materials, relevant scientific research, established principles of animal behavior, and her professional experience. She communicates complex behavioral information clearly and precisely to attorneys, clients, and the court.
Professional Services
Behavioral Assessments
Dr. Ward evaluates the behavior, temperament, and behavioral history of dogs involved in legal matters. When appropriate and feasible, an assessment may include direct observation of the dog, interviews with relevant individuals, review of video evidence, and analysis of behavioral, veterinary, training, and other pertinent records.
The nature and extent of the assessment are determined by the specific behavioral questions presented and the information available in the matter.
Expert Testimony
Dr. Ward provides expert opinions concerning canine behavior and dog-related incidents. Services may include:
- Written expert reports and opinions
- Expert declarations and affidavits
- Deposition preparation and testimony
- Trial preparation and expert testimony
- Clear explanation of relevant behavioral and scientific principles
Litigation Support
Dr. Ward reviews and analyzes materials relevant to the behavioral issues involved in a legal matter. These materials may include:
- Behavioral and veterinary records
- Training records
- Animal-control and investigative reports
- Witness statements and deposition transcripts
- Photographs and video footage
- Prior behavioral histories
- Other documents and evidence relevant to the behavioral analysis
Following her review, Dr. Ward can provide a professional opinion regarding the behavioral questions raised by the evidence, identify information that may be important to the analysis, and explain the scientific principles relevant to understanding the dog’s behavior.
Professional Qualifications
Dr. Ward earned her Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, where her research focused on cognition and the development of social behavior in domestic dogs. She is certified by the Animal Behavior Society as a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist.
Her professional background includes:
- More than two decades of experience evaluating and addressing canine behavior
- Extensive work involving canine aggression and other complex behavioral concerns
- Behavioral consultation and assessment in thousands of canine cases
- University-level teaching in dog cognition, behavior, welfare, animal behavior, and psychology
- Scientific research and publication involving canine behavior
- National and international presentations on canine behavior and cognition
- Service on the Animal Behavior Society’s Board of Professional Certification
- Work with the ASPCA’s Anti-Cruelty Team involving dogs rescued from fighting, hoarding, puppy mills, and other forms of abuse
- Experience providing consultation, analysis, written opinions, and expert testimony in legal matters involving canine behavior and welfare
View Dr. Ward’s Curriculum Vitae
Independent, Evidence-Based Analysis
Dr. Ward serves as an independent expert. Her role is to evaluate the available information objectively and determine what conclusions are supported by the evidence.
Her opinions are based on the facts and materials available, established principles of animal behavior, relevant scientific literature, and her education and professional experience. When limitations in the available evidence affect the interpretation of a matter, those limitations are clearly identified.
Request a Consultation
Attorneys and legal professionals may contact Dr. Ward to discuss the behavioral questions involved, the materials available for review, applicable deadlines, and the anticipated scope of services.
After an initial discussion, Dr. Ward will determine whether the matter falls within her area of expertise and whether she is available to accept the engagement. Information concerning professional fees, retainers, scheduling, and engagement requirements will be provided at that time.
To inquire about legal consulting or expert witness services, please contact Dr. Ward at AboutDogsLLC@gmail.com.
Individuals who are represented by counsel should ask their attorney to contact Dr. Ward directly.