ABOUT US

 

 

Head Trainer Melanie Canatella

-Certified Professional Bird Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPBT-KA)
-Fear Free Certified Trainer
-Bachelors in Psychology and Applied Behavior Analysis​
-Animal Positive Coalition (APC) Member

Science-Based Approach

We use methods derived from applied behavior analysis to modify your animal's behaviors without aversive methods.​

We Work With All Species

We work with ALL species, from your dogs and cats to birds and giraffes. We have experience with a wide-range of species.

We Work With Anyone, Anytime

We work in-person at your home, online, and internationally. We work with private residence, zoos, aquariums, rehabbers, and rescues. 

“I want to thank you so much for helping us! Things with Fred have been so much better since I have worked with you and followed your guide. He is going so well with the kids and other people! He did great when my husband came home from deployment. Anywhere we will go he will step up for others, and he is super sweet! He isn’t charging or hissing at my daughter anymore. It’s an amazing difference.”
— Shelby, Online Client

Seen in the News

Melanie’s work has been published worldwide through platforms like The DoDo, 5 Minute Crafts, Avian Behavior International, and more.

 

Contributions to the Community

Fluff and Feathers shares their education through presenting at major behavior conferences across the United States, like AVOCET, ABMA, and more.

 

Ever Evolving

Melanie prides herself in continuing her education, attending many classes and behavior conferences as possible.​

10 Years Professional Experience

Your animal will be in good hands with Melanie’s wealth of experience and passion for training animals.

 

Certified

Animal behavior work is​ an unregulated industry. To show our knowledge and skills, Melanie has multiple prestigious certifications to give you confidence when working with us.

 

Rescue Work

Melanie started her career volunteering her time working at animal shelters, and she is passionate about continuing to work with rescue animals.

About Melanie

Melanie Canatella, the owner of Fluff and Feathers, has been professionally training since 2015. She has multiple degrees in behavioral science and psychology. She is a certified professional bird trainer through a knowledge assessed test (CPBT-KA) through IAATE, as well as a Fear Free Certified Trainer. Her specialties revolve around avian species and other exotics, but she is not limited to. She is passionate about animal welfare, rescue, and rehabilitation work.

 

Melanie got her start training professionally working full time in parrot and dog rescues. She continued to diversify her experience working with a falconer for multiple years, being contracted out by zoological organizations, and wildlife rehabilitation centers.

Melanie believes in collaboration, so she is passionate about creating a network of like-minded professionals. Her dedication to working closely with her clients, no matter the species or behavior, to help animals succeed shows in her attention to detail and depth of education her sessions produce.

Fluff and Feathers understands the deep connections caretakers can have with their animals. Melanie created her business to be able to help those who feel like they are at the end of their rope, and who are considering finding new placement for their animals due to unmanaged behaviors. She wants to teach people to better understand the function of their animal’s behavior and how to find a solution for a more harmonious and successful relationship.

OUR MISSION

To be able to provide education and behavioral modification to animal caretakers in order to to empower caretakers, help animals cope and thrive within our care, and to keep animals in their loving homes. We believe that all animals, no matter their age or physical condition, have the ability to learn new things!

Behavior Conferences

 

In the News