Science-Based Training That Supports You and Your Pet

Humane, practical guidance for better communication with your animals.

PHX Animal Behavior Center helps pet owners across the Phoenix Metro area build lasting skills using positive reinforcement and modern behavioral science.

Hi, I’m Carrie

Carrie Schwartz is the trainer and behavior consultant behind PHX Animal Behavior Center. She has spent more than 14 years working professionally with animals in veterinary, shelter, and training environments.

Carrie’s passion for animals began early while fostering stray and semi-feral cats with her family. Together they cared for more than 100 cats and kittens with a wide range of personalities, medical conditions, and behavioral challenges. That early experience sparked a lifelong interest in understanding how animals learn and how people can better support them.

Her first professional role in animal care was at a veterinary hospital, where she worked her way from kennel assistant to veterinary technician. Carrie continued working as a vet tech throughout high school and college while also gaining experience in dog daycares and pet retail environments.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology before continuing her education in behavior science, eventually completing her Master’s Degree in Companion Animal Behavior Analysis and Counseling (MS-CABAC). Through her graduate work she studied learning theory, behavior science, and domestication while gaining hands-on experience with Animal Humane New Mexico and shadowing a veterinary behaviorist.

Education and Professional Certifications

Carrie is committed to continuing education and maintaining high professional standards in the training industry. Her credentials include:

CBCC-KA (Certified Behavior Consultant – Canine)
MS-CABAC (Master of Science in Companion Animal Behavior Analysis & Counseling)
KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner)
Fear Free Certified Professional
AKC Evaluator
Low Stress Handling Silver Certification
PetTech Pet First Aid & CPR Instructor
Member of the Pet Professional Guild

Special Focus on Feline Behavior

While Carrie works with both dogs and cats, she has a special interest in feline behavior and helping cat owners better understand their pets.

She currently works with the Jackson Galaxy Project and Greater Good through the Cat Pawsitive Program as a Trainer-Mentor, helping shelters implement clicker training programs and address behavior challenges in cats.

Carrie regularly works with cat owners on issues such as:

Inappropriate elimination
Scratching behavior
Aggression between pets
Fearful or anxious cats
Introducing new cats into the home

A Force-Free, Science-Based Approach

Carrie uses force-free, positive reinforcement training methods based on modern behavioral science. Her goal is to help pets feel safe and confident while giving owners practical skills they can use every day.

Whether working with dogs or cats, Carrie focuses on helping owners understand why behavior happens and how to guide their pets toward more successful choices.

Training is always designed to support the relationship between pets and the people who care for them.