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When seeking professional assistance for animal behaviour and training, it is crucial to understand the distinctions between different roles and qualifications. Not all individuals offering services in this field are accredited or certified or adhere to ethical and scientifically backed methodologies.
Different Roles in Animal Behaviour and Training
Veterinary Behaviourists
Veterinary behaviourists are qualified veterinarians with advanced education in animal behaviour. Their unique qualification allows them to diagnose and treat behavioural issues that may be linked to medical conditions such as neurological disorders, chronic pain, or hormonal imbalances. Because of their veterinary background, they can prescribe medications when necessary, making them the go-to professionals for complex behavioural cases requiring medical intervention.
Clinical Animal Behaviourists
Clinical animal behaviourists specialise in assessing and treating problematic animal behaviours. While they are not veterinarians and cannot prescribe medication, they work closely with veterinary teams to develop behavioural modification plans. These professionals undergo rigorous assessment processes, ensuring they employ evidence-based techniques to address issues such as anxiety, aggression, and phobias in companion animals.
Animal behaviourists are qualified to degree level or the equivalent, with some holding master's degrees or higher.
Animal Training Instructors
Animal training instructors focus on teaching animals specific skills, cues and obedience training. Their role is to enhance the relationship between animals and their owners by ensuring pets learn appropriate behaviours. Unlike behaviourists, training instructors do not diagnose behavioural disorders but work on training goals, including basic manners, agility, and advanced obedience plus many more sports.
The Importance of Accreditation and Certification
The field of animal behaviour and training is largely unregulated, meaning anyone can claim to be a behaviourist or trainer without formal qualifications. Organisations such as the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC), Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), and Certificated Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CCAB) Certification uphold high standards to ensure accredited professionals are competent, ethical, and science-led in their practices.
Unregulated individuals may use outdated or punitive methods, which can have severe consequences for animal welfare. Choosing a professional accredited by recognised bodies ensures that only humane, scientifically supported techniques are employed, promoting the well-being of both animals and their owners.
The Role of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is the regulatory body for veterinary professionals in the UK, ensuring high standards of education, ethics, and practice. Veterinary behaviourists who are accredited by the RCVS have undergone additional specialist training in animal behaviour, allowing them to diagnose and treat behavioural problems that have medical causes. The RCVS works closely with organisations such as the British Veterinary Behaviour Association (BVBA) and the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine (ECAWBM) to set standards for veterinary behaviourists. Additionally, they collaborate with clinical animal behaviourists and accredited trainers to ensure that referrals and treatments align with the best interests of animal welfare. When necessary, veterinary behaviourists will refer cases to qualified clinical animal behaviourists for further behavioural modification support, creating a multidisciplinary approach to animal welfare.
The ABTC work alongside the RCVS with the shared goal of raising and assuring standards in the animal training and behaviour sector. They are in ongoing discussion of the possibility to become an accredited organisation under the RCVS. Both organisations emphasis the importance of animal welfare and aim to ensure high standards in the animal behaviour and training sector.
Regulated and Unregulated Roles
To further clarify the structure of professionals in animal behaviour and training, the following categories organises regulated and unregulated roles:
Regulated Professionals (Accredited and Certified)
- Veterinary Behaviourists (Licensed veterinarians with behavioural specialisation, can prescribe medication)
- Clinical Animal Behaviourists (Certified professionals who assess and treat behavioural issues but do not prescribe medication)
- Animal Training Instructors (Accredited trainers focusing on skill-based training and behaviour enhancement)
Unregulated Professionals (No Formal Oversight)
- Self-proclaimed behaviourists (no certification, may lack scientific backing)
- Unregistered trainers (may use outdated or punitive techniques)
- Hobbyist trainers (possess experience but lack formal education or accreditation)
These categories underscore the importance of seeking assistance from professionals who adhere to accredited standards, ensuring effective and ethical animal behaviour interventions.
Common Questions Answered
1. What qualifications should I look for in an animal behaviourist?
When selecting an animal behaviourist, look for accreditation from recognised organisations such as ABTC, APBC, or CCAB. A qualified behaviourist should have a strong academic background in animal behaviour, demonstrate evidence-based practice, and be committed to ethical standards. Veterinary behaviourists will hold a veterinary degree with further specialization in behaviour.
To achieve membership of these organisations the individual’s knowledge and skill are assessed. This means they poses both the practical and theoretical skills to help pet owners.
2. How can I verify the accreditation of an animal trainer?
Accreditation can be verified through the directories of professional organisations such as ABTC, APBC, and CCAB. These organisations list qualified professionals who have met strict competency and ethical standards. It is advisable to ask trainers and behaviourists about their qualifications, methodologies, and professional affiliations before engaging their services.
3. What are the risks of hiring an unregulated animal behaviour practitioner?
Hiring an unregulated practitioner carries risks, including the use of outdated or aversive training methods, misdiagnosis of behavioural issues, and ineffective or even harmful interventions. Without standardised assessments and ethical oversight, there is no guarantee that the techniques used are safe or beneficial to the animal.
4. What qualifications are required to become a veterinary behaviourist?
Becoming a veterinary behaviourist requires a veterinary degree followed by specialised postgraduate (degree level) training in animal behaviour. Many veterinary behaviourists pursue board certification through organizations such as the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine (ECAWBM) or the American College of Veterinary Behaviourists (ACVB).
5. How do clinical animal behaviourists collaborate with veterinarians?
Clinical animal behaviourists work closely with veterinarians to rule out medical causes of behavioural issues. If a behaviourist suspects a medical condition is contributing to an animal’s behaviour, they will refer the case back to the referring veterinarian for diagnosis and possible treatment. This collaboration ensures a holistic approach to behavioural health.
6. What is the difference between animal training and behaviour modification?
Animal training focuses on teaching specific skills, commands, and desirable behaviours using reinforcement techniques. In contrast, behaviour modification addresses underlying behavioural issues, such as anxiety, aggression, or compulsive disorders, often requiring an in-depth analysis of an animal’s emotional state and environment.
How do I Find a Professional to Help Me?
Understanding the differences between veterinary behaviourists, clinical animal behaviourists, and animal training instructors is crucial when seeking help for animal behaviour concerns. Accreditation and certification from recognised organisations ensure ethical, effective, and science-based approaches, safeguarding both animal welfare and owner satisfaction. Always verify credentials and choose professionals committed to the highest standards in their field.
Use our quick guide to find the help you need. 
