Professional body

ABTC Registered Animal Behaviourist (Clinical Animal Behaviourist / Accredited Animal Behaviourist)

Awarded by Animal Behaviour and Training Council · since 2010

What this means for your pet

The ABTC register is the closest thing the UK has to an official directory of vetted animal behaviour professionals. Because the profession is entirely unregulated (anyone can call themselves an animal behaviourist), the ABTC register provides assurance that the individual has been rigorously assessed against defined standards of both academic knowledge and practical competence.

About this accreditation

The ABTC is the UK's regulatory body (self-regulatory, not statutory) for animal behaviour and training professionals. This category covers Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CAB) who work with owners to address all types of unwanted behaviours on veterinary referral, and Accredited Animal Behaviourists (AAB, register now closed to new entrants). CAB requires Level 6 (degree-level) qualification. The ABTC is a registered charity recognised by Defra.

Who can hold this accreditation

Must complete ABTC Knowledge and Understanding requirements (via recognised course at Level 6 or APEL), pass a Practical Skills assessment, and be a full member of an ABTC Practitioner Organisation. CAB is the current gold standard; AAB is a transitional category closed to new entrants.

Referral requirement

Yes — veterinary referral is required for CAB and AAB categories. This is a professional standard enforced by the ABTC, not a legal requirement (the profession is not statutorily regulated). However, it is considered a core ethical obligation because behavioural problems can be caused by pain or illness.

Title protection

The titles 'animal behaviourist' and 'clinical animal behaviourist' are NOT legally protected in the UK. Anyone can use these titles regardless of qualifications.

Professional oversight

Continuing Professional Development

Annual CPD required, audited by member organisation

Complaints process

Through practitioner's member organisation and the ABTC Code of Professional Conduct

Insurance

Expected

Legal basis

No statutory regulation — voluntary self-regulation

Accredited providers (695)

Showing 200 of 695. Use the Explorer to search and filter all providers.

Quick facts

Abbreviation

ABTC CAB/AAB

Issuing body

Animal Behaviour and Training Council

Type

professional body

Protected title

No

Practitioner is a vet

No

Providers listed

695

External links

Animal Behaviour and Training Council websiteOfficial register
ABTC Registered Animal Behaviourist (Clinical Animal Behaviourist / Accredited Animal Behaviourist): what it means · PetCare Atlas