IAABC Certified Consultant

What this means for your pet

IAABC certification means the professional has been assessed through a case-study-based evaluation (not just multiple-choice tests), has real-world experience, understands when to refer to a vet, and is committed to humane, evidence-based methods. All credentialed members complete 36 CEUs every 3 years.

About this accreditation

The IAABC credentials animal behavior consultants worldwide across 85+ countries. Species-specific certification requires minimum 500 hours of consulting experience, 400 hours of education, 3+ years experience, case studies, and letters of reference. The IAABC emphasises evidence-based, humane approaches grounded in the LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principle.

Who can hold this accreditation

Varies by level. Certified: 500+ hours consulting, 400+ hours education, 3+ years, 3 case studies, 3 references. Associate Certified: 300+ hours consulting, 150+ hours education, 2 case studies.

Referral requirement

No — the IAABC does not mandate veterinary referral before consultation. However, consultants are required to recognise medical components and refer to vets when appropriate. UK-based members who are also ABTC-registered will follow ABTC's stricter referral requirement.

Title protection

Credential abbreviations (CDBC, CCBC, etc.) are trademarked by the IAABC.

Professional oversight

Legal basis

No statutory regulation — voluntary international body

Key facts

Over 3,500 active members worldwide in 85+ countries. Species-specific certifications: CDBC (dog), CCBC (cat), CEBC (equine), CPBC (parrot), CSB-D (shelter), CABC (multi-species). Also ADT (trainer) and Associate levels.

Accredited providers (50)

• Aftab AhmedBehaviouristEsher, KT10 8AJ
• AIM horsemanshipBehaviouristExeter, EX1 2HL
• Alex Le GrandBehaviouristBude, EX23 0BX
• Alison CarpenterBehaviouristOban, PA34 5UL
• Animal Behaviour KentBehaviouristLeigh-on-Sea, SS9 2HT
• Animal Psychology ClinicBehaviouristBelfast, BT4 2HR
• Anna Francesca BradleyBehaviouristhexham, NE46 1XY
• Anne TuckerBehaviouristsheffield, S8 0EP
• Behaviour Veterinary PracticeBehaviouristRugby, CV23 9HB
• Believe in MagicBehaviouristLondon, SE25 6RL
• Beth GibbonsBehaviouristManchester, M19 2PB
• Boo Saraff BlackhurstBehaviouristTunbridge Wells, TN4 0UH
• Bridlefolds Animal Behaviour and CoachingBehaviouristAberdeen, AB23 8UJ
• BrookeBehaviouristYork, YO26 7NH
• Catherine BellBehaviouristGodalming, GU8 6AX
• Chirag Patel Consulting parrot behaviouristLondon, RM6 6UH
• Claire Arrowsmith Clinical Animal BehaviouristBehaviouristRugby, CV23 9EG
• CM EquineBehaviouristExeter, EX4 2NB
• Dog Training PlanetBehaviouristLondon, SW19 4UF
• Dog Training RevolutionBehaviouristLeek, ST13 5PJ
• Emma Leeshelter behaviouristBury, BL8 2JA
• Equine ExpressionBehaviouristWinchester, SO22 4DZ
• Good Choice Dog TrainingBehaviouristOffley, SG5 3ED
• HDC BehaviourBehaviouristHartfield, TN7 4EA
• Helen HowellBehaviouristDobshill, CH5 3LZ
• HorsewaysBehaviouristGreat Yarmouth, NR29 3BP
• Jackador Dog training / Sj canine consultantBehaviouristTowcester, NN12 6HA
• James GilliesBehaviouristGartcosh, G69 8FD
• Justine HarrisonBehaviouristWallasey, CH45 5AW
• Kelly TaylorBehaviouristPilsdon, Dorset, DT6 5NY
• Kent Companion Dog Training BehaviouristSheerness, ME12 3UQ
• Loni LoftusBehaviouristBedale, DL8 1QH
• Mind In Motion EquestrianBehaviouristLlanymynech, SY22 6PA
• Ms. Katie Scott-DyerBehaviouristBristol, BS32 8JW
• My Dogs Best Friend LtdBehaviouristCraigavon, BT66 6NP
• Nifty Pawsshelter behaviouristEdinburgh, EH3 6NF
• Nina BondarenkoBehaviouristLondon, E2 8QS
• Pawsitive Dog BehaviourBehaviouristNottingham, NG12 3HY
• Puppy Plus Training and Behaviour ServicesBehaviouristNewtown, SY16 3HQ
• Puppy Stars: Dog Training and BehaviourBehaviouristAylesbury, HP19 8DP
• Rebecca DakerBehaviouristLondon, SE23 1SA
• Rosa VerwijsBehaviouristWhitstable, CT5 2DX
• Sally Chamberlain, Clinical Animal BehaviouristBehaviouristSwadlincote, DE11 8JX
• Sarah MagalottiBehaviouristStroud, GL5 3JJ
• Second Nature Behaviouranimal behaviouristBirmingham, B2 4AY
• StressLess Dog Training and Behaviour BehaviouristHighbridge, TA9 3PT
• The Driven DogBehaviouristbarnet, EN5 1AN
• Tom CandyBehaviouristilfracombe, EX34 8NU
• Trudi Dempsey EquineBehaviouristNortham, EX39 1FU
• Valerie Carol BennettBehaviouristBridgnorth, WV16 6UL