Join the IAABC

We suggest:

• a minimum of four years and 500 hours of experience in animal behavior consulting;
• 400 hours minimum of coursework, seminars, and mentorships; and
• a working knowledge of learning theory, counterconditioning, desensitization, training, and husbandry, with additional in-depth knowledge of assessment skills and application of species-specific knowledge.

DACVBs and CCABs

• Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorists (US DACVB) who are currently practicing in animal behavior consulting with clients will be granted Certified status in their species of specialty with submission of membership dues and application fee.
• Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourists (UK CCABs) accredited by the ASAB who are currently practicing in animal behavior consulting with clients will be granted Certified status with submission of membership dues and application fee.
• DACVBs and CCABs requesting Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC) status must submit an attestation to info@iaabc.org from a fellow DACVB or CCAB confirming their work with three or more species. CABC status can only be granted upon receipt of this letter of confirmation, or by attaining certification in three or more species of expertise.

Certifications awarded are:

• Certified Behavior Consultant: CDBC (dog); CCBC (cat); CHBC (horse); and CPBC (parrot).
• Certified in Shelter Behavior: CSB-D (dog) and CSB-C (cat).

Certified members pay yearly dues of $120.00 USD and are required to log a minimum of 36 continuing education units every three years to maintain certification. 

To apply for Certified Membership:

1. If you are not an IAABC Member, you must sign up as a Supporting Member for $85.00.
2. Once you are an IAABC Member, log in to your account to start the application process.
3. Pay a $125.00 application fee.
4. Complete the "Background Information" page and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
5. Provide three form e-mailed letters of reference (Certified: one each from a client, colleague, and veterinarian; Certified Shelter: one from a supervisor or manager, two from colleagues).
6. Once accepted as Certified, your recertification date and dues date will be moved to your application acceptance date, starting one year from acceptance.

If your application expires before you submit it, a new one may be started upon payment of an additional application fee. Please note that application fees are non-refundable.

The application will ask for:

• Completion of questions regarding learning science and behavior consulting methods.
• Written discussion of four scenarios (see the FAQs).
• Three written case studies (see the example) that discuss client/pet cases of multiple sessions or ongoing work within a shelter, and are followed through to successful resolution.

Submitted case studies must convey the applicant's ability to communicate clearly through written work, and demonstrate knowledge in the Core Areas of Competency, including species-specific knowledge.

Case studies should be thorough, reflect your knowledge and abilities as a behavior consultant, and demonstrate your skills in working a complex behavioral issue through with a client and their pet or sheltered animal from beginning to end.

Behavior cases with your own personal or foster animals do not qualify as case studies unless there is ongoing interaction with clients/owners involved.

If you’re referring to a branded protocol, an explanation of how it was performed and under what learning principles it works is required.

While resolution of cases is important, we need to know details about the process of each case. Scorers can only assess the information you provide them.

Scoring:

• Applicants must receive a score of 80% or higher on each section of the application to pass at the application level submitted.
• Certified species applicants who score between 74% and 79% on the application will be welcomed as Associate Certified members in that species division.
• Applicants who score below these requirements on any section of the application remain valuable Supporting members. Supporting members are welcome to retake the exam after receiving their notice. There is no waiting period for exam retakes.