Join the IAABC

• We suggest at least 500 hours of experience in animal behavior consulting with a client present as the minimum experience needed to successfully pass this application.

These hours are a guideline only. We do not verify your hours as this application can only be successfully completed by those with adequate experience.

Cat, horse and parrot applicants: Please see the FAQs for further definition of recommended hours.

• Minimum high school diploma or GED.

• A working knowledge of learning theory, counter-conditioning, desensitization, training and husbandry, with additional in-depth knowledge of assessment skills and application of species specific knowledge.

• Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorists (US DACVB) who are currently practicing in animal behavior consulting with clients will be granted full Certified status 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 full Certified status with submission of membership dues and application fee.

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. 

Certifications awarded are:

• Certified Behavior Consultant: CDBC (dog); CCBC (cat); CHBC (horse); and CPBC (parrot).
• Certified in Shelter Behavior: CSB-D (dog); CSB-C (cat); CSB-H (horse); and CSB-P (parrot - pending 2020).

To apply for Certified Membership, you must:

1. If you are not an IAABC Member, you must sign up as a Supporting Member for $85.00.
2. If you are a current IAABC Member, log in to your account prior to starting your application.
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.
7. Your initial Supporting Membership fee of $85.00 is your only dues fee your first year, regardless of status.

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:

• Three written case studies (see the example) that discuss in-person client/pet cases of multiple visits or ongoing work within a shelter, and are followed through to successful resolution unless otherwise noted in the instructions.
• Written discussion of four scenarios (see the FAQs).
• Completion of questions regarding terminology, techniques, assessment, and history taking.

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. Applicants must score 80% or greater on each of the following to be accepted as a Certified Member:

1. the entire application
2. the case studies portion
3. the scenarios portion

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.