Certification with the IAABC is organized around the five core areas of competency. It is a complex, ongoing, participatory process from the point of application through the provisional period of Certification. It is designed to enhance applicant's learning through each phase.

The purposes of the initial "get acquainted" phase are as follows:

• To facilitate applicant's development of a professional identity (as animal behavior consultants)
• To understand the profession and the organization
• To learn how to apply professional values and ethics
• To participate in the various educational opportunities provided by the IAABC as member benefits
• To identify which educational experiences "work" for applicants
• To facilitate learning

Standards reviewers work closely with applicants to identify strengths and "growth areas" so that provisions set for applicants on the path to certification are tailored to applicant's learning needs.

Applicants complete the Application for IAABC Membership, submit two (2) essays, an Applicant Summary Sheet, and provide three (3) references in envelopes (sealed and submitted by mail or e-mail from the endorser/reference), as outlined below, and submit all documents but references in triplicate, unless e-mailed.

References submitted by applicants will not be accepted.

Applicants also submit college transcripts and progress reports from mentors and instructors on IAABC approved courses. Standards may ask for additional supplemental materials and administer tests.

Applicants who are accepted start as Associate members and progress to Certified Pending, then Certified Provisional status. The Certified Provisional period lasts for one year post-certification or until all post-certified provisions are met.

Application Fee: $125.. If Applicant is not accepted at the Associate or Certified levels, applicant may reapply after twelve months, fee $50.. Application fees are non-refundable and membership dues are separate from application fees.

Click for detailed description of Procedures leading to Certification.

Applicants who establish competence in two core areas and demonstrate suitable qualities of maturity and integrity for the conduct of animal behavior consulting, are accepted as Associate members. See IAABCs five core areas of competency .

Associate member dues: $65.00/year

The IAABC Standards Commission evaluates applications. Standards identifies areas where supplemental study and experience is needed, called “growth areas”. Standards provides lists of educational resources, reading and other materials to assist applicants and sets provisions to achieve competency in growth areas. Associate members may accept or ask for revisions of plans. Standards may accept or ask for revisions of plans.

Applicants who demonstrate competence in all five areas, and demonstrate suitable qualities of personal maturity and integrity for the conduct of animal behavior consulting will be accepted as Certified members. Certification with the IAABC is an ongoing, interactive process, not an end point. Members on the path to certification should be prepared to invest in learning throughout.

Certified member dues: $85./year

Core Areas of Competency online!

Professional Affiliates receive full benefits and may participate in tutorials and other educational opportunities. Professional Affiliate status if for veterinarians, certified applied animal behaviorists, board certified behavior analysts, and qualified applicants with graduate degrees, in related professions. Please email Standards@iaabc.org with questions about Professional Affiliate membership.

Application

Professional Affiliate Dues: $45.00/year

The IAABC Mission is to assist and educate owners and handlers of companion animals to prevent problems and to interrupt the cycle of inappropriate punishment, rejection, and euthanasia of animals with behavior problems that are resolvable.

This mission is accomplished by providing state-of-the-art education and training to animal behavior professionals, so they can analyze, predict and resolve problem behaviors, and by advocating and promoting humane intervention.

IAABC members have diverse practices but believe that animals matter, and so do animal-owner relationships. They understand that animal behavior consultants can help manage and modify problem behaviors and strengthen relationships. 

As professionals, IAABC members work to minimize the use of aversive stimuli and maximize the effective use of reinforcers to modify dog behavior. The LIMA (least intrusive and minimally aversive) principle is useful as a general rule. Within that framework, the IAABC welcomes diversity and openness. Positive regard, and respect for differences are core values. Animal behavior consultants also respect client right to self-determination and embrace a nonjudgmental approach.

IAABC members are expected to learn to negotiate their difference with clients and colleagues, respectfully.

Animal Behavior Consultants are professionals who are involved with the problems, needs and changing patterns of animal-owner relationships.

Animal Behavior Consultants may:

• Educate clients on ways to prevent behavior problems and enhance their relationship with companion animals
• Troubleshoot management strategies to facilitate living optimally with companion animals
• Make recommendations regarding behavior modification using state of the art methods grounded in behavioral science
• Facilitate referrals to other professionals such as veterinarians or trainers.

Animal Behavior Consultants have diverse backgrounds. Some Animal Behavior Consultants are also professional human healthcare providers, teachers, counselors, social workers, family therapists, psychologists, applied behavior analysts, animal trainers, veterinarians, veterinary behaviorists, and applied animal behaviorists.

In human healthcare, many professionals from various disciplines are available to help clients in need, including counselors, social workers, family therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists. Each of these professionals is qualified to provide a unique perspective on problems. These professionals may work independently or may collaborate depending on the individual client or client system’s need. Similarly, in the case of animal behavior, Animal Behavior Consultants may work independently or may collaborate with other professionals when necessary.

Animal Behavior Consultants are aware of laws in their states governing the practice of veterinary medicine. Animal Behavior Consultant are not to practice veterinary medicine without a license and do engage in dialogue with the allied professions to identify appropriate and sensible professional boundaries. Animal behavior consultants fight for the right to practice at the height of their capabilities.

Animal Behavior Consultants are required to demonstrate competency in five core areas including assessment and intervention strategies, counseling skills and social systems assessment, behavioral science, knowledge of animal behavior, and species-specific knowledge in order to obtain certification through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. The field of Animal Behavior Consulting is growing and as a result, the IAABC is continually revising and improving upon its programs to meet this need.

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CORE AREAS OF COMPETENCY & APPLICATIONS!