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Certified Credentials

The IAABC Certified designation represents the pinnacle of achievement for animal behavior consultants. This credential indicates multiple years of experience and the ability to tackle challenging, complex cases. The IAABC has Certified over 650 animal behavior consultants across the globe and welcomes mid-to late-career professionals to apply for this prestigious designation. 
 
Certified members qualify to be listed in the IAABC consultant locator and to mentor up-and-coming IAABC members who are preparing to become behavior consultants. We value our Certified members highly and recognize their achievements in the field by granting the right to use the IAABC Certified logo and granting an official certificate detailing their competencies.

Current Credentials

We offer the following specialty-specific credentials at the Certified level:

Certified

  • Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC)
  • Certified Cat Behavior Consultant (CCBC)
  • Certified Equine Behavior Consultant (CEBC)
  • Certified Parrot Behavior Consultant (CPBC)
  • Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (CABC)*
  • Certified in Shelter Behavior - Dog (CSB-D)
  • Certified in Shelter Behavior - Cat (CSB-C)
  • Certified Shelter Behavior Specialist (CSBS)**
*Individuals who are certified in 3 or more species may request to replace the individual designations with the CABC designation. 
**Individuals who are certified in 2 or more Shelter specialties may request to replace the individual designations with the CSBS designation. 
 
Designation changes are not reversible.

Eligibility Requirements

We suggest:
  • a minimum of four years and 500 hours of experience in animal behavior consulting;
  • 400 hours minimum of coursework, seminars, and mentorships;
  • 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

Fees

Application Fees: $225



 
Application fees are not refundable if the application is abandoned or expires. 

Continuing Education Requirements

36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every 3 years

Reciprocity 

  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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

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    How to Earn an IAABC Credential

    You can view the navigation items to understand more about the requirements of each of our credentials. Or, click below for a walk-through of the credentialing process, resources for preparation, and requirements for credential maintenance.

    Member Testimonials

    Here I get support, information and training on current, evidence-based knowledge. A great community of international consultants offers great exchange on each relevant topic to support each other helping animals, their owners or even organizations that take care of animals of different species.

    Sylvia Czarnecki, Certified Horse Behavior Consultant

    I am proud and honored to be certified by, a member of, and educator for the IAABC. I consider the organization to be the industry standard for well-rounded, quality, ethical animal behavior information that is disseminated in a supportive, effective, collaborative environment. The IAABC works very hard to produce not only quantity of educational resources, but also quality.

    Katenna Jones, Certified Dog & Cat Behavior Consultant

    As a member, I get to network with experts in my field all over the world. This allows me to expand my knowledge in cat behavior as well as shelter behavior. As the feline behavior manager in an open intake shelter, this opportunity to learn from the best has allowed me to ensure the mental health and behavior needs are met for the cats in our care. The IAABC is the "go to" place for people all over the world to find experts in animal behavior. As a certified member my profile is available for the public to view. Since I earned my certification, I've seen my private business almost triple.

    Lisa Stemcosky, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant

    a woman with brown hair and a grey dog touch noses

    IAABC has been an invaluable learning tool for both myself and staff. As a shelter professional, the webinars provide relevant and up to date information to be used in multiple formats. The online convenience allows for continuing education, minus the travel.The mentorship programs are nothing short of amazing, including the pricing . This organization is always looking forward and growing.

    Amy Schindler, Shelter Behavior Affiliate