Joining the IAABC

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants believes that high-quality, science-based behavior modification for companion animals should be accessible to everyone.

We bring together trainers, behavior consultants, behaviorists, shelter and rescue workers and volunteers, the veterinary community, and academic researchers.

If you work in animal behavior, joining the IAABC demonstrates your commitment to excellence in your field.

Membership Criteria

The IAABC accepts individuals age 18 and older as well as organizations as members. There is no minimum experience or knowledge level to become a member. Wherever you are in your journey to a career in animal behavior, the IAABC will meet you.

Standards of Practice

All our members are bound by the Joint Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, which include a commitment to using LIMA, the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive effective intervention when working with animals and their human companions.

Before joining, please read our LIMA definition and guidelines to better understand this requirement and to self-assess whether you are in compliance. For questions about LIMA or membership criteria related to it, please email our Ethics Team.

Before you join, you will be asked to agree to:

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Membership Types

Supporting: Most people join the IAABC as Supporting Members. This basic professional membership gets you access to all IAABC resources as well as permission to use the Supporting Member logo and to apply for credentialing examinations. Read more about Supporting Membership here.
Organizational: Businesses and other organizations that are active in the practice or education of animal behavior may join as Organizational Members. This "umbrella" membership allows multiple individual memberships to be purchased for a discounted fee by the organization, renewable annually. It also includes special perks to help you raise the profile of your organization. Read more about Organizational Membership here.

Student: If you are in an academic or professional program that is at least 6 months long and you plan to work professionally in the field of animal behavior, you are entitled to a discounted one-year Student Membership, renewable as a regular Supporting Membership. Read more about Student Membership here.
Credentialed: Supporting members may earn training and behavior credentials by passing IAABC credentialing examinations. Members who earn a credential receive a title designation, a listing in the consultant locator, and new volunteer opportunities such as serving as a scorer for others. Read more about Credentialed Membership here.

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Member Testimonials

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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.

By 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.

By 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.

By Lisa Stemcosky, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant
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.

By Amy Schindler, Shelter Behavior Affiliate