The ABTC is the only charity dedicated to promoting the welfare of animals in training or undergoing behaviour therapy. Led by science, we stand by the principles of respect and choice in training and behaviour modification. The ABTC believes that it cannot be right to cause any animal pain in order to motivate them to carry out desired behaviours, when humane methods are not only available, but produce better long-term results.

The ABTC seeks to improve animal welfare through a focus on the following objectives:

• Setting, overseeing and monitoring standards of professional competence in the practice of behaviour therapy and training of animals
• Coordinating and harmonising the activities of organisations directly engaged in the promotion of such standards within different areas of this sector
• Providing information and a point of contact for other agencies more widely connected with animal welfare
• Increasing public awareness and understanding of natural needs and behaviours and ethical and humane approaches to animal training and behaviour therapy

• Continuing to improve our understanding of, and promoting ethical research into human-animal interactions, animal behaviour and psychological welfare.

ABTC Practitioners must use science-led, compassionate and non-punitive methods and equipment. Training and behaviour programmes must not be based on Positive Punishment or the creation of anxiety or fear.

The ABTC Practitioner Directory lists the species which any given practitioner works with, having been rigorously assessed as competent in the relevant role in its entirety.