The Animal Behaviour and Training Council developed out of a working party co-ordinated by VETNET LLN, formed in response to the invitation from the Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC) to respond to its recommendations for the self-regulation of the dog training and behaviour therapy sector.
The Council followed CAWC’s lead and initially focused on dog training instructors and animal behaviour therapists, before expanding to include trainers and instructors of other species, bringing together the major professional organisations in the veterinary, re-homing, behaviour therapy, and animal training sectors of the industry. This was met with encouragement from Lord Soulsby of Swaffham Prior (Chairman CAWC) and the late Sir Colin Spedding who chaired the sector wide meetings on behalf of CAWC.
Since its inception ABTC has grown and developed into the only animal charity dedicated to improving animal welfare associated with training and behaviour therapy, it has established itself as a reliable source of professional advice, acknowledged by government and represents those organisations and practitioners who meet its exacting standards.
