Types of Practitioners

Which Practitioner Do You Need?

It is not always easy to understand which practitioner you need. Hopefully the breakdown below will help.

Animal Trainer (AT) – Works directly with an animal to train them to carry out required behaviours. May work in conjunction with ATI, ABT, AAB, CAB or VB to ensure that the highest standards of welfare are maintained.

Animal Training Instructor (ATI) – Teaches owner/handler how to train their animal to carry out required behaviours eg dog training classes. May work in conjunction with AT, ABT, AAB, CAB or VB to ensure that the highest standards of welfare are maintained.

Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT) – Works with owner/handler and animal to prevent problem behaviours and to provide behavioural first aid. Works with AAB, CAB or VB to implement behaviour or environmental modification plans, following an assessment/evaluation by the AAB, CAB or VB; may also work on cases in conjunction with an AT or ATI for training, to ensure that the highest standards of welfare are maintained.

Accredited Animal Behaviourist (AAB) –  Works with owner/handler and animal to address unwanted behaviours, including all types of undesirable, inappropriate, problematic or dangerous behaviours, on veterinary referral. May also work on cases in conjunction with ABT for implementation of behaviour or environmental modification plans; or with  AT or ATI for training to ensure the highest standards of welfare are maintained.
This is a temporary register for  behaviour practitioners who were assessed by membership organisations before the current structure and format for CAB standards had been fully developed.
This register is now closed to new practitioners.

Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) – Works with owner/handler and animal to address unwanted behaviours, including all types of undesirable, inappropriate, problematic or dangerous behaviours, on veterinary referral. May work on cases in conjunction with ABT for implementation of behaviour or environmental modification plans; or with AT or ATI for training, to ensure that the highest standards of welfare are maintained.

Veterinary Behaviourist (VB) – CAB who is also a Veterinary Surgeon.  May work on cases in conjunction with ABT for implementation of behaviour or environmental modification plans; or AT or ATI for training, to ensure that the highest standards of welfare are maintained.

Expert Witness – Practitioners who engage in work as an expert witness in the field of animal behaviour and/or training.

All Practitioners on the ABTC Registers are required to maintain up to date Continuing Professional Development, to ensure that their practice remains current.

Please click here to go to the Practitioners Directory

Please click here to see details of the Practitioner Standards