ABTC, APBC, FABC, CCAB, PACT, APDT… if that looks like a jumble of random letters, you’re not alone. These are animal behaviourist accreditation acronyms, and understanding what they mean could make all the difference when choosing the right professional to help your pet.
With so many people offering behaviour and training services, it can be difficult to know who is genuinely qualified and who isn’t. This article explains what accreditation means, why it matters, and how to make sure you’re getting expert help.
What Does Accreditation Actually Mean?
Obtaining accreditation means that both academic knowledge and practical skills have been rigorously examined under strict guidelines to assess a person’s competency to practise as an animal behaviourist or training instructor. It’s not simply a case of completing a short online course — accredited professionals have undergone years of study, supervised practice, and formal assessment.
Unfortunately, the animal behaviour and training industry is not currently regulated by the government. This means that anyone can call themselves a “behaviourist” or “trainer” without ever having been assessed to the high standards set by professional bodies. This is why checking for animal behaviourist accreditation is so important.
The Organisations You Should Know About
The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC)
The ABTC establishes and upholds standards for the theoretical knowledge and practical expertise required of animal trainers, training instructors, and behaviourists across the UK. It maintains a national register of practitioners who have been rigorously assessed and deemed competent in their field.
ABTC practitioners are required to use only scientific, compassionate, and non-punitive approaches and equipment. Any training or behaviour modification programme by an ABTC-registered practitioner cannot rely on punishment-based methods or induce anxiety or fear in the animal. The ABTC is currently seeking ISO 9001 accreditation through the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), which would represent a significant step towards formal government recognition of qualified practitioners.
Certified Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CCAB)
CCAB certification is awarded by CCAB Certification Ltd and represents one of the highest standards of competence in clinical animal behaviour. CCABs maintain their own register, separate from the ABTC, and are recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
APBC, FABC, and IAABC
The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC), the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour Clinicians (FABC), and the International Association of Animal Behaviour Consultants (IAABC) are organisations promoting best practices in evidence-based clinical animal behaviour. Their members maintain strong links with universities, veterinary professionals, legal experts, and animal welfare organisations. Members are also called upon to lecture, write articles, and even serve as expert witnesses in court cases involving animals.
These organisations require members to continue learning and developing their skills, submitting evidence of continuing professional development on an annual basis. At Second Nature Behaviour, our behaviourists hold FABC membership alongside other recognised qualifications.
PACT and APDT
The Professional Association of Canine Trainers (PACT) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) focus specifically on dog training standards. These qualifications demonstrate a commitment to skilled, ethical, compassionate, and welfare-friendly dog training using progressive, evidence-based methods. Practitioners are assessed in both knowledge and practical skills.
Why Animal Behaviourist Accreditation Matters
Animal behaviourist accreditation is a “mark of distinction” — it proves the practitioner has undergone the most comprehensive assessment of their competence and dedication to welfare standards. When you choose an accredited professional, you’re choosing someone who is held accountable to high ethical and practice standards.
Here’s what accreditation means in practice for you and your pet:
- Your behaviourist has been independently assessed as competent by a professional body, not just self-declared.
- They are required to use only reward-based, evidence-based methods — never anything that could cause your pet pain, fear, or distress.
- They must keep their knowledge up to date with the latest research, and prove this annually.
- If they fail to meet these standards, they can be removed from the register.
- They approach every case with empathy and compassion, understanding your situation without judgment.
How to Check Animal Behaviourist Accreditation
Checking animal behaviourist accreditation is straightforward. Before booking, look for their qualifications and check whether they appear on the registers of recognised organisations. You can search the ABTC Register, CCAB Register, APBC, and FABC websites.
If someone cannot tell you which professional body they are registered with, or if they use methods that involve punishment, fear, or discomfort, it’s worth looking elsewhere — regardless of what they charge or promise.
We’re Here to Help
All of our behaviourists at Second Nature Behaviour are accredited and registered with recognised professional organisations. We hold no judgment — we’ve often been in your shoes ourselves. If your dog, cat, or parrot needs help, get in touch with us today and speak to one of our behaviourists.