International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

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International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

Professional Membership | Dog, Cat, Equine, Parrot, Shelter Professional Certifications | Recognized global community

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants was founded in 2004 and has grown to a global network of over 3,500 members in 70 countries. Our goals are to standardize and support the practice of animal behavior consulting, to help animal behavior professionals find success in their careers, and to provide resources for pet owners needing advice. We provide resources to our members

ranging from peer to peer networking, handouts for clients, and class curricula, to the opportunity to volunteer for projects that help move our industry forward, including research projects and a legislative action committee. IAABC certifications are the most rigorous in the field, and assess people working in multiple species, with private clients and in shelters, and we offer credentialing in both Spanish and English. IAABC members believe in the study and science of behavior consulting. We understand that animal behavior consultants can assist owners in managing and modifying problem behaviors, and in the process help strengthen the relationships between an owner and pet. IAABC members work to minimize the use of aversive stimuli and maximize the effective use of reinforcers to modify animal behavior. Members agree to adhere to LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive) behavior change strategies and the IAABC Code of Ethics upon joining. We encourage critical thinking and a competence-based paradigm for selecting behavior change techniques.

08/19/2026

It is with great sadness we share that Barbara Davis, our longest-serving Board President, passed away last week from cancer. Barbara was an incredible leader, mentor, and friend who positively impacted so many lives. She leaves behind a tremendous legacy and will be deeply missed.

08/13/2026

IAABC Members! Join our upcoming live community Event: "All Creatures Great and Small: Agency as a Protective Factor Against Stress and Behavioral Deterioration" with guest speaker Amanda Breed, M.S., CPDT-KA!

🗓️ Thursday, August 20th from 1pm to 2pm EST

Captivity changes behavior. Across shelters, wildlife rehabilitation centers, and other managed care settings, animals often face environments that limit choice, control, and opportunities to engage in species appropriate behaviors. Over time, chronic stress can contribute to behavioral deterioration, including aggression, stereotypic behaviors, withdrawal, and reduced welfare. If we fail to recognize the role of stress, loss of control, and environmental influence, we risk making decisions about animals based on behaviors that captivity itself helped create. Our responsibility is not simply to respond to behavioral decline, but to create environments that help prevent it.

This presentation explores agency as a protective factor against stress and behavioral decline. Drawing from examples using shelter dogs and cats, as well as wildlife ranging from small mammals to corvids, we will examine how loss of choice can contribute to deterioration and how proactive interventions can preserve behavioral health. Attendees will learn to recognize early indicators of stress, understand the importance of communication and proactive reporting, and explore practical strategies for increasing agency through individualized, species-appropriate enrichment and management practices.

✅ Learn more and register on our website: https://iaabc.org/en/events/

08/10/2026

IAABC Releases White Paper on Dog Training Legislation in the United States 📰🐾

The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) is pleased to announce the release of our new white paper exploring legislation and the professional regulation of dog training in the United States. While we believe this topic needs conversation internationally, we limited the scope to the US for this paper.

We explore consumer protection, professional accountability, and licensure affecting legislation. Our white paper provides an objective, evidence-based examination of the current state of the profession in the US and concludes that important foundational work must be completed before licensure can effectively protect consumers, support practitioners, and promote animal welfare.
This publication is intended to serve as a resource for legislators, professional organizations, educators, credentialing bodies, trainers, behavior consultants, veterinarians, and anyone invested in advancing the profession through thoughtful, evidence-based policy.

The IAABC believes that strengthening our profession begins with collaboration and shared standards. We hope this white paper serves as a valuable resource to inform discussions, support policymakers, and encourage meaningful dialogue across the industry.

We invite all IAABC members to read the paper, share it with colleagues, and use it as a resource when engaging in conversations about the future of our profession.

Read the white paper here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sIwgbTCD2uo31Hj4AkKSJL2gVI5b8fQ_/view?usp=sharing

Sponsored By: The Canine Behaviour College

08/08/2026

This month, we've shared our membership levels. Here's a quick recap to help you find the right fit:

🌱 Supporting Membership — perfect for those just beginning, or already working, in the field of animal behavior.

🎓 Credentialed Membership — for experienced consultants ready to earn one of our internationally recognized credentials, a true mark of professional excellence.

📚 Student Membership — built for students currently enrolled in a qualifying academic or trade program.

No matter which level you join, all IAABC members enjoy access to community events, our member Facebook forum, and discounts on courses, conferences, and more!

Ready to join? Find your perfect fit here: https://iaabc.org/en/membership-types

08/05/2026

Please join us in congratulating our members who earned credentials in July! 🎉

CSB-D
Kathryn Witzke

CDBC
Margaret Fraser
Lydia Rakov
Chloe Davis-Masters
Maria Carini
Megan Mitchell
Madelyn Brustkern

CCBC
Jamie Kankaala

AET
Aidan Rose Ford

ADT
Michelle Bittel

Shelter Behavior
Neil Ryan

Congratulations to all! 👏

Learn more about IAABC credentials and how to apply at https://iaabc.org/en/credentials

08/03/2026

We're excited to share an upcoming continuing education opportunity with you!

The 2026 BARC Behaviour and Rehabilitation Conference has been approved for 16 CEUs and features a full program of educational sessions focused on the latest advancements in animal behaviour and rehabilitation.

To view the full conference program and ticket information, scan the QR code on the poster or visit:
www.canadianveterinarians.net/sbcv/continued-education-ce-and-events/2026-barc-behaviour-and-rehabilitation-conference/

08/01/2026

🍎🐾We love supporting students! ✏️🎓

The IAABC Student Membership is open to anyone 18+ who is currently enrolled in a qualifying academic or trade program in Animal Behavior (proof of enrollment required). It includes almost the same benefits as a Supporting Membership, giving you a head start to build your network even before you graduate!

Learn more: https://iaabc.org/en/membership-types

07/29/2026

Are you an IAABC member thinking about your next step? Applying for a professional credential is a great way to show clients, employers, and colleagues that your knowledge and experience meet a recognized international standard.

Whether you're a behavior consultant, a trainer, or work in a shelter setting, we have a credential path built for you.
Head to www.iaabc.org/en/credentials to see which one fits your work best.

Once you're ready, log into your IAABC Member Account to start your application. And if you have any questions along the way, just reach out. We're always happy to help!

07/27/2026

IAABC Members, join us for our next live member only community event: "The Coaching Process" with Dr. Kristina Spaulding and Irith Bloom on Thursday, August 13th from 1–2pm EST.

"Looking to improve your case outcomes? Lean into the human side! When you work with people and their companion animals, you are not just a trainer of animals – you are also, importantly, a coach to their humans. In this presentation, Dr. Kristina Spaulding and Irith Bloom will talk you through a five-step process for coaching in a way that supports effective implementation and improves success in behavior cases. They'll start with techniques for establishing trust and building understanding of each client’s specific challenges, goals, and motivations. From there, they'll delve into providing clear guidance and actionable steps, reviewing progress, and adjusting the plan in a way that gradually builds confidence and independence. A Q&A session will follow the presentation."

Space is limited! To learn more and register, visit https://iaabc.org/en/events

07/26/2026

Join our volunteer team!

IAABC is seeking volunteer support for our Strategy team! We need spreadsheet enthusiasts to support our ongoing efforts to streamline and strengthen organizational operations.
As an IAABC volunteer, you'll be working in a fast-paced virtual environment with a diverse, international group.

You must:
✅Be a current IAABC member, or willing to join the IAABC
✅ Be able to volunteer virtually 5 - 10 hours per week
✅Have experience or interest in business process analysis and improvement
✅ Have fluency in, or willingness to learn, low-code data management systems, including Airtable
✅ Have experience or contextual knowledge of ethical and humane animal behavior consulting

The full volunteer position description is included here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AdVZr7iSBffO51gPDWaU1eIjSnW89Jc6/view

IAABC volunteers receive an annual benefit of either a waived membership fee or a waived credentialing examination fee.

To apply, fill out this form and select the "Process Improvement Analyst" option: https://airtable.com/appqatxuwVOv4Ider/pagPVsYR6emzoBfWm/form

Address

Philadelphia, PA

Website

https://iaabc.org/join, https://iaabc.org/en/credentialing-education, https://iaabc.org/en/credentialing-education, http

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