Membership Levels of the APBC
& What They Mean

The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors was founded in 1989 to promote and develop the profession of pet behaviour counselling and standardise the service provided. It aims to provide a network of specialist counsellors throughout the UK, and internationally, to whom veterinarians can confidently refer clients.

In order for veterinarians to feel confident about referrals, members of the APBC have to have the highest professional standards, knowledge and expertise. For this reason, a rigorous selection procedure is in place to assess applicants wishing to join the Association as full members, to ensure they meet the Association's stringent criteria.

In light of the growing number of academic courses in the field of companion animal behaviour, and other biological sciences, coupled with the ever-increasing establishment of pet behaviour counselling as a profession, the Association offers four tiers of membership: FULL MEMBERSHIP, STUDENT, PROVISIONAL, ACADEMIC

FULL MEMBERSHIP

Full members are practising behaviour counsellors who have achieved at least a higher degree level education in a relevant subject, obtained relevant practical experience and who have been in practice for a minimum of two years. In order to gain full membership the individual will have had four referenced case studies scrutinized by the application selection committee which is comprised of eight full members of the APBC).

Full membership can also be gained by achieving ASAB certification.

Many pet insurance companies cover, at least in part, fees charged by Full members.

PROVISIONAL MEMBERSHIP

Provisional membership is available for those who have achieved relevant academic qualifications to degree level or higher and are conducting behaviour consultations, but have not yet achieved the requisite experience for full membership.

Provisional Membership can be held for up to a period of 3 years as part of progression to full membership.

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP

Student membership is available for those who are in the process of achieving full degree level qualifications in companion animal behaviour counselling or a relevant science subject. Student membership can be held for 8 years by which time they must progress to Provisional membership.

ACADEMIC MEMBERSHIP

Academic Membership is open for those not in practice, but who are involved in research in Companion Animal Behaviour. Entry level is a minimum of MSc. Individuals are required to submit a research paper they have published in a peer-reviewed journal or provide confirmation of their position in a research department with their application.

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