ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council)

Advocates are practices who support the aims and values of the ABTC. They acknowledge and value the importance of animals’ psychological well-being and support the use of kind, ethical and evidence based methods in all interactions

What is it?

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council sets and maintains standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal trainer, training instructor or animal behaviour therapist and maintains the national Register of appropriately assessed practitioners.

The ABTC is the only charity dedicated to promoting the welfare of animals in training or undergoing behaviour therapy. Led by science, they stand by the principles of respect and choice in training and behaviour modification. The ABTC believes that it cannot be right to cause any animal pain in order to motivate them to carry out desired behaviours, when humane methods are not only available, but produce better long-term results.

The ABTC seeks to improve animal welfare through a focus on the following objectives:

• Setting, overseeing and monitoring standards of professional competence in the practice of behaviour therapy and training of animals
• Coordinating and harmonising the activities of organisations directly engaged in the promotion of such standards within different areas of this sector
• Providing information and a point of contact for other agencies more widely connected with animal welfare
• Increasing public awareness and understanding of natural needs and behaviours and ethical and humane approaches to animal training and behaviour therapy

• Continuing to improve our understanding of, and promoting ethical research into human-animal interactions, animal behaviour and psychological welfare.

If you have any concerns regarding your pet's behaviour, please call the practice and see how we can help.