Field Guide · Glossary
Veterinary behaviorist
Health and safetyA veterinarian who has completed specialist training in animal behavior and passed board certification exams, and who can diagnose medical conditions and prescribe medication as part of treating behavior problems.
How it works
In the United States the certifying body is the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB), and a certified specialist uses the letters DACVB, for Diplomate of the ACVB, after their name. Reaching that point means a veterinary degree, a residency in behavior, published research and board examinations. Because they are veterinarians, they can examine a dog for medical causes of behavior, such as pain, thyroid disease or neurological problems, and prescribe medication when it is part of the plan. That is the main practical difference from other behavior professionals. Certified applied animal behaviorists hold a graduate degree in a behavioral or biological science but are not necessarily veterinarians. Trainers and behavior consultants work on teaching and behavior change and may hold certifications, but the field has no licensing requirement and they cannot diagnose or prescribe.
What it looks like
A dog has begun biting family members without much warning and has also started panicking during storms. Their regular veterinarian finds no obvious illness and refers the family to a veterinary behaviorist, who makes a diagnosis, prescribes medication and writes a behavior plan. A trainer then works with the family each week to carry out the training parts of that plan.
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