The Animal Behaviour and Training Council

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The Animal Behaviour and Training Council

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The ABTC sets and maintains the standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal trainer or animal behaviour therapist, and it maintains national registers of appropriately qualified animal trainers and animal behaviourists. The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) sets the standards of professional competence and behaviour, and is the only organisation that assures the competence of those on the ABTC Register. ABTC represents the training and behaviour sector to the public and to governments, and is supported by DEFRA, the veterinary profession, major animal charities and practitioners alike.

12/03/2026

A big thank you to Dr James Hunt for delivering an excellent ABTC Lunch & Learn today on 𝘕𝘦𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘤 𝘗𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘳.

Thank you also to everyone who registered and joined the session, and to those who contributed such thoughtful questions during the discussion.

ABTC Lunch & Learns aim to make high-quality, science-led continuing professional development accessible, supporting humane and ethical practice across the animal behaviour and training sector.

Keep an eye on ABTC channels for details of upcoming Lunch & Learns later this year.

27/02/2026

British Veterinary Behaviour Association have their Study Day on 18 March 2026 in Birmingham.

‘One’s company, two’s a crowd?

Issues, solutions and case studies in multi-animal households’

https://www.bvba-org.co.uk/news-and-events for tickets.

25/02/2026

Shop and support ABTC this weekend and get free shipping! Just in time for Pay Day!

Every order placed from 9am Friday to midnight Sunday (GMT) gets Free UK Shipping automatically applied at checkout. No code required

https://shop.abtc.org.uk

11/02/2026

🐾 Cat owners wanted for a university research study!
Do you use a Tractive cat tracker? We’re exploring how diet and lifestyle relate to feline activity and sleep.

✔️ Online survey

🔗 Take part here:

https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/angliaruskin/feline-activity-welfare-tracker-study

07/02/2026

Following the formal recognition of the ABTC Assessing Organisations Certificate Scheme by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) in October 2025, we are pleased to announce an important update to the assessment process for Animal Trainers and Animal Training Instructors.

From 31 January 2026, assessment of knowledge and understanding for these two roles will be achieved through either,
a) Completion of an ABTC recognised course or
b) Completion of the new APEL assessment with one of our ABTC Assessing Organisations
Assessment of knowledge and understanding must be complete before practical skills for the role are assessed.

This updated APEL assessment has been developed collaboratively with representatives from across our Assessing Organisations. We are extremely grateful for the time, expertise and commitment that have contributed to this work.

The introduction of a standardised knowledge and understanding assessment (APEL) aims to improve consistency, clarity and fairness in how the ABTC Standards are interpreted and applied across the sector. This forms a key part of the ABTC’s progression towards applying for certification body status under ISO/IEC 17065.

And by ensuring that practical skills are assessed alongside a robust underpinning of knowledge, this approach strengthens assessment integrity, helps reduce the risk of unsafe or unintended practice, and protects practitioners, animals and the people they work with. It also aligns with external quality assurance expectations, enhances credibility and supports long-term sector progression.

We encourage animal trainers and animal training instructors who are not yet registered to consider applying for assessment of both Knowledge and Understanding (K&U) and practical skills through any of our ABTC Assessing Organisations. Becoming an ABTC registered Animal Trainer or Animal Training Instructor demonstrates a high standard of professional competence, promotes animal welfare and supports ethical, evidence-based practice across the industry.

As we look ahead to 2026, this is an ideal time for practitioners to reflect on their professional development and consider taking the next step towards ABTC registration.

02/02/2026

𝗔𝗕𝗧𝗖 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 & 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 – 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 & 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻!

We're thrilled to welcome Dr James Hunt, RCVS Specialist in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics, and Law, for a special CPD session on:
Understanding Neuropathic Pain: What Behaviour Professionals Need to Know

Thursday 12th March 2026
12.30pm (1 hour incl. Q&A)
Email admin@abtc.org.uk to register for your free place.

In this session, Dr James Hunt draws on his clinical expertise in pain medicine to explore what behaviour professionals need to know, what to look for, and how best to collaborate across disciplines.

[ALT TEXT: Promotional image for a free ABTC Lunch & Learn webinar featuring Dr James Hunt and a golden retriever. The talk is titled "Understanding Neuropathic Pain: What Behaviour Professionals Need to Know" and takes place Thursday 12th March at 12.30pm for one hour. ABTC logo included.]

30/01/2026

FREE shipping when you purchase from the ABTC shop until Midnight Sunday!
No code needed.

https://shop.abtc.org.uk

30/01/2026

We are inviting colleagues to participate in questionnaire-based research, exploring stress reduction of veterinary patients. A number of final year Veterinary Nurse students at Harper Adams University are investigating different areas of patient stress reduction, with objectives focusing on prevalence, perceived effects, and rationale for implementing.
Your input may help advance evidence-based practices, and it only takes a few minutes to contribute. Please click the links below to support this important research.
Thank you and please do spread the word!

Pre-visit meds in cats (prevalence of use): HRP Questionnaire https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/harper-adams/hrp-questionnaire-wkm3wse2512dyvay68hq1hlac

Stress reduction strategies for cats in practice: Veterinary Professionals' Perspective on Feline Stress-Reduction Strategies used in Practice https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/harper-adams/questionnaire-minimising-feline-stress-in-practice

Stress reduction strategies for dogs in the veterinary waiting area:
An investigation into the use of different stress reduction techniques for canines implemented by vet professionals in the veterinary waiting room. https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/harper-adams/my-survey-01

22/01/2026

Research request

My name is Lisa and I’m conducting a research study for my BSc (Hons) Animal Management degree, exploring the link between diet type and aggressive behaviour in dogs. The questionnaire only takes 10-15 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous.
I would appreciate if you could take your time to complete this and please feel free to share.
Thank you so much for your help!
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/angliaruskin/dog-training-survey. “

18/01/2026

British Veterinary Behaviour Association Study Day.

Check out the details at https://www.bvba-org.co.uk/book

13/01/2026

APBC Conference
�If you work with animals, this conference is for you.
Rooted in behaviour science and driven by welfare, this conference welcomes everyone who supports animals, from vets and vet nurses to trainers, behaviourists and equine professionals. All species, all roles, one shared goal. Early bird tickets end very soon

https://www.apbc.org.uk/conference/landing/

Alt Text Description�_A blue and white graphic highlighting the conference held by the APBC that is to be held in Daventry on 20-21 june at the Mercure Hotel. The conference is titled Pets and the City with a caption stating “if you work with animals this is for you!”

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trainer
trainer

sitter

nurse

11/01/2026

From ABTC ATI Sue McCabe

“Some of you may know that I am chair of a wonderful charity called Street Paws. Our mission is to ensure that no one needs to choose between their pet and a safe place to sleep. Street Paws stands up for people and pets facing homelessness.

We challenge the misconception that having a pet should ever be a barrier to a secure home. That’s why, in partnership with local authorities, hostels, and support services, we provide accessible veterinary care, training, and advocacy - breaking down barriers and opening doors to make pet-friendly accommodation the norm, not the exception.

We are looking for a behaviourist in the Manchester area who is willing to work with our service users, helping them with any challenges they may be having with their dogs, especially those newly arrived at, or already living in hostel accommodation. This is a paid position.

Please email sue@muttamorphosis.co.uk if you'd like more information on the role.”

Address

Taunton
TA12UH

Website

http://www.abtcouncil.org.uk/

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The Animal Behaviour and Training Council is the regulatory body that represents animal trainers and animal behaviour therapists to both the public and to legislative bodies. It is supported by Defra, the veterinary profession, major animal charities and practitioners alike.

12/03/2026

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