How to become a veterinary behaviorist

How to become a Veterinary Behaviorist

Becoming a veterinary behaviorist involves a genuine passion for working with animals and a specific pathway, including veterinary school and a specialized residency program. Here is an overview of the educational requirements:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and math and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning.

Bachelor's Degree
Obtain a relevant bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Since not all schools offer an undergraduate program in veterinary medicine, many aspiring veterinarians opt for a degree in animal sciences, zoology, biology, chemistry, or psychology. Typical prerequisite coursework for veterinary school includes classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Animal Experience
Gain hands-on experience working with animals. This can be obtained through volunteering or employment in veterinary clinics, animal shelters, research settings, or on farms or ranches.

Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT)
Prepare for and take the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT). This standardized test assesses prospective veterinary students’ academic and scientific knowledge in areas such as biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and problem-solving abilities.

Apply to Veterinary School
It's important to note that admission to veterinary school is competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance. Applicants often need a strong academic record, relevant animal experience, letters of recommendation, and a well-prepared application.

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Degree
Apply to and complete a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program at an accredited veterinary school. These programs typically last four years and provide a broad foundation in veterinary medicine through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. Core coursework focuses on subjects such as anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, general surgery, and clinical skills. Practical experience is gained through clinical rotations and externships in various aspects of veterinary medicine, including management of animal behavioral issues.

Licensing Exam
After completing the DVM program, graduates must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) or a state-specific licensing exam to become licensed to practise veterinary medicine.

General Practice or Internship
Consider gaining experience in general veterinary practice or completing a one-year rotating internship. This provides a foundation in various aspects of veterinary medicine before specializing in veterinary behavior.

Residency in Veterinary Behavior
Pursue a specialized residency in veterinary / clinical animal behavior. Residencies in this field typically last three years and provide intensive training in behavioral therapy and patient care. Residents spend the majority of their time on small animal clinical cases in a teaching hospital. While diagnosis and treatment of behavior issues in dogs and cats is emphasized, training generally includes evaluation and management of the behavior of laboratory animals, horses, food animals, pet birds, and other exotics.

Residents participate in clinical rounds, teaching, and relevant seminars, and are typically required to complete at least one research project. Depending on their individual needs, they may also attend graduate-level courses relevant to veterinary behavior.

Look for programs accredited by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) or equivalent organizations in other regions.

Research and Publications (Optional)
Engage in research activities to contribute to the understanding of animal behavior and consider publishing papers in reputable journals. While not mandatory, contributing to research can enhance your standing in the field.

Certification / Professional Organizations
The primary organization responsible for certifying veterinary behaviorists is the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). Here's how the ACVB certification process typically works:

• Residency Training (see Residency in Veterinary Behavior section above)
• Case Logs and Research – During the residency, candidates are required to maintain detailed case logs documenting their experiences with various behavior cases. They are also expected to engage in research activities related to animal behavior.
• Examinations – Candidates for board certification must pass a series of rigorous examinations. These exams assess their knowledge of animal behavior, clinical skills, and ability to diagnose and manage behavior problems in a variety of species.
• Peer-Reviewed Case Reports – Candidates may be required to submit case reports for peer review. These reports showcase their ability to diagnose and manage complex behavior cases.
• Ethics Examination – Candidates are often required to pass an ethics examination to demonstrate their understanding of ethical considerations in the field of veterinary behavior.
• Board Certification – After successfully completing the residency, examinations, and other requirements, candidates can apply for board certification through the ACVB. Once board certified, individuals are recognized as Diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB).

The following organizations also support the veterinary behavior community by fostering collaboration and providing resources and advocacy:

• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) – While not specific to veterinary behaviorists, the IAABC is an organization for professionals in the field of animal behavior consulting. It provides education, certification, and a network for individuals working with animal behavior issues.
• International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE) – The ISAE is an organization that provides a forum for the presentation and discussion of advances in applied animal behavior science and education. Its mission is to contribute to greater understanding of the interactions between humans and other animals and to help create a better balance between animal welfare and the requirements that humans have of other animals.
• American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP) – The ABVP offers board certification in avian practice, beef cattle practice, canine and feline practice, dairy practice, equine practice, exotic companion mammal practice, feline practice, fish practice, food animal practice, reptile and amphibian practice, shelter medicine practice, and swine health management.
• American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – The AVMA is a comprehensive association representing the broader field of veterinary medicine in the United States.