The Animal Behaviour and Training Council

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Animal Behaviour and Training Council, Taunton.

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.

Following the formal recognition of the ABTC Assessing Organisations Certificate Scheme by the United Kingdom Accreditat...
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 ABTCโ€™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.

๐—”๐—•๐—ง๐—– ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐˜๐—ถ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ & ๐— ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ โ€“ ๐—๐—ผ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—จ๐˜€ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ฎ ๐—ฆ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—Ÿ๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ต & ๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ป ๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป!We're thrilled to welcome Dr James Hunt, RCVS...
02/02/2026

๐—”๐—•๐—ง๐—– ๐—ฃ๐—ฟ๐—ฎ๐—ฐ๐˜๐—ถ๐˜๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ & ๐— ๐—ฒ๐—บ๐—ฏ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€ โ€“ ๐—๐—ผ๐—ถ๐—ป ๐—จ๐˜€ ๐—ณ๐—ผ๐—ฟ ๐—ฎ ๐—ฆ๐—ฝ๐—ฒ๐—ฐ๐—ถ๐—ฎ๐—น ๐—Ÿ๐˜‚๐—ป๐—ฐ๐—ต & ๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฟ๐—ป ๐—ฆ๐—ฒ๐˜€๐˜€๐—ถ๐—ผ๐—ป!

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.]

FREE shipping when you purchase from the ABTC shop until Midnight Sunday!No code needed. https://shop.abtc.org.uk
30/01/2026

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

https://shop.abtc.org.uk

We are inviting colleagues to participate in questionnaire-based research, exploring stress reduction of veterinary pati...
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

Research request My name is Lisa and Iโ€™m conducting a research study for my BSc (Hons) Animal Management degree, explori...
22/01/2026

Research request

My name is Lisa and Iโ€™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. โ€œ

APBC Conference ๏ฟฝIf you work with animals, this conference is for you.Rooted in behaviour science and driven by welfare,...
13/01/2026

APBC Conference
๏ฟฝIf 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๏ฟฝ_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 โ€œif you work with animals this is for you!โ€


๏ฟฝ
trainer
trainer

sitter

nurse

From ABTC ATI Sue McCabeโ€œSome of you may know that I am chair of a wonderful charity called Street Paws. Our mission is ...
11/01/2026

From ABTC ATI Sue McCabe

โ€œSome 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. Thatโ€™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.โ€

The ABTC welcomes the Animal Welfare Strategy outlined today. The Strategy offers opportunities for improved welfare fo...
22/12/2025

The ABTC welcomes the Animal Welfare Strategy outlined today. The Strategy offers opportunities for improved welfare for many animals across companion, farm and wildlife species and offers opportunities for real, significant and much needed, change.

The government has today announced their Animal Welfare Strategy for the next five years. The DEFRA announcement can be found here
[link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defra-announces-biggest-animal-welfare-reforms-in-a-generation ] .

The full statement can be found here [link:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/694560bd3022cdf03a0eb81c/E03517059_-_CP_1474_Animal_Welfare_Strategy_Accessible.pdf ]

Invitation to Take Part in a Dog Behaviour Research Survey (18+)Dear All,My name is Harry Bull, and I am an undergraduat...
13/12/2025

Invitation to Take Part in a Dog Behaviour Research Survey (18+)

Dear All,

My name is Harry Bull, and I am an undergraduate student at Harper Adams University undertaking research into UK public knowledge of dog behaviour and aggression management.

As part of my study, I am investigating how a novel educational poster may influence this knowledge. I would be very grateful if you could take part in my online survey, which takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. Participants must be 18 or over.

You can access the survey via the link below:
https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/harper-adams/pilot-study-no-biting-assessing-the-efficacy-of-a-novel-canin-2

Or, via the QR code within the poster.
Thank you very much for your time and support.

Kind regards,
Harry Bull.

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Taunton
TA12UH

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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.