What is a Veterinary Behaviorist?

A veterinary behaviorist uses current scientific principles and evidence-based techniques to investigate, diagnose and manage clinical behavior disorders in animals and pets. They are veterinarians who have completed a residency program and achieved board certification in clinical veterinary behavior through the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). The residency involves several years of intensive training, testing and evaluation under the supervision of board-certified veterinary behaviorist.

Veterinary behaviorists manage a large number of behavior problems in pets which include fear, phobias, aggression, anxiety, excessive arousal, frustration, compulsive disorders, house soiling, cognitive dysfunction, and separation anxiety, to name a few.

Through comprehensive behavior evaluations, a veterinary behaviorist can identify medical conditions that may contribute to the behavioral concerns, and then develop customized treatment plans. These comprehensive and custom treatment plans address underlying medical issues if present, educating caregiver’s to better understand their pet’s needs, and exploring specific treatment strategies aligned with the caregiver's unique set of circumstances.

Throughout this process veterinary behaviorists work closely with referring veterinarians, and certified behavior specialists (i.e. trainers and consultants) to provide caregivers ongoing support and guidance.