The Dogenius Institute - Make animals' lives
better in your own unique way.

Oct 13 / Teresa Tyler

ABTC Gains UKAS Recognition: What It Means for Dog Trainers

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) has reached a major milestone. Their Assessing Organisations Certification Scheme has been formally recognised by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) as compliant with ISO/IEC 17067. That might sound highly technical, but here’s the key point: ABTC’s standards have now been independently verified as meeting an internationally recognised level of quality, fairness, and consistency. While this development has obvious benefits for behaviourists, it is equally significant for dog trainers. Here’s why.

What UKAS Recognition Means
UKAS is the government-appointed body that checks whether professional registers, certification schemes, and inspection systems meet internationally accepted standards. By recognising ABTC’s certification scheme, UKAS has confirmed that the way ABTC assesses and approves its professionals is robust, impartial, and fit for national recognition. This means ABTC-registered trainers and behaviourists are now part of a system that has been externally validated rather than self-governed. It is a major step forward for the professional standing of everyone working under the ABTC framework.

Why This Matters for Dog Trainers
Behaviourists have already begun to see the benefits of registration, with insurance companies, veterinary practices, and referral networks increasingly preferring ABTC-registered professionals.

For dog trainers, the rewards are emerging too, and they are likely to grow significantly over the next few years.

1. Professional Credibility
In an unregulated industry where anyone can describe themselves as a dog trainer, credibility is essential.
Being registered under the UKAS-recognised ABTC framework gives you a visible mark of assurance. Clients, vets, and welfare organisations can see that you are professionally assessed, evidence-based, and accountable to ethical standards. That credibility builds client trust and strengthens referral relationships.

2. Future Proofing Your Career

Every established profession begins with voluntary registration before regulation follows.

When regulation or licensing eventually arrives for dog training, those already registered will be ahead of the curve and compliant with the recognised framework. Joining now is not simply about status; it is an investment in professional security and readiness.

3. Access to New Opportunities
Rescues, local authorities, and education providers are already beginning to specify ABTC-registered professionals for contracts, collaborations, and staff training roles.
As more organisations adopt accredited standards, ABTC-registered trainers will be eligible for opportunities that others may not be able to access.

4. Protection and Professional Standards
Registration under ABTC means working within a transparent, externally validated system that includes fair assessment processes, a professional code of conduct, and a clear complaints procedure.
This provides reassurance for clients and protection for trainers if issues arise. In time, this structure may also influence insurance conditions and premiums for those on the register.

5. Demonstrating Value and Professional Worth
When clients can see that a trainer is part of a nationally accredited register, they recognise the difference in professionalism. The UKAS mark provides an independent endorsement that helps justify fair pricing, supports higher client conversion, and strengthens your business reputation.

In Plain Terms
You do not need to be a behaviourist to benefit from ABTC’s UKAS recognition. If you are a dog trainer who values science-based, welfare-focused practice, this accreditation helps you prove your professionalism, attract the right clients, and position your business for long-term success.


ABTC’s UKAS recognition is more than an administrative achievement; it represents the next stage in the professionalisation of dog training in the UK.
By standing together under an accredited, evidence-based framework, trainers and behaviourists can demonstrate shared values of welfare, ethics, and competence.
This is an opportunity for dog trainers to lead the way, showing clients, colleagues, and policymakers what true professional standards in animal training look like.




Find out more about our Certificate in Dog Training & Behaviour here: