Most people who pursue a
career in animal behaviour can recall a turning point. Sometimes it was the
family dog who never seemed to stop barking, or a horse that would never load for
no obvious reason. For others, it was a parrot plucking its own feathers or a
rescue cat hiding away for months. These moments create questions that linger: why
do animals behave this way, and how can we help them?
If those questions feel familiar, you might already be on the path to becoming a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB).
Let’s get one thing straight. CAB is not a legally regulated profession — anyone could, in theory, claim the title. But there is a recognised professional pathway. In the UK, this pathway is set by the Animal Behaviour & Training Council (ABTC). For anyone serious about working at a professional level, ABTC recognition is the gold standard. Without it, your qualification may not count, your clients may not trust it, and vets may be unwilling to refer to you.
So, if you’re wondering how
to become a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, this guide will give you the
essentials, the academic steps, the supervised practice, and a few reflections
on what this work really means.
What does a CAB do?
CABs are specialists in cases where behaviour has become more than a training issue. They work with animals experiencing fear, aggression, phobias, or anxiety so severe that it impacts welfare.
Examples include:
- A dog who destroys furniture whenever left alone.
- A cat who persistently eliminates outside the litter tray.
- A horse whose unpredictable behaviour puts handlers at risk.
These are not “bad” animals. They are animals signalling distress. A CAB’s role is to investigate, assess, and design a behaviour modification plan that improves welfare for the animal and restores safety and trust for the humans.
Most CAB work is done on veterinary referral, ensuring that medical issues are identified before behaviour therapy begins. In practice, CABs collaborate with vets, trainers, and other professionals, often becoming the bridge between science and the lived reality of families and their animals.
And let’s be honest: much of the work is with people. Owners bring guilt, frustration, or confusion. Helping them is as central to the role as helping the animal itself.
Why ABTC recognition matters
In a field with so many courses, titles, and claims, ABTC recognition is what keeps standards clear.
The ABTC defines:
- Knowledge requirements — typically met through a degree-level (Level 6) qualification.
- Practical standards — demonstrated through supervised casework.
- Ethical codes — placing animal welfare at the centre of practice.
If you want a career as a CAB, choosing an ABTC recognised course is essential. It’s the only way to be sure your qualification is accepted when you apply for professional recognition. It’s also what gives vets confidence to refer to you and clients reassurance that you’re credible.
Without ABTC alignment, you
may find yourself with a certificate that looks impressive but doesn’t open the
right doors.
The five essentials before you begin
Here’s what every aspiring CAB needs to think about before starting:
- Academic grounding in behaviour science — learning theory, ethology, and communication patterns are your toolkit.
- Time and focus — studying at Level 6 requires around 10–15 hours a week alongside practice.
- Mentorship and supervision — reflective practice is essential; no one should do this work in isolation.
- The right qualification — only ABTC-recognised Level 6 courses count toward CAB unless you choose the APEL route.
- A long-term plan — academic study is just the first stage; supervised practice and assessment follow.
If you’re unsure how ready you are, try our free CAB Checklist, a quick way to see where you stand.
If you’re serious about how to become a CAB,
here’s the route in practice