Behavioral Medicine

Veterinary Behavior is the clinical specialty that addresses the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral disorders of animals. The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is the recognized governing body for this veterinary specialty and is responsible for establishing training requirements, evaluating and accrediting training programs, and examining and certifying veterinary behaviorists. Board-certified veterinary behaviorists have the designation Diplomate ACVB.

To gain board certification in Veterinary Behavior, a licensed veterinarian must first complete a minimum of three years of accredited advanced clinical training after graduation from veterinary school, publish in a peer-reviewed journal, complete approved case reports, and pass a rigorous comprehensive examination administered by the ACVB.

As part of their training programs, board-certified veterinary behaviorists receive specific and extensive training in medical problems that may complicate behavior problems, behavioral diagnostic procedures, behavior modification protocols based on the science of animal learning, and behavioral pharmacology.