American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Name	American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
Founded	0 1993
Headquarters	United States
Key people	Victoria Voith, Benjamin Hart, Karen Overall
Focus	Veterinary behavioral medicine
Website	www.dacvb.org

American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. It is the recognized veterinary specialty organization for the discipline of veterinary behavior within the American Veterinary Medical Association. The college certifies diplomates as experts in diagnosing and treating behavioral problems in animals, advancing the field through rigorous training, research, and public education. Its work is integral to improving animal welfare and strengthening the human-animal bond.

History and establishment

The formal recognition of veterinary behavior as a specialty followed decades of growing scientific interest in animal behavior, spearheaded by pioneers like Benjamin Hart at the University of California, Davis. Efforts to establish a dedicated college gained momentum in the late 1980s, culminating in the provisional acceptance by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1993. Key founding members, including Victoria Voith and R. K. Anderson, played crucial roles in defining the specialty's standards. The college achieved full recognition from the AVMA American Board of Veterinary Specialties in 1996, solidifying its place alongside other specialties like the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Mission and objectives

The primary mission is to advance the field of applied animal behavior through the certification of expert veterinarians and the promotion of evidence-based practice. Core objectives include establishing and maintaining high standards for post-graduate residency training and examination. The college is committed to supporting scientific research, often presented at forums like the International Veterinary Behaviour Meeting, and disseminating knowledge to the general public and the broader veterinary profession. A key focus is on educating pet owners to prevent behavioral issues, thereby enhancing companion animal welfare.

Certification and training

Achieving board certification requires a veterinarian to complete a demanding process overseen by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties. Candidates must first complete a one-year internship or equivalent practice, followed by an approved residency program under the mentorship of an existing diplomate, such as those at the University of Pennsylvania or Cornell University. The residency involves intensive clinical training and original research, culminating in submission of credentials and passing a rigorous examination. This process ensures diplomates are proficient in treating conditions like separation anxiety in dogs and compulsive disorders.

Role in veterinary medicine

Diplomates serve as essential consultants for general practitioners facing complex behavioral cases, such as aggression in dogs or feline house soiling. They integrate knowledge from ethology, psychopharmacology, and learning theory to develop comprehensive treatment plans. The college influences the broader curriculum in veterinary schools and contributes to legal standards, providing expert testimony in cases involving dangerous dog legislation. Their work is critical in managing behavior to prevent euthanasia and support shelter animals, collaborating with organizations like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Notable members and contributions

Founding diplomate Victoria Voith conducted seminal research on canine aggression and the human-animal bond. Karen Overall, known for her work on anxiety disorders in dogs and developing assessment protocols like the C-BARQ, has been highly influential. Benjamin Hart's early research on the effects of castration on behavior laid foundational work. Other notable figures include John Ciribassi, a past president, and Debra Horwitz, who has authored pivotal texts on feline behavior. Their collective research is frequently published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior.

Publications and resources

The college and its members produce authoritative resources, including the textbook "Decoding Your Dog," authored by several diplomates. The official peer-reviewed journal of the field is the Journal of Veterinary Behavior, edited by past president Marty Becker. Diplomates regularly contribute to manuals for the American Animal Hospital Association and produce client education materials. The college's website and presence at conferences like the North American Veterinary Community provide vital resources for veterinarians and the public on topics ranging from puppy socialization to behavioral pharmacology.

Category:Veterinary organizations in the United States Category:Medical and health professional associations Category:Animal welfare organizations