American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
Name	American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior
Abbreviation	AVSAB
Formation	1977
Type	Professional association
Headquarters	United States
Region served	North America
Membership	Veterinarians, researchers, behaviorists

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior is a professional association focused on the scientific study and clinical practice of animal behavior for companion animals. It operates at the intersection of veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and behavioral science, collaborating with institutions and professionals across North America and internationally. The society issues position statements, provides certification pathways, and supports research that informs clinical protocols and public policy regarding companion animal behavior.

History

The society was founded in 1977 amid growing interest from American Veterinary Medical Association members and clinicians associated with Cornell University and Colorado State University veterinary programs. Early leaders included faculty connected to University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University's Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, and researchers affiliated with National Institutes of Health grants. Over subsequent decades the organization engaged with professional bodies such as Royal Veterinary College, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Canadian Veterinary Medical Association to harmonize standards and expand influence through collaborations with institutions like American Animal Hospital Association and Humane Society of the United States.

Mission and Objectives

The society’s mission emphasizes evidence-based clinical practice, animal welfare, and public education parallel to goals of World Small Animal Veterinary Association and American Veterinary Medical Association. Objectives include developing practice guidelines endorsed by bodies such as American College of Veterinary Behaviorists and influencing curricula at universities including Michigan State University and University of California, Davis. The society aims to bridge clinicians, researchers, and policymakers—working with organizations like Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Department of Agriculture (United States) on zoonotic and public-safety issues related to animal behavior.

Membership and Certification

Membership comprises clinicians from American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, scientists with affiliations to National Science Foundation-funded labs, and allied professionals linked to Association of Professional Dog Trainers and International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Certification pathways intersect with diplomate programs recognized by American Board of Veterinary Specialties and credentialing from entities like Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for international members. The society maintains rosters and directories used by shelters such as ASPCA and rescue networks including Best Friends Animal Society to identify qualified behaviorists.

Programs and Guidelines

AVSAB issues clinical guidelines and position statements that are used by municipal animal control agencies like Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control and shelter systems such as New York Animal Care & Control. Its guidelines address topics comparable to protocols from American College of Veterinary Surgeons and standards from International Society for Applied Ethology, covering behavioral modification, neuter timing policies, and use of psychopharmacology parallel to recommendations from American Psychiatric Association panels on human-animal interaction. The society partners on programs with advocacy groups such as PetSmart Charities and research centers at Ohio State University to implement community-based behavior intervention initiatives.

Research and Publications

The society promotes research through conferences often co-located with meetings of International Veterinary Behavior Meeting and disseminates findings in venues related to journals like those published by American Veterinary Medical Association and academic presses at Oxford University Press and Springer Nature. Members contribute to peer-reviewed literature affiliated with institutions including University of Guelph and Royal Veterinary College. Collaborative projects have been funded by agencies such as National Institutes of Health, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and foundations linked to Morris Animal Foundation.

Education and Continuing Professional Development

Educational offerings include webinars, symposia, and workshops coordinated with universities like North Carolina State University and accreditation bodies such as Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges. Continuing education credits are structured to align with licensing boards including State Boards of Veterinary Medicine and specialty colleges such as European College of Animal Welfare and Behavior Medicine. The society’s curricula inform training at shelters run by Humane Society International and community outreach with organizations like 4-H programs to improve human–animal relationships.

Advocacy and Public Policy

AVSAB engages in advocacy by advising legislators and regulatory agencies including United States Congress committees and state legislatures on issues intersecting with public safety and welfare, often collaborating with American Bar Association task forces on animal law and with international bodies such as World Organisation for Animal Health. Position statements have influenced policy discussions on breed-specific legislation, shelter practices, and standards for animal-assisted interventions endorsed by groups like Pet Partners.

Category:Veterinary organizations Category:Animal welfare organizations