Journal of Veterinary Behavior

Journal of Veterinary Behavior
Title	Journal of Veterinary Behavior
Discipline	Veterinary science; Animal behavior
Abbreviation	J. Vet. Behav.
Publisher	Elsevier
Country	Netherlands
Frequency	Monthly
History	2006–present
Openaccess	Hybrid
Issn	1558-7878

Journal of Veterinary Behavior The Journal of Veterinary Behavior is a peer-reviewed scientific journal publishing research on animal behavior, clinical animal behavior, and behavioral medicine as applied to companion animals and production species. It serves as a venue for veterinarians, ethologists, and animal scientists to disseminate clinical case reports, empirical studies, and review articles linking behavioral assessment to veterinary practice. The journal is published by Elsevier and is associated with clinical and academic institutions that include veterinary schools, research institutes, and professional societies.

History

The journal was established in 2006 during a period when veterinary colleges such as Royal Veterinary College, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Rothamsted Research, and Wageningen University were expanding programs in applied behavior and welfare. Early editorial boards included academics from institutions like University of Cambridge, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and Texas A&M University. Its launch followed increased interest from organizations such as the American Veterinary Medical Association, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the World Organisation for Animal Health in integrating behavior into veterinary curricula. Over time, the journal has reflected trends promoted by conferences like the International Society for Applied Ethology meetings and collaborates informally with societies such as the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine.

Scope and aims

The journal aims to publish original research, systematic reviews, clinical case reports, and guidelines that bridge veterinary medicine and animal behavior. Typical contributions address topics relevant to practitioners at institutions like Massey University, Murdoch University, Kansas State University, and University of Sydney and researchers affiliated with centers such as Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Smithsonian Institution, and Zoetis. Subject areas include diagnosis and treatment of behavioral disorders in species cared for by facilities such as RSPCA, Humane Society of the United States, Royal Animal Hospital, and shelters run by World Animal Protection. The journal targets clinicians, regulatory bodies like Food and Agriculture Organization, and advisory panels convened by organizations such as European Food Safety Authority.

Editorial structure and peer review

Editorial oversight has involved editors and editorial board members drawn from universities and hospitals including University of Bristol, University of Montreal Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tokyo, and Seoul National University. The peer-review process follows standards familiar to publishers such as Elsevier and editorial committees similar to those of journals like Veterinary Record and Journal of Small Animal Practice. Manuscripts are typically triaged by an editor-in-chief and sent to external reviewers who are often members of professional bodies such as the British Veterinary Association, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, and specialist colleges like the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine.

Abstracting and indexing

The journal is indexed in major databases and services operated by organizations including Clarivate Analytics, Elsevier Scopus, PubMed Central, and aggregated platforms used by libraries at institutions such as Harvard University, University of Oxford, Yale University, and National Institutes of Health. Abstracting services tied to reference management systems used at institutions like Columbia University, University of Toronto, and McGill University also include its content. Its presence in indexing services facilitates discovery by researchers attending conferences such as Society for Neuroscience, International Congress on Animal Hygiene, and World Veterinary Association meetings.

Impact and reception

The journal's influence is measured by citation metrics reported by entities such as Journal Citation Reports and database aggregators like Scopus. It has been cited in guidelines and consensus statements authored by panels convened by organizations such as American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, British Veterinary Behaviour Association, and International Veterinary Behaviour Meeting proceedings. Reviews in professional outlets including Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice and references in textbooks published by houses like Elsevier and Wiley-Blackwell reflect its role in shaping clinical approaches used in veterinary hospitals like Angell Animal Medical Center and research centers such as The Roslin Institute.

Notable articles and contributions

Notable contributions include clinical trials, longitudinal studies, and consensus guidelines that have influenced practice at institutions such as RSPCA and government advisory panels like those at DEFRA and USDA. Articles on separation-related behavior, aggression in dogs, feline elimination disorders, and enrichment for captive species have been widely cited by academics at University of Pennsylvania, University of Guelph, University of Minnesota, and practitioners at referral centers including BluePearl Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospitals. Influential reviews and meta-analyses appearing in the journal have been referenced in position statements from organizations such as International Society for Applied Ethology, World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and specialist colleges.

Access and publication model

The journal operates a hybrid open-access model under Elsevier, allowing authors to publish either subscription-access articles or open-access articles upon payment of an article processing charge. Submission and production workflows align with infrastructures used by publishers servicing authors from institutions like University of British Columbia, Imperial College London, Monash University, and Purdue University. Licensing options and author rights correspond to policies observed by funders and agencies including Wellcome Trust, National Science Foundation, and European Research Council.

Category:Veterinary journals