Benefits of Membership

All members have access to educational and networking opportunities on our general and species-specific email discussion groups, Certified and Associate members are eligible to vote, use the IAABC logo, maintain a listing in our online Consultant Locator, and receive a 10% discount off purchases from select book sellers.

How to apply for membership

1. Download the application for membership.
2. Complete the application and return it to applications@iaabc.org. We no longer accept applications by mail. Please see this description of case studies, to be used with your application.
3. Send the application fee via Paypal to treasurer@iaabc.org. You do not need a Paypal account to pay with Paypal. Be sure to include your name and the category of membership for which you are applying in the "notes" area of the Paypal form.
4. If you are applying for Associate or Certified membership, download the reference form and forward a copy to three endorsers — one veterinarian, one colleague, and one client — and ask them to complete the form and forward it to applications@iaabc.org. References must come from the endorser, not the applicant.

We will contact you when we receive your application and again when your application package is complete with the three required references. If we have not received your 3 references within 30 days, we will contact you.

Core Areas of Competency

The IAABC considers competency in the following core areas for various classes of Membership:

1. Assessment and strategies for behavior change;
2. Consulting and communication skills;
3. Behavioral science and learning theory;
4. General knowledge of animal behavior/ethology and;
5. Species-specific knowledge, including health care, nutrition, husbandry, behavior and equipment

Membership Categories

Certified
Annual Dues: $85.00

Certified members are members who have demonstrated competency in 5 out of 5 core areas of competency. 

Minimum requirements for certification are a minimum of 3 years and 1500 hours in animal behavior consulting; a Masters degree in a related field (i.e., animal science, biology, psychology) or at least 500 hours of verifiable advanced instruction/education related to the 5 core areas of competency. 

Associate
Annual Dues: $65

To qualify for Associate membership, applicants must have a minimum of a high school diploma; 300 hours in behavior consulting with their species of choice; a CPDT or equivalent knowledge and experience in 2 out of 5 core areas of competency, one of those areas being species-specific.

Supporting
Annual Dues: $45

Supporting membership is open to professionals in fields related to animal behavior consulting and others who support the IAABC mission and values.