Behaviourist
membership

Join us as an existing CAB/ ABT or be assessed as CAB with TCBTS!

join us as a Behaviourist

TCBTS is a membership body for Clinical Animal Behaviourists (CABs) and Animal Behaviour Technicians (ABTs), as well as being an ABTC-approved Assessor Organisation for CABs. Here’s how you can become a TCBTS behaviourist member.

Existing CAB, ABT or CCAB?

If you’ve already been assessed and approved as an ABTC ABT/ CAB (or ASAB CCAB prior to 19 April 2023), we’d love you to join us as a member! Click on the button to access the application form and submit proof of your ABTC or ASAB assessment. We’ll invite you to an informal interview before invoicing the membership fee (£75) when your application is accepted.

want to be accredited as a CAB?

As outlined below, there are four stages to becoming a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB). The TCBTS is here to guide you on your journey, including assessment as an ABTC-accredited CAB.

Curious Shepherd dog symbolising expertise, accreditation and high standards in behaviour practice

“I'm delighted that i chose TCBTS for CAB accreditation”

“I wanted to become a Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB), so I researched various organisations that offered the APEL process. Ultimately, I chose to go through the ABTC APEL process with TCBTS and I’m truly delighted with my decision. I am now a full Clinical Animal Behaviourist member. The environment is incredibly supportive, making it feel like a close-knit family. They were always available to address any queries I had in a timely manner and provided excellent guidance throughout the process.”

TCBTS MEMBER

CAB Accreditation

TCBTS can support you through the process of becoming a Clinical Animal Behaviourist, from student membership and provisional membership through to assessment and accreditation. Download the full application guidelines here.

  • This involves either:

    or

  • Becoming a CAB Provisional Member will give you access to support during the assessment process.

    If you do not feel you have the practical experience you can remain a provisional for a period of time, until you do feel you are ready to proceed with your application.

    Whilst a CAB provisional member you are expected to see a variety of cases.

  • You will submit evidence, as outlined below, to demonstrate that you have the practical skills for the role of CAB (see here for the full ABTC standard).

    You will need to submit:

    • 3 written case studies

    • 1 video of a full consultation and follow up

    • Additional videos to demonstrate coaching and training skills.

    These case studies and videos will be assessed by two assessors.

  • Further assessment of the performance criteria will be gathered via interviews.

    Following successful submission of your written and video evidence, you will be invited to an oral interview with your assigned assessors (up to three).

    You will be asked to discuss, evaluate and review your case studies, coaching and methodology, as well as discuss hypothetical situations.

Assessment windows:

  • Jan – April (register interest by 1st November, cases submitted by 31st December)

  • May-Sept (register interest by 1st March, cases submitted by 30th April)

  • Oct-Dec (register interest by 1st July, cases submitted by 31st August)

Cost: £740

Happy chocolate Labrador Retriever symbolising the supportive accreditation process.

Our Values

…and what they mean for you, as a member

Dog licking camera

collaborative

TCBTS fosters an inclusive environment where all members, regardless of their role, are valued equally. Members are encouraged to work together, to share their knowledge and skills. We also enjoy close, collaborative relationships with the wider ABTC member organisations, to achieve our common goals.

PROGRESSIVE

TCBTS supports its members in keeping up-to-date with science-led, ethical methods and is pushing for much-needed industry regulation. The organisation prides itself on its forward-thinking approach, assisting members in improving not only their professional skills but also in self-employment, through business support.

supportive

TCBTS offers a nurturing, friendly and approachable community, helping trainers and behaviourists grow both professionally and personally. Continuous professional development (CPD), case study discussions and business-related support foster members’ success while ensuring their wellbeing is prioritised.

why join us?

As a TCBTS member, you’ll gain access to these exclusive benefits:

Supportive, Collaborative Network
Connect with other members for guidance and peer support.

get seen by Dog Owners and Vets
Be listed in our trusted directory, helping you to reach more clients.

Professional Recognition & Credibility
Stand out as a certified, ethical trainer or behaviourist.

Exclusive Discounts on CPD
Save on access to continued learning and professional development.

regular Members-Only Sessions
Benefit from case study discussions, business Q+As and events.

access to private community group
Make connections in our private members’ Facebook group.

“The team’s knowledge & experience shines through” 

“If you’re looking become a Clinical Animal Behaviour route then help is always on hand, with the added bonus of webinars - which are free for members! The monthly behaviour zoom (which members can join to discuss any cases they may need help with, or just discuss for others to learn from) is fantastic.”

TCBTS MEMBER

Frequently Asked Q’s

If your question is not answered here, please contact us.

  • The role of the Clinical Animal Behaviourist is to apply the science of animal behaviour and modification ethically and effectively.

    CABs see cases on veterinary referral to assist with animals who are displaying undesirable, problematic or even dangerous behaviour. It is necessary to consider health, emotional understanding and wellbeing, ethology and species specific needs, environmental management as well as behaviour modification techniques.

  • The Animal Behaviour and Training Council is a registered charity that represents animal trainers, training instructors and animal behaviour therapists to both the public and legislative bodies. Find out more here: https://abtc.org.uk/

    You can find information about the different role standards and approved courses here: https://abtc.org.uk/practitioners-info/

  • APEL is a great opportunity for those seeking assessment for the role of Clinical Animal Behaviourist (CAB) and who do not hold an ABTC recognised level 6 degree.  

    APEL (accreditation of prior experience and/ or learning) allows candidates to draw on transferable skills, knowledge accrued through practice, self-learning, and courses and study, not yet accredited by ABTC, to show you have the underpinning knowledge necessary for the CAB role. Using the APEL process, you can now collate and present evidence to show how you meet all the knowledge and understanding criteria, as outlined in the CAB standard here.

    Read about the APEL process and requirements here.

    APEL submissions are assessed centrally by specially trained ABTC Assessors, however application for APEL should be made through TCBTS, who will handle your application and submission.

    Prospective candidates are welcome to contact us for a chat about the APEL process, to see if the route is the right one for you at this point in your career.

    • Read the Application Information Guidelines Carefully 

    • Register your interest at assessment@tcbts.co.uk – This will give our office time to consider the allocation of assessors within each application window (Jan – April, May-Sept, Oct-Dec).

    • Gather and submit evidence

    • Assessment of Evidence: Your submission will be assessed by two assessors.

    • Oral interviews: After reviewing your written and video evidence, or assessors will invite you to one-three oral interviews. This is to ensure that the performance criteria are fully met.

    • Assessment Result: If your application is successful, you can apply for full membership.

  • The annual fee for behaviourist members is £75.

    The assessment process costs £740. This includes paying our assessors for their time, and administrative costs. We can arrange for payment over three months, for those who may struggle to pay this amount in full.

  • Our member benefits include access to our closed members Facebook group, access to online case study education sessions, regular discussion sessions held on Zoom, access to members only events and discounts for any webinar or event hosted by TCBTS.

    Those applying for CAB accreditation also have the option to purchase assessment support.

  • Yes, You can opt for a block of support with our Assessment Support Advisor. This includes a block of 3 Zoom sessions at the cost of £120.

    This is ideal for those who have made some progress in collecting their evidence and would like help in putting their submission together. However, these are not designed to look at the entire submission.

  • Yes - all members of TCBTS and all ABTC registered practitioners have to conform to strict codes of practice to ensure the welfare of the animals we work with is maintained at all times.

    You can view the TCBTS Code of Practice (which embeds the ABTC Code of Practice) here.

  • Our membership year runs from 1st April to 31st March. If you join throughout the membership year, membership fees are pro rata until the next renewal date.

  • No, we are non-profit making.

Join Us TOdAY

Apply for membership with TCBTS as an existing behaviourist or be assessed as a CAB.