The Animal Behavior Society is an international
non-profit
A nonprofit organization (NPO) or non-profit organisation, also known as a non-business entity, not-for-profit organization, or nonprofit institution, is a legal entity organized and operated for a collective, public or social benefit, in co ...
scientific society
A learned society (; also learned academy, scholarly society, or academic association) is an organization that exists to promote an academic discipline, profession, or a group of related disciplines such as the arts and science. Membership may ...
that encourages and promotes the professional study of
animal behavior. It has open membership and also provides a certification and directory for animal behaviorists. The Society was founded in 1964.
Certification
Unlike the titles
veterinarian
A veterinarian (vet), also known as a veterinary surgeon or veterinary physician, is a medical professional who practices veterinary medicine. They manage a wide range of health conditions and injuries in non-human animals. Along with this, vet ...
,
psychologist, and
psychiatrist, which in the United States are state licensed, the title "animal behaviorist" or similar titles can be used by anyone, regardless of their background. Certified Applied Animal Behaviorists have supervised graduate training in animal behavior,
biology
Biology is the scientific study of life. It is a natural science with a broad scope but has several unifying themes that tie it together as a single, coherent field. For instance, all organisms are made up of cells that process hereditary i ...
,
zoology
Zoology ()The pronunciation of zoology as is usually regarded as nonstandard, though it is not uncommon. is the branch of biology that studies the animal kingdom, including the structure, embryology, evolution, classification, habits, and ...
, and psychology (including learning theory) at accredited universities. They publish data based papers in
peer-reviewed scientific journals. Some are veterinarians who have completed a residency in animal behavior. They are full-time professionally educated animal behaviorists who work with pet owners to solve behavior issues.
There are two levels of professional certification:
* ''Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist'' - Requirements include a
Master's degree
A master's degree (from Latin ) is an academic degree awarded by universities or colleges upon completion of a course of study demonstrating mastery or a high-order overview of a specific field of study or area of professional practice. with an emphasis in animal behavior, a research-based
thesis
A thesis ( : theses), or dissertation (abbreviated diss.), is a document submitted in support of candidature for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting the author's research and findings.International Standard ISO 7144: ...
, a minimum of two years of professional experience, and three letters of recommendation from other ABS members
* ''Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist'' Requirements include those of the Associate level, plus a
Ph.D.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: or ') is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. Because it is ...
with an emphasis on animal behavior, and additional years of professional experience.
See also
*
Ethology
Ethology is the scientific study of animal behaviour, usually with a focus on behaviour under natural conditions, and viewing behaviour as an evolutionarily adaptive trait. Behaviourism as a term also describes the scientific and objecti ...
*
''Animal Behaviour''
References
External links
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*
*
Ethology
Scientific societies based in the United States
Organizations established in 1964
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