Where do I start if I want to become specialized in behavior?
Although there is no special schooling required, technicians interested in the specialty should begin by joining the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians. This organization provides technicians with great opportunities for learning about behavior through its newsletter and members forums, where you can discuss behavior and ask questions. They can refer you to presentations, programs, periodicals, books and courses that focus on animal behavior. You should read books and articles and take advantage of veterinary conferences that feature behavior. Additionally, it would benefit you to join the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and become an active member of your state organization. Candidates for the exam must provide proof they are members of NAVTA and SVBT when submitting their membership packet
What are the benefits from certification in the Academy of Veterinary Behavior Technicians?
AVBT was organized to further the recognition of technicians as critical components of the veterinary behavior team in creating, maintaining, and strengthening the human-animal bond. Technicians seeking certification should be committed to advancing their professionalism in the field of behavior. Accreditation provides a way to further your career and enhance your personal growth. There is no way to predict whether it will result in increased salary, but it will demonstrate your commitment to excellence and your dedication to helping yourself, the client and the animal.
Do behavior technicians have the same job opportunities as other technicians?
The job possibilities for behavior technicians are infinite. The following is a list of just some of the areas where behavior technicians can play a key role: private practice, large animal, small animal, exotic animal, animal welfare, research, education, pet training, zoological, wildlife, animal therapy and support dog work.
Can veterinary technicians from countries outside the United States achieve “specialty status?”
Yes. Specialty candidates must be graduates of an AVMA approved Veterinary Technician School and/or legally credentialed to practice as a Veterinary Technician in a state, territory or province of the United States, Canada, or another country.
Must I work for a Diplomate to qualify?
Although working for a Diplomate would certainly expedite the completion of your candidate packet, it is not necessary.
Must I work for a veterinarian to be a candidate?
It is highly recommended you have a “mentor” or “veterinarian of record” who can supervise. You must work with a veterinarian who makes the diagnosis, creates the treatment plan and who you work closely with on follow up cases. The veterinarian is not required to be boarded in animal behavior. Preventive cases do not require a veterinarian but it must be clear the case is preventive rather than intervention. If the candidate committee has any questions pertaining to your packet (specifically your skills and case log) a veterinarian should be on record for the committee to contact with questions.
How long can I expect to work before I am able to satisfy the requirements for becoming specialized in behavior?
Specialty certification signifies that the technician possesses exceptional experience in the field of animal behavior. This type of knowledge can only be gained through a dedicated and concerted effort on the part of the candidate. It takes time. The number of years you work depends upon how much of your time is spent on behavior. Technicians who spend a minimum of 15.5 hours per week working in the field of behavior can earn their 4000 hours in five years. A technician who spends 25 hours a week working in the field of behavior can earn 4000 hours in a little less than 3 ½ years.
Can I count experience I gained prior to becoming a credentialed technician?
Specialties provide credentialed veterinary technicians a way to focus on a specialized field. Candidates with previous behavior experience may benefit indirectly from what they have learned. However, only experience gained after becoming credentialed can be applied to the accreditation process.
Can you summarize what should be included in the packet?
Application packets should contain the following (NOTE: this is a general list, specific details of requirements are listed on the application section of the AVBT web site)
  1. Application Agreement with $50 non-fundable application fee
  2. Curriculum Vitae
  3. Two letters of recommendations from VTS-Behavior, ACVB Diplomate, or supporting veterinarian
  4. Proof of membership with NAVTA and SVBT
  5. Completed skills assessment form
  6. Time sheet - 3 years (4,000 hours) minimum work experience in behavior prior to application
  7. CE records - 40 hours within five years prior to application. No more than 2/3 (28 hours) can come from one source.
  8. Case Log - 50 cases within 1-3 years of application or a minimum of one year of research devoted to behavior
  9. Five case reports (specific format can be found elsewhere on this web site)
Who qualifies as a “skills assessment supervisor”?
The Skills Assessment Supervisor (SAS) is another veterinarian or credentialed technician who verifies the candidate successfully completed all of the required skills. Candidates may have more than one person serve as a SAS. If someone other than a veterinarian or credentialed technician is selected as assessment supervisor, the candidate is required to submit an email or letter explaining the qualifications of that person for review by the AVBT board of regents.
What types of work can I count toward my time record? If I restrain an aggressive dog can I count that?
A veterinary technician’s role is primarily preventative, especially in private practice. The committee has taken this into consideration and therefore will allow up to 75% of your time (3000 hours) to be in a preventative role. Examples of problem prevention include but are not limited to:
  1. Puppy classes / kitten classes
  2. Adolescent classes
  3. Discussing problem prevention in the exam room
  4. Desensitization to nail trims, etc.
  5. Fitting head collars or other training tools
  6. Triaging behavior issues on the phone
You can include restraint of an aggressive dog only if you can document how you improved and modified the situation.
How many cases are required to be documented in the case logs? How many case log reports are required to be submitted with the application?
Candidates should document a minimum of 50 cases they worked with within 1-3 years prior to submitting an application. At least 75% (37) of those cases require a diagnosis from the veterinarian. Additionally, there should be a detailed report submitted on five cases. These case reports should involve at least two different species. A maximum of one report can describe a problem prevention case that does not require a veterinarian’s diagnosis. A maximum of one report can describe pet selection counseling that does not require a veterinarian’s diagnosis. (NOTE: detailed information can be found in the candidate section of the AVBT web site)