The Animal Behaviour and Training Council

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The Animal Behaviour and Training Council

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The ABTC sets and maintains the standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal trainer or animal behaviour therapist, and it maintains national registers of appropriately qualified animal trainers and animal behaviourists. The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) sets the standards of professional competence and behaviour, and is the only organisation that assures the competence of those on the ABTC Register. ABTC represents the training and behaviour sector to the public and to governments, and is supported by DEFRA, the veterinary profession, major animal charities and practitioners alike.

14/10/2026

Could you please help us out? It’ll take you under a minute…

The votes for Benefacts Animals and Wildlife Special draw are open - and offer the opportunity for charities to be awarded a donation of up to £5000.

The Animal Behaviour and Training Council is dedicated to reducing harm caused to animals undergoing training or behaviour therapy.

Much of the harm caused to dogs and other species is due to hugely outdated methods perpetuated by people able to operate without recourse due to the lack of strong regulation in the sector.

As a charity, fundraising is vital to us.

We’re the only UK charity dedicated to changing the animal and behaviour training sector - which is a vital way to improve animal welfare and safeguard animals from harm.

With costs for absolutely everything soaring, this is a much needed opportunity for us to receive critical funding to support our work.

As we continue our hard work to secure UKAS accreditation for our animal trainer and behaviour therapy standards, and to lobby for stronger regulations to protect animals from harm, every donation makes a meaningful difference.

Please visit the comments for the link and pledge your nomination for the ABTC today. The draw is only open for 14 days and nominations close on Sunday 18 October.

Thank you for your support - animals need us all. And thank you to Benefact Group for this incredibly generous fundraising opportunity.

09/10/2026

The ABTC are proud to be representing our community at the BVNA Congress 2026.

This is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with Vet Nurses and some of the other leaders in the sector. We are delighted to be at the event talking about improving regulation in the sector, the steps we are taking with UKAS and most importantly promoting all the wonderful professionals on our register and the fantastic work of our practitioner organisations.

The event is running from the 9th to the 11th October at the Telford International Centre.
If you are here please come and speak to Fiona and the other volunteers who you can find on stand P8.

You can find out more about the event here: https://bvna.org.uk/congress/

07/10/2026

Will we see you at the PACT DogX Conference on Sunday 18 October?

It’s not too late to get your tickets to attend. And if you’re an ABTC practitioner, you get 10% off.

The speaker lineup includes a keynote from ABTC patron Zazie Todd from Companion Animal Psychology , Jamie Pound from UK Sniffer Dogs fer Dogs, Emmanuel Oloyede, Anne McBride and Kirsten Dillon from BRAVEHOUND charity.

We’ll be there with a stand, so do come and find us if you’d like to talk about anything ABTC related or adjacent! We’re looking forward to spending some face to face time with existing and prospective ABTC practitioners.

Head to the PACT website to get your tickets.

And let us know in the comments if we’ll see you there.

05/10/2026

Could APEL be the right route to ABTC registration for you?

APEL stands for Assessment of Prior Experience and/or Learning.

For experienced practitioners who have gained their knowledge and understanding through professional experience and ongoing learning, APEL offers an alternative route to meeting ABTC requirements.

You can find full details about the APEL process on our website: https://abtc.org.uk/apel/

For a more interactive opportunity to explore whether APEL is the right pathway for you, join our upcoming Q&A session on Wednesday 14th October at 7pm.

You'll be able to ask questions directly and receive guidance from members of the APEL assessment team.

Find the link to join the next Q&A (or watch replays of past sessions) in the comments.

01/10/2026

The Government’s Responsible Dog Ownership Taskforce Report marks an important moment for the future of dog training and behaviour in the UK.

And it highlights the work the ABTC has been doing for more than a decade to establish robust professional standards.

The Taskforce has recognised the importance of improving standards within the sector. Recommendation 18 calls for further exploration of options to regulate dog trainers and behaviourists.

For the ABTC, this represents an important acknowledgement of the need for a professional framework that protects animal welfare, supports dog owners, and ensures practitioners have the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to work effectively with dogs and their families.

The ABTC was established in 2010 following recommendations for the self-regulation of the dog training and behaviour sector.

Since then, we've developed a structured framework for professional competence, including defined knowledge and understanding requirements, practical assessment, continuing professional development, a public register, a code of conduct and procedures for dealing with complaints and disciplinary matters.

These are principles that the Taskforce has identified as important considerations in developing any future approach to regulation.

One of the most significant developments in the ABTC’s work has been the recent UKAS recognition of our processes.

The Taskforce specifically recognises the potential value of UKAS-accredited organisations within a future regulatory framework and identifies the ABTC’s approach as worthy of further consideration.

The ABTC is not simply calling for higher standards. We've already implemented a professional system designed to assess competence, provide accountability, and promote good practice.

Our framework also recognises that professional competence involves more than theoretical knowledge.

ABTC-recognised practitioners are required to demonstrate appropriate practical skills, supported by education, assessment and ongoing professional development.

Our approach is founded on science-led, compassionate and non-punitive methods, with animal welfare at its core.

Our work is supported by leading organisations across the animal welfare sector, including Battersea , Blue Cross UK, Dogs Trust, PDSA, Woodgreen Pets Charity, RSPCA (England & Wales) and the Scottish SPCA, alongside our network of Practitioners, Sponsors, Advisory, Supporting, Assessing and Practitioner Organisations

As Government considers the future regulation of dog trainers and behaviourists, the ABTC is ready to contribute its experience, professional framework and established standards to that discussion.

We believe the foundations for a professional, accountable and welfare-focused dog training and behaviour sector are already in place. The ABTC has been developing those foundations for over 16 years - and we look forward to helping shape the next stage

30/09/2026

Cats Protection data shows the #1 cause of pet cat injuries is fighting with other cats.

Almost 6 out of 10 cat guardians decide to keep their cats indoors to protect them.

But being indoors all the time isn’t always as simple as it sounds…

Cats need mental and physical stimulation. The chance to scratch, play, hunt and express natural behaviours.

Some cats are very sensitive to changes in their environment.

And if your cat has previously been allowed outside but is now an indoor cat - you might need a little help to assist them with adjusting happily.

ABTC practitioners are a trusted place to turn if you’re worried about your cat.

Every trainer and behaviourist on our register has been independently assessed to meet the highest of industry standards. So you and your cat can overcome fear and live a happy life together.

We’re also named by the UK Government's own Code of Practice (issued by Defra), as a trusted source for finding help.

To find an ABTC registered practitioner near you, head to our website and use the directory. Link in bio!

28/09/2026

It’s not too late to get your tickets to the European Turtle Alliance Conference 2026.

With an incredible line up of speakers, this is a brilliant opportunity to learn all about turtle and tortoise welfare across Europe and beyond.

Tickets are just £85 for two packed days of talks, workshops and networking with chelonian experts from around the world – including vets, zoo professionals, conservationists, researchers, and private keepers.

There’s even an optional hands-on lab workshop on Sunday.

Plus post-conference drinks and dinner on Saturday evening, which is a great opportunity to network with fellow professionals and enthusiasts.

Hosted by ABTC supporting member European Turtle Alliance and taking place at ARU Writtle in Essex - this is sure to be a brilliant event.

Visit turtlesurvival.eu to get your tickets.

25/09/2026

5 simple ways to reduce stress for your animal this fireworks season

👉 Recognise the signs of stress

Different species communicate stress in different ways - and they can be subtle. Common signs across species include pacing, hiding, vocalising, facial or body tension or sudden behaviour changes. Get clued up on the stress signals for your animal so you can spot the sometimes subtle signs.

👉 See your vet

If your animal has previously been very worried by fireworks or loud noises, see your vet. There are short term medications that can help - and it's worth investigating whether there's underlying pain which can make animals more sensitive.

👉 Comfort your animal

You cannot reinforce fear but you can comfort a stressed animal. Ignore assertations that comforting your animal will make things worse and instead adapt to your animal. If they want space, respect that. If they want physical or verbal reassurance, give it to them.

👉 Check parameters and update chips

Sudden noises and feeling scared can be a precursor to some animals trying to escape. Check the parameters of your garden or outdoor enclosures and where possible, keep your animals inside. Make sure their chip details are up to date so you can be quickly reunited if they bolt.

👉 Use familiar sounds to help mask the noise

Playing other familiar sounds that your animal is comfortable with can help reduce the intensity of the bangs. Many animals have much more sensitive hearing than humans, but music or television noise can help mask some of the bangs and whooshes.

👉 Please save and share this post to help animals and their carers this fireworks season.

23/09/2026

Have you spoken out against fireworks yet?

The government’s public consultation seeking views on the use of fireworks closes on Wednesday 7th October 2026.

You can have your say here: Fireworks: https://ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eg0jcixPsRnv1NY

We know many people are worried about the effects of fireworks on both humans and animals. And while this won’t make a difference this year, it’s an opportunity to advocate for future change.

We believe the use of fireworks should be restricted to organised public displays and silent fireworks. So that any celebrations are predictable and easier to plan for.

Please add your voice and share your views before the consultation closes on Wednesday 7th October 2026.

👉 https://ditresearch.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eg0jcixPsRnv1NY

21/09/2026

Fireworks will start in around six weeks time in the UK - don’t wait to get help.

We know that many species of animals and their human companions, struggle immensely with fireworks season. It’s often not just one predictable evening of loud noises, but can go on for sometimes weeks at a time.

Whether you care for a horse, a cat, a dog, or another companion animal - ABTC practitioners are here to help.

All our registered practitioners are independently assessed to meet the highest of industry standards.

But it’s best to seek help sooner rather than later.

Because with more time to spend supporting your animal, there’s a far greater chance of making successful progress before the bangs start.

Head to our directory now and find a registered practitioner near you.

You’ll find the link to our directory in the comments.

Address

Taunton
TA12UH

Website

http://www.abtcouncil.org.uk/

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