How do I find a dog behaviorist?
Start with your veterinarian, which AVSAB calls the first step for any behavior problem, then look at the types of behaviorist below. Anyone can use the title behavior consultant, but a veterinarian may call themselves a behaviorist only if board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB).
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Goody Doggy is a directory of dog trainers with a listing page for each of the 50 states and Washington, DC.
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Types of dog behaviorist
| Type | How a person earns the title | Can prescribe medication |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) |  A veterinarian who is board-certified in veterinary behavior. ACVB says training includes at least 3 years of case supervision with published original research, 3 approved case reports, and a 2-day board exam |  Yes. AVSAB says DACVBs can diagnose and treat medical problems, including prescribing medications and behavior modification plans |
| Certified applied animal behaviorist (CAAB or ACAAB) | CAAB requires a doctoral degree in a biological or behavioral science with an emphasis on animal behavior, and ACAAB’s educational requirements include a master’s degree | No for CAABs. AVSAB says CAABs can evaluate and manage behavior problems but cannot prescribe medication |
| Certified behavior consultant (CBCC-KA or IAABC-CDBC) | CBCC-KA takes at least 300 hours of behavior consulting within the previous 3 years and a 200-question exam. IAABC-CDBC takes a written process with 3 case studies and 3 endorsements | No. AVSAB says veterinarians are the only professionals who can prescribe medications to treat such problems |
| Dog trainer |   CCPDT says dog training is, as yet, unregulated with no licensing requirements, and the ASPCA says education and experience among trainers varies greatly | No |
Start with your veterinarian
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) says a physical exam and a talk with your pet’s veterinarian is the first step in treating any behavior problem. The veterinarian may recommend further diagnostic tests or a referral to a professional with behavioral expertise.
The ASPCA says some behavior problems are caused or made worse by physical problems. ACVB says aggression can be a sign of an underlying physical problem.
When to see a veterinary behaviorist
ACVB recommends professional help from a veterinary behaviorist for any animal displaying aggressive behavior, and it says aggression often worsens if help is not sought early. It also says it is critical to seek help from a veterinary behaviorist for anxiety, because they can prescribe medications when indicated.
The ASPCA words it more widely. It says a serious problem needs an expert with a master’s or doctoral degree plus practical experience, and that problems like resource guarding and aggression require custom treatment plans and individual attention from a qualified behaviorist.
AVSAB says DACVBs and CAABs have limited availability in many areas of the country.
Where to search for a dog behaviorist
AVSAB directory: search by state or province, city, or zip, with a filter for ACVB Diplomates and one for telehealth. AVSAB says membership does not confer any qualifications or presuppose a level of expertise.
Animal Behavior Society: its CAAB directory lists certified behaviorists. The society does not provide behavior counseling itself, some behaviorists offer phone consultations if none is nearby, and some entries are marked as not taking behavior cases.
IAABC: its locator filters by species and country, with a virtual consultation option.
CCPDT: its directory covers both dog trainers and behavior consultants, and you can search by postal code, name, city, state, province, or country.
Questions to ask a dog behaviorist
- What credentials or certifications do you hold?
- Who do you refer to when a case is beyond you or not progressing?
- Do you work with a boarded veterinary behaviorist or CAAB for referrals? AVSAB lists that as a good sign.
AVSAB - Can you fix any behavior problem? AVSAB lists a guarantee that they can fix any behavior problem as a stop sign, and says professionals can guarantee their service but should not guarantee a specific outcome.AVSAB
- Can I have references? The ASPCA advises contacting more than one professional and asking for references before hiring.ASPCA
Find a dog behavior consultant on Goody Doggy
On Goody Doggy, 124 trainers list CBCC-KA and 148 list IAABC-CDBC. Trainers tell us which credentials they hold, so check each name with the issuing body before you hire.
Goody Doggy has a state page for each of the 50 states and Washington, DC. Start with Texas, California, Florida, or New York.
Dog behaviorist questions and answers
Can a dog behaviorist prescribe medication?
AVSAB says veterinarians are the only professionals who can prescribe medication for behavior problems. It says CAABs cannot, and DACVBs can.
Is behaviorist a protected title?
Not for behavior consultant, which anyone can use. For veterinarians, the title behaviorist is limited to those board-certified by ACVB.
Should I see my veterinarian first?
Yes. AVSAB says a physical exam and a talk with your pet’s veterinarian is the first step for any behavior problem.
Where do I find a veterinary behaviorist?
Search the AVSAB directory by state or province, city, or zip, and use its filter for ACVB Diplomates.
How is a behaviorist different from a dog trainer?
ACVB says good trainers have knowledge of behavior, but not at the depth or breadth expected of a veterinary behaviorist.
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