Find a DACVB – American College of Veterinary Behaviorists Directory Listing Search. Find a Veterinary Behaviorist Near You.
UNITED STATES DACVB – American College of Veterinary Behaviorists Directory Listing by State.
Seeking the expertise of a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist is a vital step for pet guardians facing challenging behavioral issues that go beyond the scope of training or behavior modification alone. Veterinary Behaviorists are uniquely qualified veterinarians who have undergone extensive training and certification in animal behavior, in addition to their veterinary medical education. They are the pinnacle of professional help available for addressing complex behavior problems in pets, offering a holistic approach that integrates both medical and behavioral science.
Pet guardians might consider consulting a Veterinary Behaviorist for a variety of reasons. If your pet exhibits severe anxiety, aggression, phobias, or any other behavior that significantly impacts their quality of life or poses a risk to themselves or others, a Veterinary Behaviorist can provide invaluable assistance. These professionals are particularly crucial when there is a suspicion that underlying health issues may be influencing the pet’s behavior, as they are equipped to diagnose and treat medical conditions that could be contributing to behavioral problems.
Veterinary Behaviorists employ a comprehensive approach to treatment, which may include behavior modification plans, environmental management strategies, and, when necessary, the prescription of medications. Their ability to prescribe medication is a critical distinction from other behavior professionals, allowing for a more integrated treatment plan that addresses both the physiological and psychological aspects of behavior issues.
In essence, seeking the help of a Veterinary Behaviorist is recommended for pet guardians dealing with severe, persistent, or complex behavior issues in their pets, especially when these issues resist resolution through conventional training or behavior modification techniques. By choosing a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, pet guardians are ensuring their pets receive the highest standard of care, grounded in the latest scientific research and ethical practices, to improve their well-being and strengthen the human-animal bond.
Becoming a Veterinary Behaviorist, specifically a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist (Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, DACVB), requires a rigorous combination of veterinary education, specialized training, research, and clinical experience in the field of animal behavior. This path is designed for veterinarians who wish to specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral conditions in animals. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the qualifications and steps required to achieve this prestigious certification:
1. Veterinary Degree
- Earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent: The foundational step is to become a licensed veterinarian, which involves completing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from an accredited veterinary college and passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).
2. Clinical Experience
- General Clinical Practice: After earning their veterinary degree, candidates typically spend one or more years in general clinical practice to gain broad veterinary experience. This is an essential step before specializing in behavior.
3. Specialized Training
- Residency Program: The core of the specialization involves completing a residency in veterinary behavior. These programs are usually three years in length and are offered under the auspices of institutions accredited by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB). The residency includes intensive training in clinical behavior medicine, involvement in research, and academic study. Residents are required to gain experience in treating a wide range of behavioral issues across different species, although the focus is often on companion animals such as dogs and cats.
4. Research and Publication
- Conduct Original Research: Candidates must undertake original research in the field of veterinary behavior, which contributes new knowledge to the discipline. This research is expected to meet the standards of peer-reviewed publication.
- Publish in Scientific Journals: The results of the research must be published in reputable scientific journals. This requirement underscores the candidate’s ability to contribute academically to the field of veterinary behavior.
5. Certification Examination
- Pass the ACVB Examination: After completing their residency and meeting research publication requirements, candidates are eligible to sit for the board certification examination administered by the ACVB. This comprehensive exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in veterinary behavior medicine, covering a wide range of species and behavioral conditions. Passing this examination is the final step to becoming a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist.
6. Continuing Education
- Ongoing Learning: To maintain their certification, Veterinary Behaviorists must engage in continuous professional development to stay current with the latest scientific research and clinical practices in the field.
Ethical and Professional Standards
- Adhere to Professional Ethics: Veterinary Behaviorists are also expected to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in their practice, as defined by the ACVB and the broader veterinary community.
Achieving the status of a Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist (DACVB) is a testament to the veterinarian’s extensive education, specialized training, and commitment to advancing the field of animal behavior. Veterinary Behaviorists play a critical role in improving the lives of animals and their human companions by addressing complex behavioral issues with a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.
FIND A VETERINARY BEHAVIORIST NEAR YOU
UNITED STATES DACVB – American College of Veterinary Behaviorists Directory Listing by State.
Arizona Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Dr. Kelly Moffat, DVM, DACVB, Medical Director
Dr. Kelly Moffat, DVM, DACVB Visit Website >>
Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
36 Google reviews
Dr. Kelly Moffat is a veterinarian with a passion for animal behavior. She grew up on a livestock property in Gilbert, Arizona, and went on to earn a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 1993. She later pursued a residency in veterinary behavior and became the Medical Director of VCA Mesa Animal Hospital in 2004. Dr. Moffat balances general practice cases with her specialty in behavior consults and believes in low-stress and fear-free handling in veterinary clinics. In her free time, she loves spending time with her daughter and animals, jogging, and volunteering to help less fortunate people and animals.
VCA Mesa Animal Hospital
480-833-7330 (Phone)
480-833-0124 (Fax)
[email protected]
VCA Mesa Animal Hospital
858 N Country Club Dr
Mesa
Arizona
85201-4138
California Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Melissa Bain.
[email protected]
University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Davis
California
95616-5270
Jeannine Berger.
Monticello Veterinary Practice
Winters
California
95694-9645
Leslie L. Cooper.
[email protected]
Animal Behavior Counseling and Therapy
Davis
California
95616-1329
Rachel Malamed, DVM. Website
[email protected]
Los Angeles
California
90034-1627
Patrick Melese.
[email protected]
Veterinary Behavior Consultants
San Diego
California
Dr. Stefanie Schwartz. Website
[email protected]
ALISO VIEJO
California
92656
Sheila A. Segurson.
Maddie’s Fund
Pleasanton
California
94588
Liz Stelo.
University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine
Davis
California
95616-5270
Meredith Stepita.
[email protected]
Veterinary Behavior Specialists
DUBLIN
California
94568
Karen Sueda. Website
[email protected]
Karen Sueda Veterinary Behavior Inc
Los Angeles
California
90025-5620
Wailani Sung.
[email protected]
Bay Area Vet Behavior
Winters
California
94103-4217
Colorado Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
E’Lise Christensen
Behavior Vets of NYC and CO
Castle Rock
Colorado
80108
Ariel Fagen
The Veterinary Behavior Center
Boulder, Co.
80301
Connecticut Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Ellen M. Lindell, DACVB
Veterinary Behavior Consultations, PC
Asheville
North Carolina
28806-7743
North Haven
Connecticut
06473-2142
Florida Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Terry Marie Curtis
Self Employed
Gainesville
Florida
32608-1166
Soraya V. Juarbe-Diaz
Private practice
Lutz
Florida
33559-7385
Lisa Radosta
Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
Coral Springs
Florida
33071-6135
Stuart
Florida
34994-4619
West Palm Beach
Florida
33406-5814
Georgia Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Leticia Dantas
University of Georgia
Veterinary Medicine
Athens
Georgia
30602-5023
Sharon Crowel-Davis
University of Georgia
Athens
Georgia
30602-5023
Lynne M. Seibert
Veterinary Behavior Consultants LLC
Lawrenceville
Georgia
30044-7147
Illinois Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Kelly Ballantyne
Insight Animal Behavior Services
Chicago
Illinois
60607-2310
John Ciribassi
Ciribassi Veterinary Company
Carol Stream
Illinois
60188-4635
Colleen Koch
Lincoln Land Animal Clinic, Ltd
Jacksonville
Illinois
62650-3149
Indiana Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Niwako Ogata
Purdue University
West Lafayette
Indiana
47907-2026
Amanda Rigterink
Veterinary Behavior of Indiana
Carmel
Indiana
46032-1315
Maine Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Christine Calder
Calder Veterinary Behavior Services
North Waterboro
Maine
04061
Maryland Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Marsha Reich
Maryland Virginia Veterinary
Behavioral Consulting
Silver Spring
Maryland
20914-0394
Massachusetts Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Stephanie Borns-Weil
Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine
North Grafton
Massachusetts
01536-1828
Michigan Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Marie Hopfensperger
Michigan State University
East Lansing
Michigan
48824-6400
Jill Sackman
Animal Behavior Consultants of Michigan
Traverse City
Michigan
49685
Grand Rapids
Michigan
49505-4448
Novi
Michigan
48375-2462
Oxford
48371-5846
Minnesota Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Margaret M. Duxbury
Veterinary Behavior Specialties of Minnesota
Minnetonka
Minnesota
55305-4657
Missouri Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Colleen Koch
Missouri CVM
Wentzville
Missouri
63385-3437
New Jersey Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Shana Gilbert-Gregory
Mount Laurel Animal Hospital
Mount Laurel
New Jersey
08054-9568
Emily Levine
ABC of AERA
Englewood
New Jersey
07631
New York Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Elise Christensen
Behavior Vets of NYC, CO, NJ
New York
New York
10036-9025
Katherine Houpt
Cornell University
Ithaca
New York
14850-9535
North Carolina Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Sara L. Bennett
North Carolina State University Behavioral Medicine Service
Raleigh
North Carolina
27607-4065
Maggie O’Brian
Southeast Animal Behavior and Training
Charlotte
North Carolina
28214-7491
Margaret Gruen
North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine
Raleigh
North Carolina
27607-4065
Ohio Veterinary Behaviorists Directory
Elizabeth S. Feltes
The Behavior Clinic
Olmsted Falls
Ohio
44138
Leanne Lilly
The Ohio State University
Columbus
Ohio
43210-4007
Jillian Orlando
The Behavior Clinic
Olmsted Falls
Ohio
44138-2713
Oregon Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Dr. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB
Dr. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB Visit Website >>
Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Dr. Pachel received his veterinary degree from the University of MN in 2002 and became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 2010. He operated a house-call behavior practice in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area until 2010 and purchased the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, OR in 2011. He combines learning theory, medical training, and experience with compassion to tailor patient treatment plans. Dr. Pachel lectures and teaches veterinary behavior courses at universities. He has published research and book chapters and enjoys running, yoga, and traveling with his partner and dog.
Animal Behavior Clinic
503-236-7833 (Phone)
503-252-6481 (Fax)
[email protected]
Animal Behavior Clinic
809 SE Powel Blvd.
Portland, Oregon
97202-2531
Katherine Pankratz
Animal Behavior Clinic
Portland
97202-2531
Valli Parthasarathy
Synergy Behavior Solutions
Portland
Oregon
97210-2108
Pennsylvania Veterinary Behaviorists Directory
Laurie Bergman
Hickory Veterinary Hospital
Plymouth Meeting
Pennsylvania
19462-1005
Hagar Hauser
Metropolitan Veterinary Associates
Norristown
Pennsylvania
19403-2324
Karen L. Overall Visit Website >>
Humane Behavioral Care for Dogs
Glen Mills
Pennsylvania
19342-1655
Lena R. Provoost
University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine
PHILADELPHIA, PA
19104
Ilana Reisner
Reisner Veterinary Behavior Services, LLC
Wallingford
Pennsylvania
19086-6106
Carlo Siracusa
School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
19104-5052
Jacqueline Wilhelmy
Delaware Valley Veterinary Behavior, LLC
Philadelphia
Pennsylvania
19143-3672
Rhode Island Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Vint Virga
Veterinary Wildlife Behavior, Welfare, & Conservation
Providence
Rhode Island
South Carolina: N/A
South Dakota: N/A
Tennessee Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Julie Albright
University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine
Knoxville
Tennessee
37996-0001
Beth Strickler
Veterinary Behavior Solutions, PLLC
Chattanooga
Tennessee
37421-4139
Johnson City
Tennessee
37602-4185
Nashville
Tennessee
37204-4401
Texas Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Bonnie Beaver
Texas A&M University
College Station
Texas
77843-0001
Walter F. Burghardt, Jr, DVM, PhD, DACVB
Blue Pearl Specialty Pet Hospital
San Antonio
Texas
78258
Lore Haug
Texas Veterinary Behavior Services
Sugar Land
Texas
77479-1353
Kenneth Martin
Veterinary Behavior Consultations, LLC
Spicewood
Texas
78669-5813
Valarie V. Tynes, DVM, DACVB, DACAW
Premier Veterinary Behavior Services
Sweetwater
Texas
79556-1411
Utah: N/A
Vermont: N/A
Virginia Veterinary Behaviorists Directory.
Leslie Sin
Behavior Solutions, LLC
Ashburn
Virginia
20147-3144
Amy Pike
Animal Behavior Wellness Center
Fairfax
Virginia
22030
Directory of Veterinary Behaviorists for Australia, Canada, Germany, and Japan.
Find Veterinary Behaviorists in Australia.
Gabriel Carter
Good Pet Behaviour
Northcote
Melbourne
3070
Find Veterinary Behaviorists in Canada.
Karen L. Overall
Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI
Charlottetown
Prince Edward Is.
C1A 4P3
Isabelle Demontigny
Clinique vétérinaire Dollard
LaSalle
Quebec
H8N 1T3
Sabrina Poggiagliolmi
Centre Veterinaire DMV
Montreal
Quebec
H8T 3R2
Sagi Denenberg
North Toronto Veterinary Behaviour Specialty Clinic
THORNHILL
Ontario
L3T 2K9
Colleen Wilson
Philibert Wilson Professional Veterinary Organization
Ottawa
K4P 1R4
Trepheena Hunter
Wild Things Veterinary Behaviour Services
Rosanna
Victoria
3083
Marion Desmarchelier
Faculté de médecine vétérinaire – Université de Montréal
Saint-Hyacinthe
J2S 2 M2
Kersti Seksel and Associates Pty LTD
Seaforth
2092
Martin Godbout
Globalvet
Quebec City
Quebec
G1E 7H4
Karen van Haaften
ASPCA
Toronto
M5V 3L9
Kersti Seksel and Associates Pty LTD
Seaforth
2092
Trepheena Hunter
Wild Things Veterinary Behaviour Services
Rosanna
Victoria
3083
Marion Desmarchelier
Faculté de médecine vétérinaire – Université de Montréal
Saint-Hyacinthe
J2S 2 M2
Karen van Haaften
ASPCA
Toronto
M5V 3L9
Find Veterinary Behaviorists in Germany.
Desiree Broach
U.S. Army Behavioral Medicine
Kaiserslautern
Germany
67661
Find Veterinary Behaviorists in Japan.
Mami Irimajiri
Veterinary Specialists Emergency Center
Tokyo
165-0035
This webpage was last updated and published on July 3, 2024