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.

Directory Listing for DACVB - American College of Veterinary Behaviorists Directory Listing. Search. Find a Veterinary Behaviorist Near You


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

Veterinary Behaviorist Near Phoenix Arizona Dr. Kelly Moffat

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.                    

University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine

Davis
California
95616-5270

Jeannine Berger.                               

Monticello Veterinary Practice

Winters
California
95694-9645

Leslie L. Cooper.                  

Animal Behavior Counseling and Therapy

Davis
California
95616-1329

Rachel Malamed, DVM.           

Los Angeles
California
90034-1627

Patrick Melese.                         

Veterinary Behavior Consultants

San Diego
California

Dr. Stefanie Schwartz.               

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.                          

Veterinary Behavior Specialists

DUBLIN
California
94568

Karen Sueda.                                 

VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital

Los Angeles
California
90025-5620

Wailani Sung.                                   

San Francisco SPCA

San Francisco
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 March 1, 2024