What is The ABT Role?
The Animal Behaviour Technician role relates to the design and implementation of programmes to provide preventative and first-aid behavioural advice. This Standard also includes the implementation of behaviour modification and/or environmental modification plans, developed by a Clinical Animal Behaviourist or Veterinary Behaviourist following assessment/evaluation of an animal by that same CAB or VB.
The ABT Standard is suitable for those working in the animal care sector, with responsibility for managing humane approaches to the behaviour of animals:
• Veterinary nurses (working with any species)
• Practitioners working in a rescue setting (working with any species)
• Practitioners working in private practice (working with any species)
All of whom may do the following:
• Design and/or implement procedures to safeguard against the development of problem behaviours.
• Provide preventative advice to owners/handlers, and co-professionals.
• Provide behavioural first-aid advice to owners/handlers prior to referral to a suitably qualified practitioner.
• Implement a behaviour modification plan developed by a CAB or VB, following an assessment/evaluation by that same CAB or VB (who may be onsite or external). This could be alongside the CAB/VB or independently – as agreed by both parties.
For a more detailed overview please refer to the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) ABT Standard.
Step One – Download Application Information Guidelines
If you are considering applying for ABT via our assessment process, please download and read the following document which details the full application process from start to finish, guidelines for your written and video evidence submission and a detailed breakdown of the Performance Criteria you will be assessed against.
Step Two – Register Interest
We ask that you register interest in applying at least 2 months in advance of assessment by contacting info@apbc.org.uk. This allows time for evidence to be submitted and appropriate allocation of assessors for each application window. For further information please visit the Assessment page.
Step Three – Gather And Submit Evidence
If you are unsure how best to complete the documentation and submit your case records we have a range of materials to help support and guide you. Using the following links you will find examples of complete case records, our Q&A video for further information about the assessment process and additional supporting materials (ABT Checklist, Video Consent Form and ABT Application Information guidance booklet).
If you would like additional guidance on this step from a member of the Assessment Team please consider working with one of our APBC Assessment Application Tutors. This service is available for Provisional APBC members only
Step Four – Assessment of Evidence And Oral Interviews
Your submission will be assessed by two members of our Assessment Team. You will be given constructive feedback regarding your written and video evidence and invited to discuss your case records in more detail at oral interview. Assessors may require up to 3 oral interviews to ensure all Performance Criteria have been fully met.
Step Five – Assessment Result
On successful completion of your assessment you will have demonstrated the Performance Criteria required to become an ABT. You can then complete your application to become a full member of the APBC.