About the ABC

History of the ABC

The ABC was founded in February 1994 out of the need to give southern African behaviourists a professional governing body. Membership is open to the public, as well as animal behaviour consultants™©. Owners of companion animals can consult ABC accredited practitioners with confidence, as they adhere to a code of ethics.

Accredited Consultants

All of our accredited members undergo a rigorous application procedure prior to receiving their species specific accreditation. The accreditation criteria are stringent and extensive, thereby ensuring the highest levels of knowledge, professionalism and integrity.

View a complete listing of the accredited consultants.

Membership

Membership of the ABC is open to all. Various categories of membership exist. Visit the Membership Page email our Membership Secretary - secretary@animal-behaviour.co.za for further details.

Code Of Ethics

ABC members resolve at all times to:

• Offer services for which they are suitably qualified, in a professional manner. If a case is beyond a consultant's scope of expertise or experience, it is expected that consultants refer such cases to a suitably experienced or qualified colleague, or work in liaison with such consultant.
• Treat clientele with honesty, confidentiality, understanding and compassion, and ensure the client is not misled or exploited.
  
• Treat the animal (where applicable) in liaison with the referring veterinarian, and be aware of any potential behaviour problems that may be associated with a physiological cause. When indicated, prior to a consultation, the consultant should recommend that the client consult with their veterinarian in order to rule out or confirm such a possibility.
  
• Ensure that the behaviour problem is thoroughly investigated and the animal concerned fully evaluated.
• Offer advice, which is practical, and appropriate for each individual case. Such advice should be based on practical, up to date scientific applications and practices.
• Avoid any method of treatment, equipment or techniques that inflict physical pain, intimidation, and / or cause undue psychological/physiological distress.
• Use methods of behaviour modification and/or training that do not contravene any section of the Animal Protection Act No 71 of 1962.
• Encourage responsible companion animal ownership and education, and promote awareness of animal behaviour wherever possible.
  
• Continue to further their own education in their respective animal behaviour field, and keep abreast of new developments in this science
• Become familiar and liaise with all relevant aspects of animal industry.
• Maintain a professional relationship with other organisations in the same field, and encourage positive interaction and cooperation between organisations, and treat all professionals, regardless of affiliation with respect.
• Avoid any actions, which may discredit the A.B.C. or any of its members.