🐾 American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB)

Official Application & Residency Portal

Advancing the Behavioral Health of Animals Through Science, Education, and Clinical Practice

Welcome to the ACVB Application Portal

The American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) is the certifying board for veterinarians who are specialty trained to advance the behavioral health of animals through clinical practice, research, and science-based behavior education.

Through this portal, applicants can:

• Apply for Residency Program approval (Individual or Institutional)

• Submit Case Reports, Program Logs, and Training Documentation

• Complete the Board Examination Application

About the ACVB

The ACVB is the AVMA-recognized veterinary specialty organization responsible for certifying veterinary behaviorists. The College undergoes a comprehensive evaluation every three years by the American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) to maintain its high standards for certification.

ACVB Diplomates:

• Assess the relationship between a patient’s health and behavior

• Provide clinical treatment for behavior concerns in all animal species

• Have in-depth knowledge of psychotropic medications and are licensed to prescribe them

• Conduct peer-reviewed research in behavioral medicine

• Educate veterinarians, students, and the public worldwide

• Mentor the next generation of veterinary behavior specialists

Eligibility Overview

To become an ACVB Diplomate, candidates must:

1. Graduate from an accredited veterinary school and hold a valid veterinary license

2. Complete a rotating internship or its equivalent

3. Complete an approved Behavior Residency Program, either:

   • Through one of the Institutional Residency Programs listed below, or

   • Via an Individual Residency Training Program under a qualified ACVB Diplomate mentor

4. Complete supervised behavioral caseload requirements:

   • First 25 cases directly observed

   • 25 of the next 50 under supervision

   • Ongoing supervision across all 400 required cases

5. Author and publish a peer-reviewed research paper

6. Author and publish a peer-reviewed case report

7. Apply and pass the comprehensive two-day ACVB Board Examination

Successful completion of these steps grants Diplomate status and the ability to use the designations:
Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist, Veterinary Behavior Specialist, or Veterinary Behaviorist.

Approved Institutional Programs

• Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine

• LTC Daniel E. Holland Military Working Dog Veterinary Hospital

• North Carolina State University

• Purdue University

• The Ohio State University

• University of California–Davis

• University of Montreal

• University of Pennsylvania

• University of Prince Edward Island

• University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

• Tufts University

• The Animal Behavior Wellness Center

Steps to Apply

1. Review Requirements

Download the Applicant Packet and Policies & Procedures before beginning.

2. Register as a Resident

Identify a mentor (for Individual Residency) via the Diplomate Directory, then submit the Resident Registration Form and applicable fee.

3. Submit Program for Approval

Use the Individual or Institutional Program Application forms to submit your training plan to the Specialty Training Committee.

4. Complete Program

Use the Completed Program Application to submit required documents including case logs, program logs, rotation records, and verification forms.

5. Apply for Examination

Submit the Application for Examination and pay the Board Examination Fee when eligible.

Important Certification Documents

• Applicant Packet

• Application for Examination

• Behavior Residency Program Applications (Individual & Institutional)

• Certification Policies and Procedures

• Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct

• Case Summary Report Example

• Residency Policy and Module Sheet

• Examination Blueprint

• Testing Accommodations Request

• Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Credentials Committee

  • Examination Committees

Support & Contact

For application or residency questions, contact:
📧 info@dacvb.org
Response Time: 2–3 business days
Need a mentor? Visit the Diplomate Directory for networking opportunities.

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