Currently in the UK anyone can practice as a pet behaviour counsellor whether they have any qualifications and experience or not.  However, there are moves afoot to put pressure on government to regulate the profession.  The Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTCouncil) is a newly formed regulatory body that represents animal trainers and animal behaviour therapists to both the public and to legislative bodies.  It sets and maintains the standards of knowledge and practical skills needed to be an animal trainer or animal behaviour therapist, and it will maintain the national register of appropriately qualified animal trainers and animal behaviourists.  The ABTCouncil imposes a minimum degree standard and supervised experience to practice as a behaviourist.  An annual CPD (continued professional development) requirement is expected from the membership bodies.

The APBC, the UKRCB and ASAB are affiliated to the council and members of these organisations fulfill the ABTCouncil criteria. I am a member of all three of these organisations.  If you choose a properly qualified behaviourist your insurance company might pay the bill, which is another good reason for choosing 4-legs-good!

See about for details of qualifications.