Become a Member of The Canine and Feline Behaviour Association

NOTES FOR APPLICANTS: MEMBER

Canine Behaviour is primarily a vocation skill not a science. As such we do take on board a persons professional experience in granting membership.

Persons, when applying, are deemed to have agreed to the Code of Practice which may be amended from time to time by the Board of Governors. Substantial evidence of 5 years' practical experience, communication skills and case studies are the minimum requirements for full membership.

Practical Experience

Proven ability of dog training skills, minimum of 5yrs full-time. (Multiple breeds)

Service or ex-service dog handlers / trainers

[Police, Armed Forces, Customs & Excise etc.]

Professional Trainers

[Dogs trained for people with various disabilities e.g. Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs etc.] or those who have trained/competed and obtained Kennel Club awards. [Obedience up to Class 'B', / Working Trials up to WD, / Field Trials award]

Feline Applicants will require Cambridge Institute Courses;

PBC422, PBC423, PBC424 and PBC425 combined with previous practical experience

Communication Skills

Academic qualification, HND or Degree in Human Psychology, Psychotherapy, Counselling.
or Qualified RSPCA inspector,
or Qualified Environmental Officer
[NVQ level 3 in Animal Welfare specialising in investigations into nuisance, abuse of, or harm to animals]
or Instructional Qualification canine/human [Service, Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs etc]
British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers [Advanced Grade]

Written Evidence

Ten Case studies - full information on client and behavioural advice/ program. This will be a part of the CFBA application binder

Follow Up procedures

Post the consultation please state clearly in writing how you monitor the case what system you have in place to contact the client and at what intervals.

DV Filming

Submit evidence on a DV Tape, which demonstrates you talking/conducting a consultation with a client for at least one hour. The tape must be dated and the clients contact details to be included. Also a letter from the client giving their permission for us to view the said tape. These are non returnable items.

Your literature

We require copies of your leaflets or leaflet hand-outs which you give to people and commensurate with the pet/advice/you have given. If the author of the handouts is not you, the original author of the handout must be credited therein.

Membership of other organisations may at the discretion of the Governors be credited towards your qualification for membership.

Interview / Assessment

All applicants may be interviewed at the discretion of the Governors. Applicants will have to provide all relevant documentation and direct references to support previously submitted documents. All interview assessments will be filmed as a genuine record of the interview and what was said. The film is the property/copyright of the CFBA.

The applicant will have to demonstrate their ability to:
• Interview a client
• Gather information
• Assess Dog/Cat Behaviour
• Assess - Client's psychological requirements and expectations
• Analyse problem/s observed
• Advise and offer a behavioural modification and or training program

Yearly membership subscription is £175.00

In essence a full membership applicant should have:

5 years full time field work experience and or

Academic qualification in Dog and or Cat behaviour (not animal behaviour)

A HE Certificate in Canine Behaviour from Middlesex University/ CIDBT

Click here to read what the national PETbc work role of a canine Behaviour practitioner is:

How to Apply

Complete our Application Form.

This is available at the link below and can either be completed on-line or printed and completed by hand.

Obtain a CFBA Application Form here

Send this to CFBA at the address indicated on the form.

By return the CFBA will:

Send you a full brochure and application folder
You complete and return this to the CFBA Head Office
We will offer you help if required to complete the forms therein