The Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) is delighted to announce a new Chairperson, Committee and Veterinary Patrons to progress the organisation’s mission in upholding the highest professional standards of clinical animal behaviour therapy whilst promoting the essential relationship between the veterinary surgeon and the behaviourist.
Dr Anne McBride, Chairperson, says: “I have been involved with the APBC since its beginning over 30 years ago, so I am delighted to be at the helm at this exciting time for the Association. I’m dedicated to the goal of raising the professional status of trainers and behaviourists, believing it to be a crucial part of the overall puzzle of improving the welfare of animals and of those who interact with them. The APBC is a proud member of the Animal Behaviour and Training Council and keen to continue to help progress its work to attain paraprofessional accreditation with the RCVS.” Anne is an Honorary Associate Member of the BSAVA, Honorary Associate Professor in the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Nottingham, and Honorary Associate Member of the BVNA. She is also a Trustee of the regulatory body the Animal Behaviour and Training Council.
“The APBC is approved by the regulatory body to assess individuals as Clinical Animal Behaviourists. Its assessment process is designed to be both accessible and rigorous, an assurance that candidates meet the Clinical Animal Behaviour standard set by the Animal Behaviour and Training Council,” continues Anne. “Candidates who are assessed by the APBC will go through a fair, transparent process which is designed to assess practical skills, including relevant human counselling skills, as well as knowledge and understanding of different animal behaviour issues.”
The APBC’s Veterinary Liaison Officer is Dr Emma Hatton MRCVS. Emma aims to continue to build the relationship between the vet team and behaviourists, alongside new veterinary patrons; Dr James Greenwood and Dr Cat Henstridge. As with owners, it can be difficult for veterinary surgeons to know who to refer behaviour cases to. “Having a leading organisation for clinical animal behaviourists is particularly important due to the current lack of regulation for trainers and behaviourists,” explains Emma, “which can have huge welfare implications for the animals involved.”
Webinars and an upcoming series of species-specific virtual conferences are aimed at both the veterinary team and practicing and student behaviourists. The Association has also devised a social media campaign targeted at owners so that they know who to contact for help, with informative videos such as an “Ask the Expert” series, as well as promoting existing APBC members.
The new APBC committee consists of Anne Mcbride (Chairperson), Nicole Harris (Company Secretary), Elaine Henley (Treasurer; Head of Events) Ingrid Haskal (Vice Chair) Jane Williams (Mentor and Assessment Officer), Debbie Emmerson (Applications Officer; ABTC Rep), Emma Hatton (Veterinary Liaison Officer), Nicola Chamberlain (Equine Officer; Legal Officer), Danielle Beck (Events Officer; ABTC Rep), Samantha Bailey (Technical Officer), Lauren Watts (Social Media and Marketing Officer) and Rosie Bescoby (Social Media Officer; Press and Media Officer). There is a wide-reaching range of talents and skills to bring together the interests of the whole APBC for the future.
If you are looking for a local behaviourist to refer cases to, would like to find out more about regulation or are interested in becoming a member (and receive discounts on all events including webinars and conferences) visit the website.
