Become an Associate of
The Canine and Feline Behaviour Association

NOTES FOR APPLICANTS:  ASSOCIATE

Canine & Feline Behaviour is primarily a vocation. As such we do take on board a persons professional experience in granting associate membership level.

There are many reasons why becoming a canine and/or feline behaviour practitioner is an increasingly popular choice of career for a wide range of skilled and talented people. It also is very open to all ages and especially attractive to people with life skills. It is a rewarding profession in more ways than one, offering fantastic career prospects and development opportunities in addition to other benefits. Without doubt passion should be a part of the applicants reason for wanting a new career or a career change.

In this section you can find out what a career in Canine or Feline Behaviour has to offer, and learn about the routes available if you want to begin a career in. 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 Fellows.

Applications will be considered from individuals who are engaged in general dog behaviour (cat behaviour were appropriate) and have at least 2 years' experience in all dog behaviour and related dog training/behaviour rehabilitation techniques in solving behavioural problems. Applicants are deemed to have agreed to the Code of Practice which may be amended from time to time by the Board of Fellows. Very experienced professional full-time practitioners with considerable experience and a proven success record can be considered via interview, supported by specific evidence.

Canine Entry Requirements

Minimum of two years' practical experience in canine behaviour, supported by written evidence as requested by the CFBA. In some cases substantial vocational practice knowledge combined with quantitative experience may be sufficient to meet the criteria for acceptance as an an associate. Other relevant academic qualifications may be considered if these relate to the canine applications plus:

Agree to continuing professional development.

Supply a specific number of signed consultation references

Agree that the CFBA can verify all information supplied

and / or

Mandatory Cambridge Institute Courses:

Common Canine Behaviour Problems

Understanding Dog Aggression

Agree to continuing professional development

Supply a specific number of signed consultation references

Feline Entry Requirements

Minimum of two years' practical experience in feline behaviour, supported by written evidence as requested by the CFBA. In some cases substantial vocational practice knowledge combined with quantitative experience may be sufficient to meet the criteria for acceptance as an associate. Other relevant academic qualifications may be considered if these relate to the application in addition to:

Agree to continuing professional development.

Supply a specific number of signed consultation references

Agree that the CFBA can verify all information supplied

and / or

Minimum of one year of practical experience in feline behaviour, supported by written evidence as requested by the CFBA

AND  have completed Feline Studies Foundation Module in addition to practical experience.

Agree to continuing professional development

Supply a specific number of signed consultation references

Agree that the CFBA can verify all information supplied

General information

All associate level applicants will continue to study dog (cat behaviour where applicable) to further their knowledge and continuous improvement. Applicants may, for example, be students or have changed from a part-time to full-time career in dog behaviour and training. Equally, they may be active in local dog organisations, welfare, rescue or training operations. They may be in the process of accumulating and completing a number of canine behaviour and training courses towards full membership.

Applications should try and get the support of a full member of the CFBA who has knowledge of the applicant's present level of competence and work to date. A list of current members is available on this site. (Current Members).

Applications are considered by the Association's Fellows' board, which has authority to request further references if it deems necessary. The final decision on an application is made by the CFBA Fellows.

The CFBA uses the Pet Education Training & Behaviour Councils (PETbc) roles descriptions (widely  accepted in Britain as a a standard of canine occupation descriptions)  when considering all applications for canines only. Click to read the PETbc national role description of a canine behaviour practitioner.

Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. They will be considered at the next meeting of the Fellows' board, which meets regularly. Applicants and if applicable their referees will be informed once a decision has been made on an application.

Applicants who are elected to Associate status of the CFBA may subsequently apply for Full Membership.

The current subscription for Membership is £65.00.

Further details about the CFBA and the entitlements of Associates are provided within this site.

How to Apply

Complete our initial Enquiry 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 inform you of the next stage in the application process.