The Fear Free Animal Trainer Certification Program is open to training professionals who meet prerequisites that ensure a specific level of knowledge, education, and experience. Trainers seeking Fear Free Certification are highly encouraged to have experience working in a veterinary hospital/practice setting. Eligible trainers will meet the following prerequisites:

1. Passing score on the intake exam that tests baseline knowledge (preview the exam below)
2. Current certification with an approved organization and/or proof of completing an approved continuing education course from At least one of the following:

• Academy for Dog Trainers Graduate or have Academy for Dog Trainers Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC) from former SF SPCA program
• American College of Veterinary Behaviorists Diplomate (DACVB)
• Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer or Animal Behavior College Certified Cat Trainer
• Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB)
• Canine Training Technician (Accredited) (CTT-A)
• CATCH Canine Trainers Academy Certified Dog Trainer
• Certified Behavior Consultant through IAABC (Certified Behavior Consultant Certified in the Dog, Cat, Horse or Avian Species or Certified Shelter Behavior Professional
• Certified Behavior Counselor Canine (CBCC-KA)
• Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA)
• Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB)
• Delta Institute Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training
• Dogma Certified Behavior Consultant (DCBC)
• How Behavior Works: Living and Learning with Animals (Dr. Susan Friedman)
• Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
• Member of American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB)
• Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT)
• Professional Canine Behavior Consultant (Accredited) (PCBC-A) through the Pet Professional Accreditation Board
• Professional Canine Trainer (Accredited) (PCT-A)
• Professional Development Diploma in Canine Behavior Analysis and Counseling through the American College of Applied Science
• Veterinary Technician Specialist with Specialty in Behavior; VTS (Behavior
• Victoria Stilwell Academy Graduate or Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training approved member
• International trainers: If the organization you are certified/accredited with teaches the principles of ethical, humane, positive reinforcement training, such as the organizations listed here, proceed to register. Enter your organization under the bullet “other” listed in question one of the pre-requisite quiz. Fear Free will conduct research on the organization you listed, and if it does not teach the principles of ethical, humane, positive reinforcement training, we reserve the right to cancel your membership without refunding your fee.

To successfully complete the program and attain certification as a Fear Free animal trainer, all qualified registrants must:

• Pass each online module with a score of 80 percent or higher.
• Sign the Fear Free Pledge, a commitment to uphold a humane, emotionally protective code of conduct and ethical standard for pet care, training, and professionalism.

This certification program requires an annual membership renewal fee of $49. In order to keep your certification and membership active, 2 hours of Fear Free-specific CE and 2 hours of CE of your choice need to be completed annually. CE can be easily recorded in our convenient CE Tracker within your account.

With every annual renewal, you will have unlimited access to a number of complimentary courses available for Fear Free Certified Animal Trainers to facilitate the CE requirement.

Maintaining Fear Free Certification also requires remaining in good standing with the Fear Free organization by upholding ethical standards and codes of conduct.