This guide contains the list of books and journals recommended as study materials for the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) examination.
"The ACVB has developed the Suggested Reading List for individuals applying for membership to serve as a general reading list of behavioral information... The intent of this more specific list is to help guide Candidates towards the more pertinent books that will assist them in preparing for the examination. This list is not intended to suggest that the Candidate should read every book on ethology or every book on learning theory, but rather to demonstrate the breadth and scope of veterinary behavior. Neither list should be construed as a commitment regarding specific examination material. For the purposes of studying for the ACVB examination, it is suggested that a Candidate review texts pertaining to general principles of behavior as well as species specific material, then use other books to fill in clinical information. Current texts in the fields of internal medicine, neurology, and neuroscience (Kandel et al) should also be reviewed with emphasis on veterinary behavior. More timely material, available in periodicals listed below, should be consulted as well. Refer to the general reading list for additional references."
Source: ACVB Applicant Packet, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
This resource updated: 4/24/2024
Textbooks updated to most recent edition: 11/15/2022
Source reading list reviewed: 4/24/2024
Source reading list updated by specialty board: 02/2024
The Wiley Blackwell Handbook of Operant and Classical Conditioning by 
Principles of Neural Science, Sixth Edition by 
An Introduction to Behavioral Endocrinology, Sixth Edition by 
The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychopharmacology by 
Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology by 
BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Behavioural Medicine by 
Blackwell's Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion by 
Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats by 
Dogs: A Startling New Understanding of Canine Origin, Behavior, and Evolution by 
Domestic Animal Behavior for Veterinarians and Animal Scientists by 
Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training by 
Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training by 
Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training by 
Genetics and the Social Behavior of the Dog by 
The Domestic Cat: The Biology of Its Behaviour by 
Horse Behavior: The Behavioral Traits and Adaptations of Domestic and Wild Horses Including Ponies by 
The Behavior Guide to African Mammals: Including Hoofed Mammals, Carnivores, Primates by 
Wild Mammals in Captivity: Principles and Techniques for Zoo Management by 
Genetics and the Behavior of Domestic Animals by 
Sociobiology: The New Synthesis by 
Observing Animal Behaviour: Design and Analysis of Quantitative Data by 
Stereotypic Animal Behaviour: Fundamentals and Applications to Welfare by 
Comfortable Quarters for Laboratory Animals by Taking Better Care of Monkeys and Apes by 
Shelter Medicine for Veterinarians and Staff by 
."Candidates are expected to be familiar with the classic and current behavior literature from various journal sources. The list should not be considered all-inclusive. Candidates are encouraged to search other journals for current behavioral studies."
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