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Veterinary Specialty Boards Reading Lists, Washington State University

Compiled reading lists designed to assist veterinary residents with preparation for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Recognized Specialty Veterinary Organizations (RSVOs) examinations.

American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) Reading List

This is only a convenience copy of the ACVB reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVB reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVB reading list.

This guide contains the list of books and journals recommended as study materials for the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) examination.

Residents are responsible for ensuring they are using the correct edition of a book for the exam.

Please ask your librarian, mentor, or specialty board examination committee if questions arise.

"The ACVB has developed the Suggested Reading List for individuals applying for membership to serve as a general reading list of behavioral information. Suggested readings are indicated by an asterisk (*). 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 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 (Lorenz or Chrisman et al), and neuroscience (Bear et al or 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: Section IV, ACVB Applicant Packet, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists

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This resource updated: 05/24/2023

Source reading list reviewed: 5/24/2023

Source reading list updated by specialty board: 2019

This is only a convenience copy of the ACVB reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVB reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVB reading list.
This is only a convenience copy of the ACVB reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVB reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVB reading list.
This is only a convenience copy of the ACVB reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVB reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVB reading list.
This is only a convenience copy of the ACVB reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVB reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVB reading list.
This is only a convenience copy of the ACVB reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVB reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVB reading list.
This is only a convenience copy of the ACVB reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVB reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVB reading list.
This is only a convenience copy of the ACVB reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVB reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVB reading list.
This is only a convenience copy of the ACVB reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVB reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVB reading list.
This is only a convenience copy of the ACVB reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVB reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVB reading list.
This is only a convenience copy of the ACVB reading list to help find copies of reading materials in local libraries.  It does not replace the official ACVB reading list. Candidates are responsible for ensuring they use the latest ACVB reading list.

"Because scientific knowledge expands and changes, Candidates are also expected to remain current regarding scientific literature pertinent to the veterinary behavior field. This includes research in a variety of fields beyond clinical veterinary behavior. The Candidate should possess the ability to determine whether an article is of clinical significance or not. Journals listed below are particularly significant. Papers relevant to clinical case management should be emphasized. The list should not be considered all-inclusive."

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