: Assessing an animal's physical and mental state through biological functioning (health), naturalness (ability to express natural behaviors), and affective states (emotions like fear or pleasure). American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) Educational Pathway

In veterinary science, behavior is often the first clinical sign of a physical ailment. A cat that stops grooming might be suffering from arthritis; a dog that becomes suddenly aggressive might be experiencing neurological pain. By integrating behavioral science, veterinarians can diagnose underlying medical issues much faster than through physical exams alone. Why Behavior Matters in the Clinic

The separation of is an artificial relic of 20th-century thinking. In reality, a behavior is a clinical sign. A phobia is a medical condition. And a training problem is often a pain problem.

Low-Stress Handling techniques (e.g., Fear Free®) are based on behavioral principles.