Our Team
Animal Behavior Legal Experts (ABLE) is a national consortium of experienced animal behavior professionals providing expert witness and consulting services for legal matters involving animal behavior.
ABLE was founded to address a persistent gap in litigation and risk assessment: the difficulty attorneys face in locating qualified, independent, and credible animal behavior experts with real case experience. Our organization brings together vetted experts from across the nation under a single professional umbrella, making it easier for legal teams to identify, retain, and work with the right expert for their case.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide clear, evidence-based, and defensible expert analysis in cases or other legal issues involving animal behavior—while maintaining the highest standards of professional independence and ethical testimony.
ABLE supports attorneys, insurers, municipalities, shelters, veterinary professionals, and private parties by connecting them with experts who understand both animal behavior science and the demands of legal proceedings.
Founded by Dr. Mindy Waite
ABLE was founded by Dr. Mindy Waite, PhD, MS, CAAB, a board-certified applied animal behaviorist and experienced expert witness.
Dr. Waite serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Animal Behavior program at Carroll University and as an instructor in the Applied Animal Behavior and Welfare program at Virginia Tech. Her academic background spans genetics, molecular biology, and behavior analysis, with a research and applied focus on companion animal behavior, welfare, and evidence-based intervention.
In addition to her academic work, Dr. Waite has served as an expert witness in multiple animal behavior–related legal cases, including matters involving dog bites, animal shelter incidents, animal-related injury claims, and professional practice disputes. Her experience includes work for both plaintiffs and defendants, as well as deposition and rebuttal testimony.
This combination of scientific training, applied experience, and legal consulting informs ABLE’s standards for expert participation and testimony.
Our Credentials
Experts affiliated with ABLE may include board-certified applied animal behaviorists (CAABs), behavior analysts, veterinarians, and other experienced professionals whose qualifications and case experience meet our membership criteria.
Professional Standards
ABLE is committed to maintaining high standards of testimony, ethical practice, and professional conduct. Experts affiliated with ABLE are expected to provide opinions grounded in empirical evidence, professional training, and accepted practices within their field.
Learn how ABLE can support your cases.
(608) 571-3013