Join Us in Our Mission to Professionalize the Pet Industry Through Ethics, Consumer Protections and Professional Competency |
The professional growth and improvement of the pet training and services industry depend upon a recognition that the varied sectors found within the industry must be based, first and foremost, on respect for the animals in our care, the people we serve, and our colleagues.
This means PIAI member organizations must continually seek to establish the highest ethical standards for their individual members. The PIAI outlines below key areas to be included in their organizations Code of Conduct Policy.
The Code of Ethical Conduct applies to all organization members and commits all organizations to comply fully with the standards, codes, rules, and procedures of said organization.
Please note that a lack of knowledge about, or misunderstanding of, this Code is not in itself a defense against a breach of ethical conduct.
e) Members act legally, ethically, and morally in all personal and business operations with the general public at large by abiding with local, state, and federal laws regarding animal cruelty and all business practices, including personal conduct. Members will obey the law of the land in which they operate.
f) The PIAI prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind and is committed to the principle of equal opportunity for all employees, members, volunteers, and contractors. The PIAI is committed to providing a business and work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All PIAI business decisions are based on its business needs, mission, Guiding Principles, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; gender, sex (including pregnancy, gender reassignment, and maternity), age, physical, mental or sensory disability; HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; marital, civil union, or domestic partnership status; past or present military service; family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status; or any other status protected by law.g) Members will work with their clients to develop realistic, measurable, achievable outcome and behavior change goals for both the pet and the guardian regarding the training program and its planned and intended results.
h) Members recognize and accept that, when implemented, their marketing and business practices may significantly impact guardians and their pets emotionally, environmentally, physically, and psychologically. As such, members agree that it is imperative they operate to a high standard of moral code in terms of business transparency and consumer protection. Members agree to be honest and transparent in their business marketing. This includes but is not limited to:k) Members agree to rely on up-to-date science, within the permits of the PIAI’s Guiding Principles, rather than hearsay, myth, misconception, and misinformation, to lead the charge on how they will be performing their services.
l) By joining the PIAI, members agree to the PIAI’s standards, codes of practice, education, and training philosophies. Failure to abide by the Guiding Principles and the Code of Ethical Conduct may result in sanctions up to and including the termination of the individual’s membership.PIAI organizational members must have an ethics review process in place with a confidential and professional reporting procedure. If the PIAI receives an ethical complaint regarding a member of a PIAI organization, the ethics complaint will be referred to the home organization for review. The process followed by the organization must fall in line with this recommended procedure.
Reports of alleged membership violations must be handled according to this policy. Complaints must be limited to alleged violations of the organization’s ethical code of conduct. The responsibility for the investigation of alleged membership violations is designated to the Chair and Committee Members of the organization’s Ethics Committee.
About the coalitionThe Pet Industry Advocacy International (PIAI) believes there is a need for a high level of oversight in the pet industry across all professional disciplines. Licensing has been a proposed option, but licensing without a strong underlying ethical code of conduct and a minimum standard for knowledge and skills of service providers does not provide the protection and level of service needed by pet owners and their pets | ContactsEmail: Support@PetAdvocacy.info |