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PPG Publishes Code of Ethical Conduct The Pet Professional Guild, to meet current challenges faced by the pet services industry, has reviewed and revised its position on professional ethical conduct. This new Ethical Code of Conduct is a supplement to the organization’s robust and forward thinking Guiding Principles which are specific and measurable, and provide a clear way forward for the industry and its membership while supporting professional autonomy and without sacrificing unambiguous ethical guidelines regarding tools, equipment, philosophy and approach.
Preamble The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) recognizes the need for a level of oversight in the pet training and services industry, specifically regarding business prac tices, transparency, and marketing. The professional growth and improvement of the pet industry depends upon a recognition that the varied sectors found within the industry must be based first and foremost on a respect for the animals in our care, the people we serve, and our colleagues. We must seek to establish the highest ethical standards by adhering to PPG’s Guiding Principles and satisfying the needs of our clients in a professional, proficient and ethical way. Acceptance of and adherence to this Code of Ethical Conduct is an eligibility requirement for PPG members.
Application of the Code The Code of Ethical Conduct applies to all member levels of PPG and com mits all members to comply fully with the standards, codes, rules and proce dures of the 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.
Personal Code of Conduct 1. Members consider the emotional, physical and environmental well‐ being of each client, i.e. both the pet and the guardian/ owner/care‐ taker of the pet, in all actions. 2. Members do not condone or endorse any treatment by a pet’s guardian that in any way compromises the pet’s physical or mental well‐being. PPG members will not be party to any such acts. ➢ If a guardian insists on any treatment that in any way compromises the pet’s physical or mental wellbeing, it is the member’s duty and re sponsibility, after discussion with the guardian, to terminate the rela tionship if agreement cannot be reached. ➢ Members must opt out of a consulting agreement rather than at tempt to manage an unethical course of action. 3. Members consult within the boundaries of their own competence. ➢ Members will refer to likeminded professionals whose knowledge and/or skill level is appropriate to the needs of the individual training or behavior case.
➢ To this end, it is the member’s duty and responsibility to pursue on going education and to remain fully knowledgeable of current best prac tices and research. 6. Members recognize that guardians are responsible for their pets and therefore have the right to make decisions about the professional treatment of their pets. ➢ Members are bound to honor the guardian’s wishes or may choose to withdraw from the consultation should opinions conflict. 7. Members ensure that all communications are professional and based on fact. ➢ Members ensure that all communications are clear to the client by using plain language or by ensuring adequate explanation of terms used. ➢ Members also ensure that all communications are considered confi dential unless required by law to be shared with appropriate authori ties. s Members seek clients’ written permission if information, includ ing but not limited to photos, videos, persons associated with clients and/or their pets, is to be shared with other professionals. Client anonymity is essential if client case studies are to be used for educational purposes. s Confidentiality may only be breached in such cases where animal cruelty or welfare laws are contravened and the client cannot be dissuaded from using their current approach with immediate ef fect. 8. Members discuss, disagree with, or recommend industry practices and trends based on best practice and current scientific literature. ➢ Members may disagree with other members’ methods and/or their practices, but they must refrain from ad hominem attacks. ➢ Members ensure communication with colleagues and clients re mains informed, objective, and civil.
Business Practices 4. Members do not attempt or speak to or diagnose any illness or make any references to a diagnosis or medical treatment. ➢ The member will always recommend to the pet’s guardian that any problem related to illness or the possible need for diagnosis will be referred to an appropriate veterinary professional. 5. Members use procedures, protocols and training tools that are empiri‐ cally based and have a proven track record.
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BARKS from the Guild/July 2020
9. Members agree to adhere to PPG’s Guiding Principles and the non‐ne‐ gotiables stated therein. Members also agree to the Best Practices laid out in the definitions of “force” and “force‐free.” 10. Members ensure that consent from a guardian to work with their pet is informed by clear explanations of the nature and purpose of the methods and/or equipment they intend to use. Similarly, members en‐ sure that they offer explanations and answer questions as to why they will not use or recommend certain methods and/or equipment.
