Companion Animal Professional” means a practitioner who has agreed to abide by the ethics, holds minimum qualifications and experience and renders the professional standards of service as envisaged by the SABCAP Constitution.

“Companion Animal” means any animal living in the company of people and provides companionship to humans and includes but is not limited to canine, feline, avian and equine species.

“Aversive Stimuli” refers to anything used to intentionally induce an unpleasant or uncomfortable experiences to bring about, discourage or suppress behaviours in any way that may compromise the animal’s physical, psychological, or emotional health. This includes but is not limited to physical discomfort, loud noises, or anything the animal finds distressing or painful or may lead to fear, anxiety, and a breakdown of trust between the animal and trainer or the animal and their guardian.

“Aversives” refer to , but may not be limited to, tools and methods such as :

• Choke chains

• Prong collars

• Electric collars

• Slip leashes outside of emergency/welfare contexts

• Ultra sonic anti barking devices – collar or free standing

• “Invisible” fences or “pet fences” or any barriers designed for the express purpose of using shock to modify unwanted behaviour.

• Scat mats

• Spray bottles/ “pet correctors” / shake cans.

• Citronella or “anti-bark” collars

• Physical actions such as ear pinching, smacking, “alpha rolling” , helicoptering ,

or any form of intimidation.

“Reward -based/ motivational methods” refers to food, praise, play, or anything the animal finds motivating and aims to build trust and encourages a positive relationship between the trainer/guardian and the animal.

“Force and Fear-Free Methods” refer to training techniques that avoid the use of physical punishment, intimidation, or any form of coercion.

PLEDGE

As a companion animal professional, I recognize the importance of ethical conduct in all aspects of my work. I am committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and compassion in my interactions with animals, clients, colleagues, and the community. To fulfill this commitment, I pledge to abide by the membership category standards that I have subscribed to, and adhere to the following principles:

1. Animal Welfare: I prioritize the well-being and welfare of companion animals above all else. I will provide care, veterinary treatment, husbandry, and housing that meets the physical, mental, and emotional needs of each individual animal under my supervision.

2. Humane Treatment: I will treat all animals with kindness, respect, and compassion, recognizing animals as sentient beings with inherent value and rights. I will never engage in any form of cruelty, neglect, or abuse towards animals. I avoid the use of aversive stimuli and maximize the effective use of reward based, motivational, fear and force free methods in my practice.

3. Client Education: I will educate clients about responsible pet ownership, including proper care, training, and behaviour management techniques. I will strive to empower clients to make informed decisions that benefit the welfare of their companion animals within my specific field of training and expertise.

4. Professional Competence: I will maintain and enhance my knowledge, skills, and expertise through ongoing education, training, and professional development opportunities. I will only provide services and education within the scope of my competence and qualifications.

5. Honesty and Integrity: I will conduct myself with honesty, integrity, and transparency in all professional interactions. I will provide accurate and truthful information to clients, colleagues, and the public, and will refrain from engaging in deceptive or misleading practices.

6. Confidentiality: I will respect the privacy and confidentiality of clients and their companion animals, safeguarding sensitive information shared in the course of my work. I will only disclose confidential information with the consent of the client or as required by law.

7. Professional Collaboration: I will collaborate with other professionals in the best interest of the animals and clients I serve. I will communicate effectively, respectfully, and collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. I undertake to refrain from undermining, criticising or purposefully and intentionally harming the reputation of colleagues or other professionals in public or in private.

8. Ethical Business Practices: I will conduct my business affairs with fairness, honesty, and integrity. I will not engage in any form of misleading advertising, exploitation, discrimination, or conflict of interest that could compromise the welfare of animals or the integrity of the profession.

9. Community Engagement: I will support efforts to promote responsible pet ownership, prevent animal cruelty, and improve the lives of companion animals by actively contributing to the advancement of animal welfare and the profession through community outreach, education, and advocacy initiatives.

10. Professional Accountability: I will take responsibility for my actions and decisions, acknowledging and learning from mistakes or shortcomings. I will welcome constructive feedback from my colleagues and the SABCAP Committee and strive to continually improve my professional practice and conduct. I understand that I am subject to the SABCAP code of conduct and disciplinary processes.

By adhering to this code of ethics, I commit to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and professionalism in my role as a companion animal professional.

Agreed and adopted on 19 September 2024