Pet Education, Training & Behaviour Council (PETbc) Constitution 2025 (none for profit)
lAims
To foster responsible pet ownership and promote the welfare of dogs.
lArticle I: Name and Purpose
1.1 Name:
The organisation shall be known as the Pet Education, Training and Behaviour Council (PETbc).
1.2 Purpose:
The purpose of PETbc is to:
- Provide guidance, support, and education to pet owners regarding responsible pet ownership,training, and behaviour management of canines.
- Establish standards for practitioners involved in dog training and behaviour modification.
- Set standards for organisations providing training for practitioners.
- Fund and distribute research to individuals, non-profit organisations, and government bodies to advance the purposes of the Council.
lArticle II: Membership
2.1 Eligibility:
Membership of PETbc is open to organisations that encourage and promote responsible pet ownership and canine welfare.
2.2 Admission:
Admission to membership shall be determined solely by the directors and members of the Council.
2.3 Rights and Privileges:
Members shall have access to PETbc resources, publications, and events as determined by the directors.
lArticle III: Governance
3.1 Directors:
PETbc shall be governed by a board of directors composed of suitable individuals appointed by the Council.
3.2 Powers:
The directors shall have the authority to make decisions regarding the management, policies, and activities of PETbc.
3.3 Decision-Making:
All decisions regarding PETbc shall be made by the directors, and no formal voting process shall be implemented.
lArticle IV: Duties of Directors
4.1 Responsibilities:
Directors shall act in the best interests of PETbc and fulfil their duties with diligence and integrity.
4.2 Management:
Directors shall oversee the day-to-day operations of PETbc, including financial management, programme development, and outreach activities.
4.3 Compliance:
Directors shall ensure that PETbc operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
lArticle V: Training Responsibilities
5.1 Standards of Service:
PETbc member organisations are expected to adhere to high standards of service provision.
Professionalism, honesty, and integrity are fundamental requirements in all aspects of their activities, including but not limited to educational and online services, interactions with colleagues, general pet care services, and pet behavioural and training services.
5.2 Competence:
Members must maintain high levels of competence in their service provision and ensure that their employees and representatives have suitable knowledge and experience in dealing with animal behaviour and training issues.
5.3 Continuing Professional Development:
Members are required to engage in ongoing continuing professional development to maintain competency levels relevant to their roles within PETbc.
lArticle VI: Welfare
6.1 Animal (Canine) Welfare:
Member organisations must prioritise the health and welfare of animals in their care and ensure that behaviour and training services consider the needs of both animals and their caregivers.
6.2 Commercial Considerations:
The commercial interests of member organisations must always be secondary to their responsibilities to animal welfare and the public.
lArticle VII: General Obligations
7.1 Clarity and Integrity:
Members must provide clear information about the extent and cost of their services and avoid making unrealistic or sensational claims about results.
7.2 Advertising Standards:
Members must advertise their services with honesty and integrity, avoiding practices that may discredit PETbc or fellow member organisations.
7.3 Compliance with Law:
Members must comply with all relevant legislation in the provision of their services, particularly concerning animal welfare and public safety.
lArticle VIII: Non-Discrimination
8.1Equality:
Members must take reasonable measures to ensure their services are welcoming to all people.
lArticle IX: Personal Information
9.1 Data Protection:
Members must comply with all current data protection legislation regarding the storage and use of client information.
lArticle X: Amendments
10.1 Amendment Process:
This constitution may be amended by a majority vote of the Council.
10.2 Notice:
Proposed amendments shall be provided to the Council in writing at least thirty (30) days prior to the vote.
10.3 Adoption:
Amendments shall be adopted upon approval by a majority of the Council.
lArticle XI: Dissolution
11.1 Dissolution:
PETbc may be dissolved by a unanimous decision of the directors.
11.2 Distribution of Assets:
In the event of dissolution, any remaining assets of PETbc shall be distributed to one or more charitable organisations dedicated to the welfare of animals as determined by the Council.
lMember Insurance and Indemnification Policy
lPurpose:
This policy ensures that all member organisations associated with PETbc (including pet trainers, pet service providers, and behaviour consultants) maintain appropriate insurance coverage for their services and organisational activities. Additionally, it establishes guidelines for indemnification to protect PETbc from legal actions arising from any illegal activities or civil claims made against member organisations or their clients.
lPolicy Statement:
1Insurance Requirement:
- All member organisations affiliated with PETbc are required to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage appropriate to their services and organisational activities.
- Insurance coverage should include, but not be limited to, general liability insurance, professional liability insurance (errors and omissions), and any other relevant coverage deemed necessary by PETbc.
1Proof of Insurance:
- Member organisations must provide proof of insurance to PETbc upon initial registration and annually thereafter upon renewal of membership.
- Proof of insurance should include policy details, coverage limits, and expiration dates.
1Indemnification:
- Member organisations agree to indemnify and hold PETbc harmless from any legal actions, claims, demands, damages, liabilities, costs, or expenses, including legal fees, arising from:a. Any illegal activities conducted by the member organisation or its representatives.
b. Civil claims made against the member organisation or its clients, including but not limited to allegations of negligence, misconduct, or breach of contract. - PETbc reserves the right to seek indemnification from the member organisation involved.
- Member organisations shall promptly notify PETbc of any legal actions or civil claims brought against them or their clients that may impact PETbc.
1Compliance:
- Failure to maintain adequate insurance coverage may result in suspension or termination of membership.
- Non-compliance with indemnification obligations may also lead to disciplinary action.
Approval:
This policy has been reviewed and approved by the governing body of PETbc.
Director David Cavill David Cavill BA – FRSA – PETbc President
Director Colin C Tennant FCFBA, MA Professional Practice in Canine Behaviour & Psychology
Director Sue Gilmore – BSc (Hons) Political Science MCFBA, MA Professional Practice in Canine Behaviour & Psychology