Code of Ethics | Pet Directory Services

Pet Directory Services Members code of ethics

Our code of ethics is applicable to all business members with listings on the directory and it remains in force for the entire duration of your listing. It is your responsibility to inform us if there are any are changes to your business practices, licensing, or methods after your listing has been added. Any changes please email sarah@petdirectoryservices with the changes.

Members are kind and compassionate towards animals

1. Members commit to never knowingly inflicting pain, suffering or fear on an animal.

2. Members comply to Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which is the principal law relating to animal welfare, protecting all vertebrate animals, ensuring all animals in their care:

(a) Have a suitable environment

(b) Have a suitable diet

(d) Are able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns

(e) Are protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

Full Guidance from DEFRA can be accessed here.

3. Members aware of an animal whose needs are not being met under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act will notify the owner and the appropriate authorities.

4. Members commit to putting the welfare of animals first, above commercial considerations and personal gains. Members will act in the best interests of all pets at all times.

5. Members recognise their skill and knowledge limitations and refer to ethical professionals whose knowledge and/or skill level is appropriate to the needs of the individual pet where necessary.

6. Member’s are committed to ongoing education through CPD to stay up to date on current best practices and science backed research

7. Members will take extra precautions during hot weather and put the safety of the pets above commercial interests.

8. Members who transport pet shall follow DEFRA guidelines and if necessary hold the required transport licence for journeys over 65km and ensure that animals are safe and contained at all times.

(a) check the animals during the journey to make sure you meet their needs for water, feed and rest

(b) make sure the animals are fit to travel

(d) make sure anyone handling the animals are trained or competent in the task and do not use violence or any methods likely to cause unnecessary fear, injury or suffering

(e) give the animals sufficient floor space and height

Members must be kind and compassionate towards humans

1. Members shall practise with integrity and recognise their responsibility to clients and acknowledge their obligations to clients and society at large. They should act in a manner that avoids knowingly inflicting psychological or physical harm or distress upon

any individual in their actions or advice.

2. Members take into account the desires of the owner, and in the event of conflicting opinions without a resolution, either party has the option to withdraw from the consultation.

3. Members are free to hold differing opinions regarding methods and practices employed by other members, but refrain from engaging in harassment, discrimination, or public defamation against them at all times.

Members are honest and transparent

1. Members will willingly share relevant information with fellow professionals upon request, while ensuring the utmost respect for client confidentiality and obtaining the client’s consent. This collaborative approach aims to enhance coordinated care among

professionals.

2. Members fully explain the treatment and approach that will be used when working with animals

3. Members ensure that consent from an owner to work with their animal is informed by clear explanations of the nature and purpose of the methods and/or equipment they intend to use.

4. Members will notify owners of any change in the dog’s behaviour immediately.

5. Members will immediately notify owners of any incidents, accidents or altercations that occur when a dog is in their care.

6. Members refrain from offering advice on subjects beyond their area of expertise and instead refer individuals to suitable professionals. This ensures that owners have access to accurate information at all times.

7. Members ensure communication with colleagues and clients is clear, informed, objective, and professional.

8. Members explicitly communicate to the owner their entitlement to decline specific equipment, methods, or techniques, as well as their capacity to provide informed consent.

We are professional and responsible

1. Members shall refrain from making any direct or indirect assertions regarding qualifications, competencies, or affiliations they do not presently possess.

2. Members agree to carry professional and public liability insurance appropriate to their line of business

3. Members are licensed by their council for the activities they undertake within their business where the option exists. (E.g dog boarding, dog daycare, dog walking)

4. Members commit to conducting their business in an ethical and transparent manner.

(a) They shall honestly communicate their practices and methods, ensuring they never intentionally mislead customers or the public.

(b) Members will openly share their professional philosophy, methods, and the equipment they use and recommend to clients.

(d) If confronted with areas outside their professional competency or capabilities, members will communicate honestly with customers and refer them to appropriate professionals for further assistance.

5. Members agree to adhere to the relevant laws and regulations related to their line of business.

Members commitment to The Pet Directory Services and members of the public

We rely on the honesty and integrity of our members, and as such, we hold them to the highest standard of transparency in all forms of communication. Any member who is found to have provided false information in their communication with Pet Directory Services administration or the public will be promptly removed from our platform without eligibility for a refund. It is your duty to ensure that all information provided on your account is accurate, truthful, and free from exaggeration.