BOARD OF CANINE BEHAVIORISTS

CODE OF ETHICS

Scientia. Ethica. Compassio.

www.caninebehaviorists.org

Our Commitment

The Board of Canine Behaviorists exists to promote excellence in canine behavior through science, ethical practice, professional integrity, and compassion.

All individuals certified by the Board are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct. Certification is a privilege that reflects a commitment to lifelong learning, evidence-based practice, and the welfare of both dogs and the people who care for them.

Failure to uphold these standards may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of certification.

1. Animal Welfare

Certified professionals shall place the physical and emotional welfare of every animal above personal, financial, or professional gain.

Professionals shall:

•      Treat all animals with dignity and respect.

•      Minimize fear, pain, stress, and unnecessary suffering.

•      Promote humane, ethical, and evidence-based training and behavior modification.

•      Avoid techniques likely to cause unnecessary harm or distress.

2. Professional Competence

Certified professionals shall maintain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide competent services.

Professionals shall:

•      Practice only within the limits of their education, experience, and competence.

•      Pursue continuing professional education.

•      Refer clients to appropriately qualified professionals when a case exceeds their expertise.

•      Maintain current knowledge of behavioral science and animal welfare.

3. Scientific Integrity

The Board supports evidence-based practice.

Certified professionals shall:

•      Base recommendations on current scientific understanding whenever possible.

•      Accurately represent research and professional literature.

•      Avoid knowingly promoting misinformation or unsupported claims as established fact.

•      Distinguish personal opinion from scientific evidence.

4. Honesty and Integrity

Certified professionals shall conduct themselves honestly and ethically in all professional activities.

Professionals shall:

•      Accurately represent their qualifications, certifications, education, and experience.

•      Avoid misleading advertising or deceptive business practices.

•      Provide truthful information regarding services, methods, and expected outcomes.

•      Never falsify documentation, certification records, examination materials, or professional credentials.

5. Respect for Clients

Certified professionals shall treat every client with fairness, dignity, and professionalism.

Professionals shall:

•      Respect cultural, personal, and individual differences.

•      Communicate honestly, respectfully, and professionally.

•      Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.

•      Protect confidential client information unless disclosure is required by law or necessary to prevent significant harm.

6. Professional Responsibility

Certified professionals are responsible for maintaining the reputation and integrity of the profession.

Professionals shall:

•      Conduct themselves professionally in person and online.

•      Avoid behavior likely to damage public confidence in the profession.

•      Cooperate with Board investigations when requested.

•      Report serious ethical violations when appropriate.

7. Collaboration

Certified professionals recognize the importance of interdisciplinary care.

Professionals shall:

•      Work cooperatively with veterinarians and other qualified professionals.

•      Respect the expertise of other disciplines.

•      Recommend veterinary evaluation whenever medical factors may influence behavior.

•      Encourage collaborative decision-making whenever appropriate.

8. Conflicts of Interest

Certified professionals shall avoid situations in which personal, financial, or professional interests improperly influence their judgment.

Any actual or potential conflict of interest should be disclosed to affected parties whenever appropriate.

9. Continuing Professional Development

Certification represents an ongoing commitment to professional growth.

Certified professionals are expected to:

•      Participate in continuing education.

•      Remain informed of developments within canine behavior science.

•      Continually improve their professional knowledge, judgment, and practical skills.

10. Public Trust

Certification by the Board of Canine Behaviorists signifies professional responsibility.

Certified professionals shall conduct themselves in a manner that strengthens public confidence in the profession and upholds the reputation of the Board.

Reporting Ethical Concerns

The Board accepts reports of alleged ethical misconduct involving certified professionals.

Reports will be reviewed fairly, impartially, and confidentially where appropriate, in accordance with the Board's disciplinary procedures.

Acceptance

Applicants for certification agree to uphold this Code of Ethics throughout the duration of their certification.

Failure to comply with this Code may result in disciplinary action by the Board, including suspension or revocation of certification.

Board of Canine Behaviorists

Scientia. Ethica. Compassio.