dog*biz Business Code of Ethics Pledge
 

As a dog service professional committed to ethical business practices I pledge to:

• Make no guarantees about behavior outcomes, as it is considered unethical in our industry to do so.

• Maintain clear written policies to avoid potential client conflict or misunderstanding.

• Do what I tell clients I’ll do. Do more when I can.

• Return all phone calls and emails in a timely manner.

• Be honest. Admit mistakes and apologize. It happens.

• Use only positive, humane, scientifically sound methods with the dogs in my care. Teach only the same to my clients. Interact as positively with clients as I do with dogs.

• Recommend the services I think are in the best interests of my clients and their dogs.

• Pursue ongoing continuing education and professional development.

• Maintain current business license, contracts, and insurance to keep myself and my clients safe.

• Use respectful language when I speak publicly about other dog professionals, whether to dog guardians or fellow dog pros. I will not spread hearsay; I will endeavor to speak only of direct experiences I myself have had. I will try to talk about what I do, rather than of what others do.

• Understand when working as an employee or contractor that clients belong to the business I work for. I will not solicit clients for my own business at any time unless given express permission to do so. When leaving my employment, I will allow the business owner to communicate my departure to clients. Should clients express a desire to go with me, I will refer them back to the business owner. If clients insist on following me, I will offer and negotiate a payment to the business owner for those clients.