Certified Pet Expert:
CPS-DW Code of Ethics
Certified Pet Expert is committed to developing the most trusted and recognized certification for professional pet sitters and dog walkers. The CPS-DW sets the standard for excellence in animal care.
This Code of Ethics is more than just a set of rules; It is a foundational commitment to the professionalism, unwavering dedication to animal welfare, and trustworthiness that defines our certified individuals. By upholding these standards, every CPS-DW professional demonstrates their pledge to provide the highest level of responsible and compassionate care, ensuring the safety and well-being of every pet and the peace of mind of every client.
Adherence to this Code of Ethics is fundamental to the CPS-DW certification.
Table of Contents
Reliability
Understand that the pets in your care and your clients count on you to be dependable and consistent. Missing a visit can be a life or death situation for a pet. Commit to being punctual for all scheduled visits, ready to provide the best possible care.
Responsibility and Honesty
Be accountable for your actions. Make good choices even when no one is watching. Own up to your mistakes and be completely honest and transparent in all your interactions. Follow clients’ instructions precisely and consistently, providing the same high level of care for every visit
Safety
Protect the pets in your care from danger, risk, and injury. Be proactive to prevent unsafe situations from arising. Ensure every pet has access to food, water, shelter, and is where they need to be when you leave. Ensure leashes and harnesses are safe and secure. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings during walks and playtime. Choose safe walking routes. Be proactive and look ahead to foresee potential issues and address them before they become problems. Check for hazards in the client’s home and make the safety and well-being of each pet in your care your #1 priority.
Security and Confidentiality
Never bring unauthorized people to a visit. Never discuss a client’s trip with anyone outside the company. Maintain a professional and discreet demeanor. Never post pictures of a client’s home, their pets, or trip details on social media. Keep all clients’ information private. Always double-check you locked the client’s doors, properly secured the keys, and the rest of the home.
Respect
Treat every pet with kindness, patience, and dignity, and extend the same respect to your clients and their homes. Embrace the unique needs and choices of every client. Ensure all of your interactions with both pets and people are conducted with courtesy and thoughtfulness.
Professionalism in Communication - In Person and Online
Communicate clearly, concisely, and in a timely manner. All interactions, whether face-to-face, over text, phone, or email, are to be conducted with politeness, respect, and a friendly tone. Be responsive to your clients’ messages and questions, ensuring they feel connected and informed. Give timely updates about each pet’s well-being from every visit and include any important observations.
Emergency Preparedness
Have a clear plan in place for emergencies. Have backup sitters available to help with the emergency or other visits. Know your clients’ vet contact information and carry a copy of your emergency protocols in the field so you can easily reference them. In an emergency, remain calm, keep the client and your office informed every step of the way, following established procedures to ensure the best outcome for the pet.
Attention to Detail
Diligently read client notes—both handwritten notes and those in your company’s system. Re-read notes if you are uncertain about any detail. Use the “point and call” technique when administering medications to ensure medications are administered correctly and to the correct pet. Be observant of changes in appetite, energy levels, or behavior – communicate any changes to your client and to the office. Before leaving, double-check that everything is secure, clean, and in order, just as your client would expect.
Be an Advocate for Positive Reinforcement Style Dog Training
Effective dog training is focused on guidance, taking the pet’s point of view into account, and encouragement. Use methods that build trust and strengthen the bond between pets and their humans. Only recommend training techniques and trainers who abstain from dominance, fear, or pain-based techniques. No collar pops (leash corrections), electric shock collars, choke chain collars, or prong collars shall be used at any time. Rather use and recommend a front clip harness and a gentle leader when needed. Be committed to gentle and effective guidance in your training that prioritizes the pet’s well being.
Never Recommend Declawing Cats
Understand that declawing removes the entire first knuckle on a cat’s paw. There is no pain-free version of this surgery. Declawing leads to increased aggressive behaviors and litterbox problems, causing more cats being surrendered to shelters later in life. Empathize with owners who have declawed their cats in the past, but guide them towards resources that show the drawbacks of electing for this unnecessary procedure.
Care Focused on Each Pet’s Needs
Get to know each pet individually. Learn their quirks, preferences, and special requirements so you can provide personalized care that makes each pet feel comfortable and loved. Aim to enrich each pet’s day with play, exercise, positive interaction, and attention that suits their unique personality. Be observant and attentive. Pay close attention to each pet’s behavior and mood, noticing any changes that need to be communicated to your client.
Commitment to Continuous learning
Regularly seek out opportunities for education and professional development to enhance your skills and provide the best possible care. Be open to new insights – take initiative to learn from other pet sitters, industry professionals, and customer feedback. Seek opportunities for education and professional development to enhance your skills and provide the best possible care.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Be dedicated to consistently evaluating your services and looking for ways to improve, ensuring you always offer top-notch pet sitting. Be open and welcoming of client feedback and see it as an opportunity to refine your services. Apply what you learn to improve the service you provide. Review procedures and adopt new approaches that enhance the safety, well-being, and happiness of the pets in your care.
