Yappily code of ethics

This code is applicable to all members who apply for a listing on Yappily and remains in effect for the entire duration of your listing. In the event that there are changes to your practices, licensing, or methods after submitting your listing, it is your responsibility to inform us promptly. This will allow us to review and evaluate your listing accordingly.

We are kind and compassionate towards animals

1. Members commit to never knowingly inflicting pain, suffering or fear on an animal. Members will never endorse or use any aversive ‘tools’ such as Choke Chains, French collars, E-Collars, Prong Collars, Correction spray or subscribe to ‘Balanced’ training methods.

2. Members comply to Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act, 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 dogs first, above commercial considerations

and personal gains. Members will act in the best interests of the dog 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 dog 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 dogs

above commercial interests.

8. Members who transport dogs shall follow DEFRA guidelines and ensure that animals are

safe and contained at all times.

(a) Keep journeys as short as possible

(b) check the animals during the journey to make sure you meet their needs for

water, feed and rest

(d) design, construct and maintain the vehicle and loading and unloading facilities to

avoid injury and suffering

(e) 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

(f) give the animals sufficient floor space and height

We are 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.

We 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

the dog.

3. Members ensure that consent from an owner to work with their dog 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.

affiliations

(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.

Your commitment to Yappily

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 Yappily 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.