All members of the Accrediter Petcare Professional Register have agreed to abide by this Code of Best Practice
GENERAL
1. Purpose
1.1 This Code does not replace organisations individual codes that have already been developed. It does, however provide the general public with an objective measurement that can be used to help them choose an petcare professional.
1.2 It sets out the key principles and standards which petcare professionals are expected to follow and uphold.
1.3 The Code is intended to reflect the good practice that already exists.
2. Scope and Objectives
2.1 Individuals have professional obligations to their clients, the animals they are caring for, their employers (where relevant), to one another, to students, to colleagues in other disciplines (e.g. Veterinary Surgeon) and to society.
2.2 In order that they may discharge their obligations to their clients they must be able to meet the expenses of the professional provisions which are necessary for safeguarding and promoting the rights of both the client and the animal. The primary objective of this code is to express the values and principles which are essential to those working with animals.
3. Core Values
- Animal welfare
- Competence
- Confidentiality
- Effective provision
- Integrity
- Legality
- Service to the client
- Transparency
- Commitment to National Occupational Standards for petcare professionalas published by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills
- Commitment to CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
4. Principles
Individuals and organisations have a duty to:
4.1 Ensure that the main requirements of the code are readily available to clients.
4.2 Work within the legal framework of the country where the service is being delivered.
4.3 Safeguard and promote the welfare of others especially the client and the animal.
4.4 To work in the best interests of the animal and the person responsible for the animal’s care. Avoid any individual behaviour which might unreasonably violate professional boundaries, unreasonably damage professional relationships or cause harm to the animal or client.
4.5 Use professional knowledge, research and experience to contribute to caring for animals. Encourage other practitioners to recognise and maintain similar standards. Contribute to the education and training of colleagues and students by sharing knowledge and experience.
4.6 Ensure that they do not act out of prejudice against any person or group, on any grounds including origin, ethnicity, class, sex, status,sexual orientation, age, disability.
4.7 Be honest, transparent and accurate about their qualifications, competence, experience, achievements and affiliations.
4.8 Take on clients only within the practitioners’ existing capabilities or when a programme to attain the required skills has been achieved.
4.9 Encourage clients to seek professional advice from a veterinary surgeon or other grooming professional where appropriate.
4.10 Maintain and extend competence in order to provide a quality service that is accountable. Appraise new methods and techniques in order to extend experience.
4.11 Provide honest and reliable written (where appropriate) information and advice for clients, maintaining objectivity in judgements.
4.12 Take appropriate action if health or any other factor is likely to interfere with judgement or performance of duty.
4.13 Make it clear when making statements whether you do so as a private individual or as a representative of a particular organisation or group.
4.14 Keep a record of all complaints and actions taken.
4.15 Hold appropriate and adequate third party, as well as professional indemnity insurance and other insurance corresponding to the activities undertaken.
5. Conflict of Interest
Individuals must be alert tothe possibility of any conflict of interest which may affect their ability to exercise discretion or bias their judgement.
6. Informed Consent
Individuals will not act without the informed consent of their client, unless required by law to protect the animal, the person or another from the risk of harm.
7. Confidentiality
Consent to disclose information must be obtained from the client before sharing related information with third parties. Any disclosure of information must be made only with the client’s written permission unless there are overriding legal, safety or ethical considerations.
8. Record Keeping
This must comply with the Data Protection Act.
In order to maintain, develop and enhance practitioner skills petcare professionals should undertake appropriate CPD on a regular basis. This must be recorded by the individual. Individuals are also encouraged to reflect on their own professional practice.
10. Commercial Obligations
10.1 Practitioner advertising must not:
- Mislead or deceive users of their service.
- Be sensational or make unrealistic, or unsubstantiated performance claims.
- Create unjustifiable expectations.
- Make claims of superiority or disparage colleagues or members of other organisations or professions.
10.2 Practitioners must not sell or recommend a product, service or an individual service provider without being first satisfied that this would benefit the animal under their care and that they are suitably qualified to make such a recommendation.
10.3 The recommending petcare professional must disclose to the client if the practitioner may gain a commercial benefit by making such a recommendation. Groomers must not allow such an interest to influence their choice of provision, service, care or treatment to the detriment of the animal or service user.
10.4 There must be transparency in the charges, terms and conditions of the service that the practitioner provides.
SPECIFIC
1. Responsibilities of the propriator or manager of an establishment (there ar statuary responsibities for licensed premises under the Animal We;lfare Regulations published by Defra in 2018 but so those below apply to other businesses such as groomers or dog trainers)
1.1 The manager of a petcare professional establishment is responsible for:
- provision of accommodation for each dog and cat held on the premises at any given time
- the protection of animals from people, other animals or adverse environmental conditions
- provision of sufficient space for animals to stand, move around freely, stretch fully and rest
- provision of water for animals
- protection of animals from distress and injury
- provision of prompt veterinary or other appropriate treatment in cases of illness or injury
- maintenance of hygiene of the premises
- supervision of all staff, whether working full or part-time and whether or not working for fee or reward
- collation and maintenance of relevant records
- ensuring that there is a responsible person present while animals are held
2. Animal housing
2.1 Location
petcare professional establishments should be located away from sources of excessive noise or pollution that could cause injury or stress to animals.
2.2 Construction
2.2.1 Animal enclosures must be designed and maintained to minimise the risk of injury, disease transmission, theft, escape or interference by unauthorised persons.
2.2.2 Animal enclosures must be designed to permit regular cleaning; ready checking of animals within, and ready supply and checking of water.
2.2.3 All surfaces of animal enclosures must be impervious or painted with non-toxic paint so that they may be cleaned and disinfected effectively.
2.2.4 Floors of animal holding enclosures must be made of an impervious material to assist cleaning and drainage.
2.2.5 The internal surfaces of animal holding areas should be constructed of impervious, solid, washable materials. Wall/floor junction should be sealed to facilitate cleaning and disinfection.
2.3 Size
2.3.1 Animal enclosures must provide at least enough space for each animal held to sleep, sit, stand, lie with limbs extended, stretch and move about.
2.4 Temperature
2.4.1 Animals must be protected from extremes of temperature, and the environmental temperature controlled to minimise distress to animals.
2.4.2 Very old and very young animals, which are more sensitive than others to changes in temperature, may require provision of heating or cooling.
2.5 Noise
2.5.1 Noise from barking dogs should be reduced by the following methods:
- placing dogs so that they do not face each other
- limiting external stimulation
- holding dogs singly or in compatible pairs.
2.5.2 Cats should be held away from dogs as they may be disturbed by barking.
2.6 Lighting
2.6.1 Lighting should be as close as possible, in duration and intensity, to natural conditions.
2.6.2 Sunlight is the preferred means of lighting, provided shaded areas are available.
2.6.3 Artificial light should be provided, where needed, to allow animal holding areas to be thoroughly cleaned and animals checked.
2.7 Ventilation
2.7.1 Ventilation must be sufficient to avoid dampness and minimise noxious odours without draughts.
2.8 Security
2.8.1 Buildings must be securely lockable.
2.8.2 Each animal cage must be fitted with a secure closing device that cannot be opened by the animals held.
2.8.3 Any security methods used must allow for ready access by staff to animals and ready exit of staff in an emergency.
3. Grooming and bathing facilities
3.1 A weather-proof bathing area must be provided, which is draught-proof and properly drained.
3.2 A bath must be provided with hot and cold water available.
3.3 A separate area for proper drying of animals after bathing must be provided.
3.4 Grooming tables must be stable and easy to clean, and have a non-slip surface.
3.5 Grooming equipment must be kept clean and well maintained.
4. Hygiene
4.1 Cleaning and disinfection
4.1.1 Animal holding, bathing and grooming areas must be cleaned and disinfected at least daily to maintain the animals comfort and control disease.
4.1.2 Faeces and urine should be removed promptly.
4.1.3 Cleaning and disinfecting agents should be chosen on the basis of their suitability, safety and effectiveness. The manufacturer's instructions for the use of these agents should be followed, since too dilute a solution may be ineffective and too concentrated a solution may be toxic to animals. Some common disinfectants, particularly those derived from or containing coal or wood tar products (such as phenol, cresol and chloroxylenols) are toxic to cats and should not be used where cats are held.
4.1.4 After cleaning, animal holding areas should be left dry.
4.2 Pest Control
4.2.1 Pests, including fleas, ticks, flies, lice, mosquitoes and wild rodents, must be controlled.
4.2.2 Chemicals used for pest control should be registered under the Pesticides Act and used only in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.
4.2.3 Because some pesticides are toxic to dogs and cats they should only be used under professional supervision.
4.3 Waste disposal
4.3.1 Waste disposal must be in accordance with the requirements of the local government authority.
4.3.2 Hair, faeces and used litter should be placed in sealed plastic bags for disposal.
4.3.3 Use of a trade waste service for collection and disposal of wastes is preferable. Wastes should not be incinerated.
4.4 Litter trays
4.4.1 Cats must be provided with litter trays.
4.4.2 A sufficient depth suitable litter material, such as commercial cat litter, sawdust, shavings, sand or shredded paper, is to be provided. Litter must be changed as often as necessary and litter trays cleaned and disinfected regularly.
5. Management
5.1 Facilities
5.1.1 Each petcare professional establishment is to provide an area for reception, records storage, and display of information for clients. Premises should include washing and toilet facilities for staff.
5.1.2 Appropriate firefighting equipment must be readily available.
5.2 Care of animals
5.2.1 All animals held must be readily identified by owner's name.
5.2.2 Collars or leads which are likely to become entangled or lost should be removed on admission.
5.2.3 Animals should always be held singly, except for compatible animals of the same species from the same household.
5.2.4 Cats must not be held in the same cage as dogs, even it they come from the same household.
5.2.5 Sedatives may only be used in accordance with veterinary advice and with the written consent of the owner.
5.2.6 Dogs may be muzzled whilst being handled, provided the dog is able to breathe freely with the muzzle on and the muzzle does not cut into the dog's skin.
5.2.7 Care must be taken when using insecticides on animals as they may be potentially toxic. Use insecticides only according to the manufacturer's directions.
5.2.8 The establishment's policy on vaccination should be displayed to the public.
5.2.9 Water should be available to animals at all times while they are at the establishment.
5.2.10 Where an animal is held overnight for any reason it must be fed and offered the opportunity to exercise. It should not be left overnight on the premises unattended.
5.2.11 Animals known or suspected to be suffering from an infectious disease must not be admitted.
5.3 Record keeping
5.3.1 The following information must be recorded relating to each animal admitted:
- the animal's name
- name, address and contact telephone number of its owner
- a description of the animal including:
- sex
- breed or type
- colour
- age
- distinguishing features
- treatment requested
- date of each treatment
- expected time of collection
- any collars, leads or belongings brought in with the animal
- vaccination status
- name and contact telephone number of a veterinarian who normally attends the animal.
5.4 Staff
5.4.1 Staff should respect animals and have experience in handling dogs and cats. Formal training, such as a technical college qualification in animal care, is encouraged.
5.4.2 Staff should be aware of their responsibilities and be competent to carry them out.
5.4.3 Staff should make themselves familiar with the grooming requirements of the various breeds.
6. Transport
6.1 Animals should be transported in the shortest practicable time. They must not be kept in parked vehicles in the sun or in hot weather unless adequate ventilation and shade is provided.
6.2 Any vehicle specially designed or regularly used for transporting animals should:
- protect animals from injury
- have non-slip floors
- provide easy access and operator safety
- protect against extremes of temperature
- protect against unauthorised release of animals
- be easy to clean and disinfect
- be supplied with clean, secure cages or carry baskets for cats or very small dogs, and with separate compartments or partitions for larger dogs. Transport cages should permit an animal to turn around, but otherwise be small enough to avoid trauma during transport.
6.3 For more information about animal transport, refer to the UK Policies for Protecting Animal Welfare by clicking on this link.
