10/14/2026
WHERE TO FIND A PET CARE PROFESSIONAL – I am often asked to refer to pet care professionals outside of my geographic area. I always suggest those asking for the referral look for a member of the Pet Professional Guild. This is why.
The Pet Professional Guild Guiding Principles
Section One: The Non-Negotiables
To be in any way affiliated with the Pet Professional Guild all members must adhere to a strict code of conduct.
Pet Professional Guild members understand Force-Free to mean that:
No shock, No prong, No choke and No Pain, No fear, No Force are ever employed in the training, behavior modification, care, or management of any pet.
Definition of Force
Any definition can never be so expansive and explicit that every possible situation is addressed. This is universal in its application. A good example is the US legal system where, very often, courts cannot agree on a single interpretation of what terms and definitions mean – including physical force.
Recognizing this, in the context of its Guiding Principles and as a general framework, the Pet Professional Guild defines physical force as “any intentional physical act against a pet that causes psychological or physical pain, harm or damage to the pet.”
Equipment
Certain equipment is covered above in the Non-Negotiables. Clearly the use of many (or even most) harnesses, head halters, collars (non-choking) and leashes would not be considered physical force under this guiding definition if 1) they are used consistently with our Guiding Principles, 2) they are used as intended and designed, and 3) they are not used in a way that is contrary to their design and intent, i.e. not used in a manner which would cause psychological or physical pain, harm or damage.
read more here https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Guiding-Principles
