What is CANZ Accreditation?

In New Zealand, animal behaviour is an unregulated industry. This means that any person, regardless of their experience, education, or training methodologies, can advertise themselves as an animal behaviour professional e.g. a trainer, behaviourist, behaviour consultant etc. While there are many fantastic animal behaviour professionals out there, there are also those who are inexperienced, ill-equipped, or using out-dated methodologies that can be harmful to animals both physically and mentally.

This is where CANZ Accreditation comes in.

For a professional to become CANZ Accredited, they must meet high standards including

• Using humane training methodologies that put animal welfare first

• Being committed to clear and honest communication with clients

• Undertaking appropriate continuing professional development on an annual basis to maintain and enhance their skills

• Having a clear understanding of their area of expertise, and seeking qualified professional advice or referral as needed

These professionals undergo a robust assessment process to gain accreditation, and there are ongoing requirements to maintain accreditation too. So you can be confident when choosing a CANZ Accredited professional that you are getting the best, both for you and your animal.

how does canz accreditation work?

CANZ accreditation has been developed by Companion Animals New Zealand along with animal industry stakeholders to regulate the companion animal behaviour and training industry to ensure practices are ethical and sustainable.

CANZ Accreditation is available to organisations who have formal processes in place to accredit their individual members. To become accredited, the organisation must meet the stringent requirements of our Accreditation Standards, as well as the CANZ Code of Ethical Conduct. The assessment processes of the organisation must be robust, and the ongoing compliance of members monitored. Organisations must renew their accreditation every two years.

Once an organisation is accredited, qualifying members of that organisation are automatically eligible for CANZ Accreditation. Read more about who qualifies for CANZ Accreditation.

The Mission of CANZ accreditation is to:

Function as a national accreditation body which promotes ethical and sustainable practices by individuals and organisations engaged in companion animal behaviour and training.

canz accreditation is evidence-based.

CANZ Accreditation was created by experts in the field of animal welfare, behaviour and training after extensive consultation with stakeholders in the New Zealand animal training and behaviour modification industry.

You can learn more about the scientific basis for CANZ Accreditation in this article, published in the peer-reviewed journal “Animals” in June 2020: “The Need for a National Accreditation Programme for Professionals Working in the Field of Animal Training and Behavioural Modification in New Zealand.”