Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you choose an accredited animal behaviour professional?
Ethical and Humane Methods - CANZ accredited professionals have demonstrated that they have met the CANZ Accreditation professional standards and follow the CANZ Code of Ethical Conduct. By choosing a CANZ Accredited professional you can be assured that they will use humane training methods that are based on an understanding of the way animals learn.
Transparency - Animal training and behaviour modification is currently unregulated in New Zealand. Consequently, companion animals are at risk of psychological (and physical) harm if outdated, incorrect, or aversive methods of training or aversive equipment is engaged. There are some animal behaviour and training practitioners who use methods and techniques which can cause physical pain, discomfort and anxiety. CANZ Accredited professionals are committed to welfare-friendly training methods and to avoiding pain, discomfort and anxiety.
Reward-based Training - Companion Animals New Zealand opposes the use of aversive training techniques and/or equipment that causes physical pain, discomfort and/or undue anxiety. This includes all electronic training devices that deliver electric shocks, such as electronic collars and pet containment systems, as well as any collar or device that delivers aversive stimuli including sound or scent; e.g. choke chains, pinch/prong collars, citronella collars and sprays, and ultrasonic devices. Such training methods have been shown to inflict pain, fear and unnecessary stress and have the potential to be misused and cause serious animal welfare issues.
Please refer to our Position Statement for more information.
Is CANZ accreditation voluntary?
Yes. At present the animal training and behaviour modification industry in New Zealand is unregulated, so there is no legislation requiring accreditation.
How much does it cost?
There is no charge for eligible animal behaviour professionals to become CANZ Accredited.
Organisations being accredited for the first time are charged a fee of $400 +GST per standard applied for (lasting 2 years) which goes towards helping achieve the aims and the running costs of CANZ Accreditation.
Renewal applications for organisations cost $300 +GST, and last for two years.
Why should you get accredited?
Science based animal welfare - CANZ Accreditation supports and promotes the use of humane training methods that are based on an understanding of the way animals learn.
Status and recognition - CANZ Accreditation provides individuals with a ‘badge of honour’ celebrating that they have a recognised level of skill and training in their area of expertise and use reward-based training methods that do not inflict pain, fear, or unnecessary stress on the animal. This is important both for animal welfare and public clarity.
CANZ Accreditation standards are written to be complementary to the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and relevant codes of welfare e.g. Dogs Code of Welfare 2018. The standards apply to accredited professionals when working with animals at all times.
Marketing - The CANZ Accreditation logo makes it easier for people to find organisations and professionals that have achieved high standards related to animal training and behaviour modification. CANZ encourages people who use training and behavioural modification services to choose professionals who have obtained CANZ Accreditation.
For more reasons refer to our document on ‘CANZ Accreditation benefits for organisations and individuals’
what kind of behaviour professionals do you accredit?
We currently have professional standards for the following animal behaviour and training practitioners:
1. Animal Trainer (individuals who are work directly with animals and provide training to those animals which may involve general training or training the animal to undertake defined and specific tasks).
2. Animal Training Instructor (individuals who work directly with animals, provide training to those animals, teach clients/handlers how to train as well as providing instruction to animal trainers. This may involve general training or training the animal to undertake defined and specific tasks).
3. Animal Behaviour Consultant (Individuals with responsibility for planning and managing humane approaches to addressing unwanted behaviour of animals, and those who have an extensive understanding of applied animal behaviour and the related scientific literature).
4. Behaviour Veterinarian (veterinarians who have special qualifications in animal behaviour management and modification).
Why is my profession not included?
Developing an accreditation programme takes time and collaboration from stakeholders. CANZ Accreditation was launched in 2020 for three professions (Animal Trainers, Animal Training Instructors and Animal Behaviour Consultants). Other accreditation standards may become available in the future.
If you wish to discuss accreditation for your profession, contact accreditation@companionanimals.nz
How do I become Accredited?
If you are an organisation wanting to gain CANZ Accreditation for your members please refer to our accreditation process as well as our guiding principles and fill out the application form. If you are an animal behaviour professional, learn more about becoming accredited here.
how is CANZ Accreditation funded?
CANZ Accreditation is funded by Companion Animals New Zealand. Initial project development was funded by the Companion Animals New Zealand Trust, through money raised by the New Zealand Companion Animal Register.
i am not a member of one of the accredited organisations, but have been a behaviour professional for many years, practice lima principles and have completed plenty of cpd. surely i am eligible for accreditation?
Sounds like you would be a great candidate for CANZ Accreditation. However, to become accredited you will need to follow the usual process to become CANZ Accredited by becoming certified by an Accredited Organisation. The reason for this is that CANZ Accreditation is founded on all accredited professionals having the appropriate knowledge and ongoing commitment to CPD, LIMA practice and a Code of Ethics. Membership to an accredited organisation is how we ensure that all accredited professionals meet these standards.