International Association of Holistic Animal Practitioners

To be considered for approval, businesses must meet the following baseline requirements:

1. Lawful Operation

The business must operate lawfully and in good standing within its applicable local, state, provincial, and federal requirements. This includes maintaining any required licenses, registrations, insurance, permits, or legal approvals relevant to the services it provides.

2. Commitment to Humane and Ethical Animal Care

The business must demonstrate a genuine commitment to humane treatment, animal welfare, safety, stress awareness, and responsible care practices.

3. Ethics Agreement

The owner, lead representative, or authorized business representative must sign the IAHAP Ethics Agreement and agree to uphold IAHAP standards of honesty, professionalism, humane care, and responsible conduct.

4. Required Education and Training

The business must complete required education or training modules designated by IAHAP. These training areas may include:

• Animal welfare and humane care

• Ethics and professional responsibility

• Species-appropriate handling and stress awareness

• Safety, sanitation, and environmental standards

• Client communication and informed expectations

• Scope of services and referral standards

• Emergency awareness and incident response

5. Application and Documentation

The business must submit a complete application and all requested supporting materials. Incomplete applications may delay review or be denied until all materials are received.

6. Review, Inspection, or Standards Assessment

The business must participate in an IAHAP review process, which may include one or more of the following, depending on business type:

• Document review

• Virtual inspection

• Site visit or in-person inspection

• Operations review

• Staff or representative interview

• Policy and procedures review

• Standards checklist assessment

7. Safe and Professional Operating Standards

The business must demonstrate safe, responsible, and professional operations appropriate to its business type. This may include:

• Safe environment for animals and people

• Cleanliness and sanitation where applicable

• Humane handling practices

• Appropriate supervision and staffing

• Emergency awareness and preparedness

• Clear communication with clients

• Responsible incident handling

• Appropriate recordkeeping and policies

8. Truthful Representation

The business must represent its services honestly and may not make misleading claims about training, certification, treatment outcomes, credentials, or veterinary authority.

9. Appropriate Referral Standards

The business must understand when veterinary referral, emergency referral, or referral to another licensed professional is appropriate and must not work outside lawful scope or competency.

10. Cooperation with Review and Complaint Processes

The business must agree to cooperate with IAHAP review, audit, quality review, complaint investigation, or ethics processes if concerns arise.

Operational Standards

In addition to basic eligibility, approved businesses are expected to maintain standards in the following areas:

Animal Welfare

• Humane treatment and handling

• Respect for species-specific needs

• Efforts to minimize unnecessary stress, fear, or harm

• Responsible monitoring of animal well-being

Safety and Environment

• A reasonably safe environment for animals, clients, staff, and visitors

• Clean and sanitary conditions where relevant

• Appropriate equipment use and maintenance

• Emergency planning appropriate to the business type

Professional Conduct

• Respectful treatment of clients, staff, contractors, students, and the public

• Professional communication

• Ethical business practices

• Honest marketing and service descriptions

Documentation and Policies

Where relevant to the business type, the business should maintain appropriate documentation and policies, such as:

• Client intake or service agreements

• Emergency contacts or emergency procedures

• Incident reporting practices

• Animal handling policies

• Sanitation protocols

• Staff guidelines or code of conduct

Application Approval Process

Step 1: Submit an Application

The business submits its application along with any required supporting documentation.

Step 2: Documentation Review

IAHAP reviews the application materials, business details, and any initial evidence of compliance with standards.

Step 3: Complete Required Training

The business owner, lead representative, or designated staff complete the required educational components or training standards assigned by IAHAP.

Step 4: Inspection or Standards Assessment

The business undergoes a review, inspection, virtual walkthrough, or other standards assessment appropriate to its services and business model.

Step 5: Corrections if Needed

If deficiencies or improvement areas are identified, the business may be given an opportunity to correct them and provide updated information.

Step 6: Approval Decision

Once all requirements are met, the business may be approved as an IAHAP Approved Ethical Animal Care Business.

Step 7: Ongoing Renewal

Approved businesses must maintain good standing and complete any renewal requirements to keep their recognition active.

Renewal and Ongoing Requirements

Approval is intended to reflect ongoing standards, not one-time participation. To remain in good standing, approved businesses are required to:

• Renew approval on the schedule established by IAHAP

• Maintain compliance with ethics and humane care standards

• Complete continuing education or updated training when required

• Keep business information current

• Cooperate with periodic review or audit

• Promptly address substantiated complaints or standards concerns

• Continue operating lawfully and professionally

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IAHAP reserves the right to request updated materials or additional review at renewal.

Important Notes

• IAHAP approval does not replace legal licensure, veterinary authority, insurance requirements, zoning requirements, or any other laws or regulations applicable to the business.

• Approval does not authorize a business to diagnose, prescribe, or perform services outside its lawful scope.

• Requirements and review standards may vary slightly depending on the nature of the business.

• Incomplete applications may delay review.

• IAHAP reserves the right to request additional information, deny approval, suspend approval, or revoke approval if standards are not met or maintained.

• Businesses are expected to use the IAHAP name, badge, certificate, and approval language honestly and only while in good standing.

Benefits of Approval

Businesses that earn approval may benefit from:

• Greater client trust and public confidence

• Stronger professional credibility

• Recognition for ethical standards and responsible practices

• A clear framework for internal accountability and staff development

• Use of an approval badge or certificate

• Potential inclusion in the IAHAP business directory or promotional materials

• Alignment with a respected professional standard in holistic and ethical animal care

Ready to Apply?

f your business is committed to ethical animal care, professional responsibility, humane standards, and continued growth, we invite you to apply for recognition through IAHAP.  Submit your application and any supplemental documents to info@IAHAP.org