Thanks for the info Lance. Very interesting.
As Olwen says, it is strange that the KC is not on the list. I do agree, some form of Register is needed that the public can have confidence in.
Another interesting point is that, the Animal Care College initiated a Register of 'Accredited Petcare Professionals' last autumn, again to supposedly address this issue of unregulated Trainers/Behaviourists etc. Now, this was set up with the backing of CAWC, who also encouraged the ACC to provide 'formal' individual identification of academic achievements in these areas, by students being awarded post nominal letters (e.g. Dip Can.Psych).
Now it seems, the ACC has been approached by the PetCare Trust, to "work together with the ACC to develop and refine the concept", as oppossed to the original CAWC partnership.
The Newsletter goes on to say;
"An Accredited Petcare Professional will have shown that they are competent by the completion of
one or more of the comprehensive range of accredited courses which are available through
colleges of further education, private training schools or through demonstrable long term success
and achievement within their chosen profession."
Hmmm, maybe I am getting a little cynical - but why did the ACC start with the backing of the CAWC (who are on the list), then change to the PetCare Trust at the same time this further proposed Register organisation is being set up? Why isn't the PetCare Trust on the list as well if they are all for 'refining and developing' such a scheme and an independant charity?
Seems to me it may all be getting a little political or vying for various alliegances. Otherwise surely, if all wanting the same thing, all orgs would get together on this. Otherwise we may be back to square one, with various 'Register' organisations to choose from as well, let alone the individual organisations!!
That is, until any actual Act of Parliament is passed to set one up (which I doubt is at the top of any of the political parties agendas at present - just like the new Dog Control Bill has been kicked into touch for the time being). Maybe they are all getting in there ready to put in a tender as it were, to become THE overseeing body (I.E. Animal Behaviour and Training Council, Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme, Accredited Petcare Professionals Register etc. etc.). Mind you there is always the danger of any government copping out and only allowing say, Vets to carry out Behavioural work?
I may email the ACC to ask why their Accredited Petcare Professionals Register is not on the list, as I was toying with joining their APP Register, being as when enquiring with them I qualified (just have to get 2 written testimonials and send a portfolio of diploma certs, course attendences etc - bit like the KC Scheme) for a nice fee of course!
Decisions, decisions
