PET PROFESSIONAL COUNCIL – SOUTH AFRICA (PPC-SA)

WEBSITE, MEMBERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL LISTING TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Effective Date: 15 September 2026

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern the use of the PPC-SA website, membership of the Pet Professional Council – South Africa ("PPC-SA"), participation in PPC-SA community services and programmes, professional listing and validation, and the use of PPC-SA resources, services and benefits.

1.2 The Pet Professional Council – South Africa (PPC-SA) is the public-facing and trading name under which the South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP) operates.

1.3 SABCAP is the underlying governing entity and remains responsible for the administration, governance and operation of PPC-SA.

1.4 In these Terms, references to "PPC-SA", "we", "us" and "our" shall include SABCAP, operating under the PPC-SA name, and where applicable its directors, committee members, officers, representatives, employees, volunteers, agents and authorised service providers.

1.5 "Member", "you" and "your" refers to any individual or entity that registers for, applies for or participates in any PPC-SA membership, community service, professional listing, programme, event or other service.

1.6 By accessing the PPC-SA website, registering as a member, submitting an application, making payment, participating in a PPC-SA programme or using any PPC-SA service, you confirm that you have read, understood and agreed to these Terms.

1.7 If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not register for membership or use services that require acceptance of these Terms.

2. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of these Terms:

2.1 "Community Member" means a person who joins PPC-SA primarily for access to community, educational, networking, mentoring and industry-development opportunities and who is not represented as a PPC-SA validated professional solely by virtue of such membership.

2.2 "Professional Member" means a member who has applied for professional recognition/listing in one or more recognised companion-animal professional categories and who has satisfied the applicable PPC-SA requirements.

2.3 "Professional Listing" means the publication of a member's approved professional profile on the PPC-SA website or other PPC-SA-approved platform.

2.4 "Professional Category" means a recognised category of companion-animal professional activity for which PPC-SA may assess, validate or list members.

2.5 "Validation" means the process by which PPC-SA considers information supplied by an applicant, including qualifications, education, experience, assessments and other applicable requirements, in determining whether the applicant meets the applicable PPC-SA standards for listing.

2.6 "Membership" means the applicable PPC-SA membership arrangement selected by the applicant and accepted by PPC-SA.

2.7 "Membership Fees" means the fees applicable to the selected membership level, professional category, service or programme as published on the PPC-SA website from time to time.

2.8 "Website" means the PPC-SA website and any associated webpages, portals, forms or online services operated by PPC-SA/SABCAP.

2.9 "PPC-SA Standards" means the professional, ethical, educational, administrative and other standards, policies, codes and requirements adopted by PPC-SA from time to time.

3. ELIGIBILITY

3.1 Membership is generally available to persons who are at least eighteen (18) years of age.

3.2 By registering, you warrant that:

3.2.1 the information supplied by you is true, accurate and complete;

3.2.2 you are legally entitled to enter into an agreement with PPC-SA;

3.2.3 you are not impersonating another person;

3.2.4 any qualifications, certificates, experience or other professional information supplied by you are genuine and can, where required, be verified; and

3.2.5 you will comply with these Terms and all applicable PPC-SA standards and policies.

3.3 PPC-SA reserves the right to request additional information or documentation before accepting an application or approving a professional listing.

4. PPC-SA MEMBERSHIP STRUCTURE

4.1 PPC-SA provides different levels of participation to accommodate individuals at different stages of their development within the companion-animal industry.

4.2 Membership categories and levels may include, but are not limited to:

Community Membership;
Professional Membership;
Professional Membership by recognised category;
Cadet, student or developing-professional participation where offered; and
other categories introduced by PPC-SA from time to time.

4.3 The benefits, requirements and rights attached to each membership level will be determined by PPC-SA and published on the Website.

4.4 Membership of PPC-SA does not automatically constitute professional validation, professional listing or endorsement in a specific professional category.

4.5 A person may only represent themselves as a PPC-SA listed or validated professional where PPC-SA has formally approved the relevant professional listing.

4.6 PPC-SA may introduce, amend, combine or discontinue membership categories where reasonably necessary to meet its objectives and standards.

5. PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP AND LISTING

5.1 Professional Membership is intended for individuals who provide professional companion-animal services and who wish to have their professional qualifications, experience and/or competence considered for PPC-SA listing.

5.2 Professional applicants may be required to provide:

5.2.1 proof of identity;

5.2.2 educational qualifications;

5.2.3 relevant certificates or training records;

5.2.4 details of professional experience;

5.2.5 references or supporting documentation where applicable;

5.2.6 assessment or examination results where required;

5.2.7 photographs, business information and contact details; and

5.2.8 any other information reasonably required by PPC-SA.

5.3 Approval for listing is subject to the requirements applicable to the relevant professional category.

5.4 PPC-SA may distinguish between different levels of professional competence, education, experience or recognition.

5.5 Approval in one professional category does not automatically constitute approval in another category.

5.6 A member must not claim to hold a PPC-SA professional status, category or designation that has not been formally granted.

5.7 PPC-SA reserves the right to review a professional listing where information changes, new standards are introduced, a complaint is received or information becomes available that may reasonably affect the member's eligibility.

6. MEMBERSHIP FEES AND PAYMENT

6.1 Membership and service fees are those published on the PPC-SA Website at the time of application or renewal.

6.2 Unless otherwise expressly stated, membership fees are charged monthly and are payable in advance.

6.3 Professional category fees may be payable in addition to the applicable base or community membership fee.

6.4 Payment of a membership fee does not guarantee approval for professional listing. Professional listing remains subject to the applicable admission, assessment and validation requirements.

6.5 PPC-SA reserves the right to change its fees from time to time. Any change will apply from the date communicated by PPC-SA and, where applicable, to future billing periods.

7. MINIMUM MEMBERSHIP PERIOD

7.1 All PPC-SA memberships are subject to a minimum membership period of three (3) consecutive months.

7.2 By joining PPC-SA, the member expressly agrees that the membership commitment is for a minimum of three (3) months, irrespective of whether membership fees are paid monthly.

7.3 A member may not terminate or cancel membership during the initial three-month minimum period merely because the member has changed their mind, no longer wishes to participate or no longer requires the membership benefits.

7.4 Membership fees remain payable throughout the minimum three-month membership period, subject to any rights of cancellation or refund that may not lawfully be excluded under applicable South African law.

7.5 After completion of the minimum three-month period, a member may terminate their membership in accordance with the cancellation procedure published by PPC-SA.

7.6 Cancellation of a membership does not automatically entitle a member to a refund of fees already paid for a period during which membership or services were available to the member.

7.7 Where membership is cancelled, suspended or terminated, access to member benefits and professional listing may cease in accordance with the applicable cancellation or termination date.

8. MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL AND CONTINUITY

8.1 Membership continues on the applicable monthly basis unless terminated in accordance with these Terms.

8.2 Members are responsible for ensuring that their payment details remain valid and that membership fees are paid when due.

8.3 Failure of payment may result in suspension of membership benefits, removal from the professional directory and/or termination of membership.

8.4 A member whose membership has lapsed may be required to complete the applicable re-registration process before being reinstated.

8.5 Previous membership does not automatically guarantee continued professional listing under revised PPC-SA standards.

9. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND CODE OF ETHICS

9.1 PPC-SA is committed to promoting professionalism, responsible practice, ethical conduct and higher standards within the companion-animal service industry.

9.2 Acceptance of the PPC-SA Code of Ethics is a mandatory condition of membership. No membership will be granted unless the applicant has confirmed their acceptance of the Code of Ethics during the registration process.

9.3 By accepting membership, the member confirms that they have had the opportunity to read and understand the PPC-SA Code of Ethics and agree to abide by it for the duration of their membership.

9.4 The PPC-SA Code of Ethics forms an integral part of the membership agreement and is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

9.5 The Code of Ethics applies to all PPC-SA members in accordance with the membership category and professional status applicable to them.

9.6 Professional members are additionally required to comply with any professional standards, category-specific requirements, assessment requirements and other standards applicable to their professional listing.

9.7 Members must:

9.7.1 conduct themselves honestly and professionally;

9.7.2 represent their qualifications, training, experience and professional status accurately;

9.7.3 comply with the PPC-SA Code of Ethics;

9.7.4 comply with applicable South African legislation and regulations;

9.7.5 act responsibly towards animals, clients, colleagues and members of the public;

9.7.6 maintain appropriate standards of professional conduct;

9.7.7 avoid misleading, deceptive or inappropriate advertising;

9.7.8 keep information supplied to PPC-SA accurate and up to date; and

9.7.9 comply with reasonable requirements and standards communicated by PPC-SA.

9.8 Acceptance of the Code of Ethics does not constitute a waiver of any rights available to a member under applicable South African law.

9.9 PPC-SA may amend or update the Code of Ethics from time to time where reasonably necessary to reflect developments in professional standards, legislation, animal welfare considerations or the objectives of PPC-SA.

9.10 Where material amendments are made to the Code of Ethics, PPC-SA will communicate the amendments to members and may require members to confirm their continued acceptance as a condition of maintaining membership.

10. PPC-SA LOGO, NAME AND PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS

10.1 The PPC-SA name, logo, designations, badges and other identifying marks are the intellectual property of PPC-SA/SABCAP or are used under appropriate licence.

10.2 Only members whose membership is current and whose professional listing has been formally approved may use the PPC-SA logo or approved professional designation in connection with their professional services.

10.3 A member may only use the logo or designation in the manner and format approved by PPC-SA.

10.4 A member whose membership lapses, is suspended or is terminated must immediately cease representing themselves as a current PPC-SA member or listed professional and must remove PPC-SA branding from advertising and promotional material within a reasonable period.

10.5 PPC-SA may require the removal of any use of its name, logo or designation that it considers misleading, unauthorised or inconsistent with these Terms.

10.6 Membership of PPC-SA must not be represented as government accreditation, statutory registration or a guarantee of the quality of every service provided by a member.

11. PPC-SA DIRECTORY AND PUBLIC INFORMATION

11.1 PPC-SA may publish approved professional member information on its Website and other official PPC-SA platforms.

11.2 Information may include the member's name, professional category, business name, location, contact details, qualifications, photograph, logo, biography and other information supplied for professional listing.

11.3 Members are responsible for ensuring that information submitted for publication is accurate and appropriate.

11.4 PPC-SA may edit formatting, presentation or layout of information to maintain consistency across the Website.

11.5 PPC-SA reserves the right not to publish information that is misleading, inappropriate, offensive, unlawful or inconsistent with its standards.

12. PPC-SA COMMUNITY AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES

12.1 PPC-SA may provide educational, networking, mentoring, webinar, discussion, breed-community, industry-development and other community services.

12.2 Participation in a PPC-SA community or educational programme does not necessarily confer professional membership or professional validation.

12.3 Information provided through webinars, presentations, articles, discussions or other educational activities is intended for general educational purposes and should not automatically be regarded as individual professional, veterinary, legal or other specialist advice.

12.4 PPC-SA may invite external speakers, organisations, rescue organisations, professionals or other contributors to participate in educational programmes.

12.5 PPC-SA does not necessarily endorse every opinion, recommendation or statement made by an external contributor.

13. USER ACCOUNTS AND SECURITY

13.1 Users may be required to create an account and provide personal information.

13.2 Users are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login details.

13.3 Login details may not be shared with another person.

13.4 Users must immediately notify PPC-SA if they suspect that their account has been compromised.

13.5 PPC-SA reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts where there is evidence of misuse, fraud, unauthorised access or breach of these Terms.

14. USER-SUBMITTED CONTENT

14.1 Members may submit photographs, logos, biographies, descriptions, qualifications, reviews, comments and other content for publication or use by PPC-SA.

14.2 The member warrants that they have the right to submit such content and that the content does not infringe the rights of another person.

14.3 By submitting content for publication, the member grants PPC-SA a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence to reproduce, display, format and use that content for purposes connected with PPC-SA's activities, Website, directory, education, marketing and promotion.

14.4 PPC-SA may remove or decline to publish content that is misleading, defamatory, unlawful, offensive or inconsistent with PPC-SA's standards.

15. PROHIBITED USE

15.1 Users may not use the Website or PPC-SA services:

15.1.1 for unlawful purposes;

15.1.2 to impersonate another person;

15.1.3 to submit false or misleading information;

15.1.4 to distribute malicious software;

15.1.5 to interfere with the operation or security of the Website;

15.1.6 to collect or misuse personal information belonging to other users;

15.1.7 to reproduce or commercially exploit PPC-SA content without permission; or

15.1.8 in any manner that may damage the reputation, operation or legitimate interests of PPC-SA/SABCAP.

16. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

16.1 Unless otherwise indicated, the PPC-SA Website and its content, including text, graphics, logos, documents, designs, educational material and other original content, are owned by or licensed to PPC-SA/SABCAP.

16.2 No material may be reproduced, republished, distributed, modified, sold or commercially exploited without prior written permission, except where permitted by applicable law.

16.3 The PPC-SA and SABCAP names, logos, trademarks and associated branding may not be copied, altered or used in a manner suggesting an association, endorsement or accreditation that does not exist.

17. THIRD-PARTY LINKS AND SERVICES

17.1 The Website may contain links to third-party websites, payment providers, social media platforms, educational resources or other external services.

17.2 PPC-SA does not control third-party websites and is not responsible for their content, availability, security, privacy practices or terms.

17.3 Use of third-party services is subject to the terms and conditions of the relevant third party.

18. PRIVACY AND PERSONAL INFORMATION

18.1 PPC-SA/SABCAP will process personal information in accordance with applicable South African law and its Privacy Policy.

18.2 By registering or submitting information to PPC-SA, you acknowledge that certain personal information is required to administer membership, process payments, assess applications, maintain professional listings, communicate with members and provide services.

18.3 Members are responsible for ensuring that information submitted to PPC-SA is accurate and kept up to date.

18.4 Members should refer to the PPC-SA Privacy Policy for further information regarding the collection, processing, storage and use of personal information.

19. PROFESSIONAL INDEPENDENCE AND LIMITATION OF PPC-SA RESPONSIBILITY

19.1 PPC-SA provides a framework for professional membership, standards, validation and public information.

19.2 PPC-SA does not employ its listed professionals and is not a party to contracts between a member and that member's clients.

19.3 A PPC-SA listing does not constitute a guarantee that a member will achieve a particular outcome in any individual case.

19.4 Members remain solely responsible for the services they provide, their professional decisions, their clients, animals under their care and compliance with all applicable laws and professional obligations.

19.5 PPC-SA is not responsible for the acts, omissions, advice, treatment, training, handling, behaviour-modification programme or other services provided independently by a member.

19.6 A person using the services of a PPC-SA member does so under a separate agreement with that professional.

20. DISCLAIMER AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

20.1 To the maximum extent permitted by South African law, PPC-SA/SABCAP does not warrant that the Website or its services will always be available, uninterrupted, accurate, complete or error-free.

20.2 PPC-SA cannot guarantee that information supplied by members or third parties is completely accurate at all times, although PPC-SA may take reasonable steps to assess information submitted for professional listing.

20.3 PPC-SA will not be responsible for losses arising from events outside its reasonable control, including interruption of internet services, hosting failures, cyber incidents, technical failures or third-party service failures.

20.4 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits any liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under applicable South African law.

20.5 Subject to the above, PPC-SA/SABCAP shall not be liable for indirect, consequential or economic loss arising from use of the Website or services, to the extent permitted by law.

21. MEMBER INDEMNITY

21.1 To the extent permitted by law, a member agrees to indemnify PPC-SA/SABCAP against claims, losses, damages, costs and expenses arising from:

21.1.1 the member's breach of these Terms;

21.1.2 false or misleading information supplied by the member;

21.1.3 unauthorised use of PPC-SA intellectual property;

21.1.4 unlawful conduct by the member; or

21.1.5 the member's professional services or conduct where PPC-SA/SABCAP is improperly held responsible for that conduct.

22. COMPLAINTS, CODE OF ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL CONCERNS

22.1 PPC-SA may receive and consider complaints or concerns relating to the conduct of a member, including alleged breaches of the PPC-SA Code of Ethics or applicable professional standards.

22.2 A complaint or concern may result in an internal review or disciplinary process in accordance with procedures determined by PPC-SA.

22.3 PPC-SA may request information, documentation or representations from the member concerned as part of such process.

22.4 Depending on the circumstances and seriousness of the matter, PPC-SA may take appropriate action, including:

requesting corrective action;
issuing a warning or formal notice;
requiring additional education or assessment;
placing conditions on a professional listing;
temporarily suspending a membership or professional listing;
removing a professional listing;
terminating membership; or
referring the matter to an appropriate external authority where required or considered appropriate.

22.5 PPC-SA will, where reasonably practicable and appropriate to the circumstances, provide the member with an opportunity to respond to allegations before a final disciplinary decision is made.

22.6 Nothing in this clause prevents PPC-SA from taking immediate temporary action where reasonably necessary to protect animals, members of the public, other members, PPC-SA or the integrity of its professional standards.

22.7 Membership of PPC-SA does not prevent a client, member of the public or other person from pursuing any separate legal, statutory or other remedy available to them.

23. SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION

23.1 PPC-SA may suspend or terminate membership or a professional listing where:

23.1.1 membership fees remain unpaid;

23.1.2 false, fraudulent or materially misleading information has been supplied;

23.1.3 the member materially breaches these Terms;

23.1.4 the member breaches the PPC-SA Code of Ethics;

23.1.5 the member fails to comply with applicable PPC-SA professional standards;

23.1.6 the member misuses the PPC-SA name, logo, designation or other intellectual property;

23.1.7 the member no longer satisfies the requirements for their professional category or listing;

23.1.8 the member engages in conduct that materially conflicts with the objectives or standards of PPC-SA; or

23.1.9 termination is reasonably necessary to protect the integrity of PPC-SA, its members, the public or animals.

23.2 Where reasonably practicable, PPC-SA will provide the member with written notice of the alleged breach or concern and an opportunity to respond before final disciplinary action is taken.

23.3 PPC-SA may impose an immediate temporary suspension where the circumstances reasonably warrant such action pending further investigation.

23.4 Suspension or termination of membership does not remove any payment obligation or other obligation that arose before the effective date of suspension or termination.

23.5 A member whose membership has been suspended or terminated must immediately cease representing themselves as a current PPC-SA member or listed professional and must cease using PPC-SA membership designations, logos and other membership-related identifiers.

24. CHANGES TO MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

24.1 PPC-SA may amend its membership structure, professional categories, standards, benefits, procedures and requirements from time to time.

24.2 Members will be notified of material changes through the Website, email or other appropriate communication.

24.3 Continued use of PPC-SA services after the effective date of amended Terms constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms, subject to any rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

24.4 Changes to membership fees will be communicated before they become applicable to future billing periods.

25. BREACH

25.1 Where a member materially breaches these Terms, PPC-SA may give written notice requiring the breach to be remedied within a reasonable period.

25.2 PPC-SA may suspend or terminate the relevant service or membership if the breach is not remedied, subject to applicable law.

25.3 PPC-SA reserves the right to take immediate action where the nature of the breach reasonably requires immediate intervention.

26. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

26.1 The Parties will attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute arising from these Terms through informal communication.

26.2 Where a dispute cannot be resolved informally, the Parties may attempt mediation before commencing formal proceedings, where appropriate.

26.3 Nothing in these Terms prevents either Party from seeking urgent or interim relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.

26.4 Where arbitration is agreed or required, the arbitration will take place in accordance with applicable South African arbitration rules and procedures.

27. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

27.1 These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

27.2 Subject to any applicable dispute-resolution procedure, the South African courts having appropriate jurisdiction shall have jurisdiction over disputes arising from these Terms.

27.3 Where appropriate, the Parties consent to the jurisdiction of the courts situated in Gauteng.

28. FORCE MAJEURE

28.1 PPC-SA will not be regarded as being in breach of these Terms where its ability to perform an obligation is prevented or materially affected by circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

28.2 Such circumstances may include natural disasters, fire, flood, power failures, internet or telecommunications failures, cyber incidents, government action, civil unrest, strikes or other events beyond reasonable control.

28.3 PPC-SA will take reasonable steps to restore affected services when circumstances permit.

29. SEVERABILITY

29.1 If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision will be severed to the extent necessary and the remaining provisions will continue in force.

29.2 Failure by PPC-SA to enforce any provision at any particular time will not constitute a waiver of its right to enforce that provision later.

30. NOTICES AND CONTACT DETAILS

30.1 Official notices to PPC-SA may be sent to the email address published on the Website.

30.2 Members are responsible for ensuring that PPC-SA has their current email address and contact information.

30.3 Communications may be sent electronically and will be regarded as received in accordance with applicable law and the circumstances of the communication.

30.4 PPC-SA may update its contact details by publishing the revised information on the Website.

31. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

31.1 These Terms, together with the PPC-SA Privacy Policy, applicable membership requirements, professional standards, codes of conduct and other policies expressly incorporated into them, constitute the agreement between PPC-SA/SABCAP and the User in relation to the use of the Website and relevant PPC-SA services.

31.2 These Terms replace earlier Website Terms and Conditions relating to the services covered by these Terms, from the Effective Date.

32. ACCEPTANCE OF TERMS AND CODE OF ETHICS

32.1 As part of the PPC-SA registration process, an applicant will be required to confirm their acceptance of these Terms and the PPC-SA Code of Ethics.

32.2 Acceptance of both the Terms and the Code of Ethics is a mandatory requirement for membership.

32.3 Membership will not be activated or granted until the applicant has completed the required registration process and expressly accepted the PPC-SA Code of Ethics.

32.4 The electronic acceptance, acknowledgement or other recorded confirmation made by the applicant during registration may be retained by PPC-SA as evidence of acceptance.

32.5 By accepting the Code of Ethics, the member agrees to comply with it throughout the period of their membership.

32.6 A member may not claim PPC-SA membership, professional listing, recognition or associated status while refusing to accept or comply with the PPC-SA Code of Ethics.

32.7 By registering for PPC-SA membership, making payment, accessing member services or otherwise using services governed by these Terms, the member confirms that:

they have read and understood these Terms;
they agree to be bound by these Terms;
they have read and accepted the PPC-SA Code of Ethics;
they understand that acceptance of the Code of Ethics is a condition of membership;
the information supplied by them is true and accurate;
they understand that professional membership and listing are subject to applicable PPC-SA requirements;
they understand that all memberships carry a minimum commitment of three (3) months; and
they agree to comply with applicable PPC-SA standards, policies and requirements.

Pet Professional Council – South Africa (PPC-SA)

Operated by: South African Board for Companion Animal Professionals (SABCAP)