Thank you for your interest in serving the International Association of Canine Professionals as a member-elected Director.
The IACP was founded in 1999 by individuals who sought to establish and maintain the highest standards of professional and business practices amongst all canine professions.
The IACP, as a 501c-6 organization, continues to fulfill its mission through educational opportunities, pack meetups, and social media platforms.
With over 2,500 global members on six continents, in 40 countries, and in each U.S. State, the International Association of Canine Professionals shapes global standards through diverse education, development, and support of industry professionals.
The IACP currently has three full-time employees, including an Executive Director. With eight committees with many devoted and talented volunteers who serve to implement the mission of the organization.
The purpose of the IACP Board of Directors is to set the vision, strategy, and goals to clarify action and direction, to support the Executive Director's implementation of our mission, to educate and advocate for our mission with members and the public, and to provide the policy parameters that set the tone for the conduct of IACP so that our mission is accomplished and our programs are excellent.
In accordance with the current Bylaws, the IACP may be served by not less than six, but not more than ten Directors. Up to six of the ten are elected by the Board of Directors, who serve for three years; up to four of the ten are elected by the professional membership of the IACP, and serve two years.
Officers include the Board President/Chair, and Treasurer, each serving two years, Vice President and Secretary, each serving one year, and Executive Director, a contractually hired executive employee.
In 2026 and the years beyond, the IACP will face unique opportunities and challenges. As the IACP continues to grow, the Board of Directors will be required to create sustainable and prudent governance for the organization to meet the needs of members and the community.
While no experience is required to serve as a Director, those with working knowledge in the areas of education, legislation, finances, macro visioning, Board service, governance, policies, and procedures will find an easier transition to the IACP Board of Directors.
Applicants for the Board of Directors who are able to come to a consensus will find this work demanding, but rewarding. Negotiation, flexibility, excellent listening skills, focus, and professionalism will all be key as the Board works together to find solutions and create new boundaries to support our members and staff.
The IACP utilizes several platforms, such as Google Workspace (Gmail, drives, docs, sheets, etc) and Monday.com (project management) to facilitate our communication and workloads. Training will be proved because a working knowledge of these platforms will be integral to board participation.
Board members are required to attend monthly meetings (currently the second Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time); Board Development and Strategic Planning (4 days - February); the Annual Educational Conference, Annual General Meeting and Board Strategic Planning (7 days - August), and any other functions as required. Currently, most IACP Board members serve not less than ten hours per week.
As per the Bylaws, Board members are also required to commit a personal, annual financial contribution to the IACP.