The objective of the TriCounty Force-Free Alliance member directory is to support the public and fellow industry members in identifying qualified, force-free pet professionals. Our directory serves as a reliable resource that connects individuals with skilled experts who prioritize modern, ethical, and humane approaches to training, grooming, veterinary care, pet sitting, and related services. Through outreach and education, we strive to streamline the process of finding reputable professionals in the tri-county area and to promote stronger, healthier relationships between animals and their caregivers.

Quote by Gretchen Wyler about humane animal organizations emphasizing who is not on the list.

Your FREE Membership Benefits

Professional Credibility
Demonstrate your commitment to science-based, humane, and force-free practices. Membership enhances your professional reputation and helps clients choose ethical, qualified providers.

Increased Visibility
Be featured in our public directory and gain added exposure through social media outreach, local promotion, and our regional network of pet-care professionals.

Education & Resources
Access ongoing training opportunities, evidence-based materials, and expert insights to remain current with modern behavioral and welfare standards.

Community & Collaboration
Join a supportive alliance of trainers, veterinarians, groomers, sitters, and other pet professionals. Share knowledge, build referrals, and collaborate with peers who share your commitment to humane care.

Advocacy & Industry Leadership
Contribute to efforts that advance humane policies and improve standards across the pet-care industry.

Approved Branding Materials
Use our official logo and branding to signify your adherence to force-free, ethical practices and distinguish your business from those using outdated or aversive methods.

A Unified Mission
Help strengthen a collective movement dedicated to compassionate, evidence-based care and the improved well-being of animals and their families.

A man grooming a small white dog on a grooming table in a pet salon.
Two baby rabbits, one white and brown and the other white with gray, cuddling among dried grass.

    • You and your staff should handle pets with as little restraint as is safe for the pet, staff, and humans involved and without intent to cause harm.

    • Redirection and positive attention are always applied first. Spray bottles, loud sounds (cans of pennies, air horns), and forceful techniques are only used in the case of immediate danger.

    • You and your staff should not use, sell, or recommend aversive devices that are designed to or will intentionally cause fear or pain, such as: air correctors; choke, prong, vibration, or shock collars; shock mats; any devices which emit citronella, ultrasonic or high pitched sounds; noise makers, squirt bottles or things thrown that are meant to startle or deter behaviors.

    • You and your staff should not use or recommend aversive, dominance or balanced-based approaches to training or recommend other pet professionals who embrace those philosophies or use the tools listed above.

    • Strongly recommend you and your staff complete the Fear Free Certification Program for boarding and daycare.

    • ‍You and your staff should handle pets with as little restraint as is safe for the pet, staff, and humans involved and without intent to cause harm.

    • You and your staff should not use, sell, or recommend aversive devices that are designed to or will intentionally cause fear or pain, such as: air correctors; choke, prong, vibration, or shock collars; shock mats; any devices which emit citronella, ultrasonic or high pitched sounds; noise makers, squirt bottles or things thrown that are meant to startle or deter behaviors.

    • You and your staff should not use or recommend aversive, dominance or balanced-based approaches to training or recommend other pet professionals who embrace those philosophies or use the tools listed above.

    • With devices such as head halters or martingales, clients are taught how to fit them properly and humanely, as well as introduce them slowly to create a positive relationship with the equipment.

    • Strongly recommend you and your staff complete a science-based course/testing from:

Membership Guidelines

    • You and your staff should handle pets with as little restraint as is safe for the pet, staff, and humans involved and without intent to cause harm.

    • You and your staff should not use, sell, or recommend aversive devices that are designed to or will intentionally cause fear or pain, such as: air correctors; choke, prong, vibration, or shock collars; shock mats; any devices which emit citronella, ultrasonic or high pitched sounds; noise makers, squirt bottles or things thrown that are meant to startle or deter behaviors.

    • You and your staff should not use or recommend aversive, dominance or balanced-based approaches to training or recommend other pet professionals who embrace those philosophies or use the tools listed above.

    • Strongly recommend you and your staff complete the Fear Free Certification Program for pet sitters/dog walkers.

    • You and your staff should handle pets with as little restraint as is safe for the pet, staff, and humans involved and without intent to cause harm.

    • You and your staff should not use, sell, or recommend aversive devices that are designed to or will intentionally cause fear or pain, such as: air correctors; choke, prong, vibration, or shock collars; shock mats; any devices which emit citronella, ultrasonic or high pitched sounds; noise makers, squirt bottles or things thrown that are meant to startle or deter behaviors.

    • You and your staff should not use or recommend aversive, dominance or balanced-based approaches to training or recommend other pet professionals who embrace those philosophies or use the tools listed above.

    • Strongly recommend you and your staff complete the Fear Free Certification Program for groomers.

    • You and your staff have a good understanding of how dogs learn (science based).

    • You and your staff should not sell or recommend aversive devices that are designed to or will intentionally cause fear or pain, such as: air correctors; choke, prong, vibration, or shock collars; shock mats; any devices which emit citronella, ultrasonic or high pitched sounds; noise makers, squirt bottles or things thrown that are meant to startle or deter behaviors.

    • You and your staff should not recommend aversive, dominance or balanced-based approaches to training or recommend other pet professionals who embrace those philosophies or use the tools listed above.

    • Devices such as head halters, harnesses, muzzles, and martingales are sold with instructions for proper fitting so as to create a positive relationship with the equipment.

    • You and your staff should handle pets with as little restraint as is safe for the pet, staff, and humans involved and without intent to cause harm.

    • You and your staff should not use, sell, or recommend aversive devices that are designed to or will intentionally cause fear or pain, such as: air correctors; choke, prong, vibration, or shock collars; shock mats; any devices which emit citronella, ultrasonic or high pitched sounds; noise makers, squirt bottles or things thrown that are meant to startle or deter behaviors.

    • You and your staff should not use or recommend aversive, dominance or balanced-based approaches to training or recommend other pet professionals who embrace those philosophies or use the tools listed above.

    • If the rescue learns that aversive or dominance-based methods are used in a foster or adoptive home, the rescue will immediately investigate and gently counsel and remind the foster/adoptive home that the rescue only supports force free, humane approaches. The rescue will recommend the assistance of a force free trainer or behavior consultant, and remind them that insistence on using aversive techniques may result in the dog being pulled from the home.

    • Strongly recommend you and your staff complete the Fear Free Certification Program for shelters/rescues.

    • You and your staff should handle pets with as little restraint as is safe for the pet, staff, and humans involved and without intent to cause harm.

    • You and your staff should not use, sell, or recommend aversive devices that are designed to or will intentionally cause fear or pain, such as: air correctors; choke, prong, vibration, or shock collars; shock mats; any devices which emit citronella, ultrasonic or high pitched sounds; noise makers, squirt bottles or things thrown that are meant to startle or deter behaviors.

    • You and your staff should not use or recommend aversive, dominance or balanced-based approaches to training or recommend other pet professionals who embrace those philosophies or use the tools listed above.

    • Strongly recommend you and your staff complete the Fear Free Certification Program.

Membership is FREE! Join today!

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Person holding a small snake with brown and black pattern, its tongue flicking out, while sitting on their lap.

The TriCounty Force-Free Alliance maintains a serious commitment to accountability and ethical practice. Upon receipt of a complaint, the Alliance will initiate a formal review of the business in question. If the complaint is substantiated, the Alliance may take appropriate corrective action, which can include providing educational resources on safe, humane, and evidence-based animal welfare practices, or removing the business from the member directory. Any business that declines to participate or cooperate in the review process will be removed from the directory.