Join Force-Free Evansville!

Becoming a member of Force-Free Evansville is a commitment to using force-free handling, tools and training methods in all aspects of your business. By joining, you are pledging that you and your staff will not intentionally harm or intimidate any animal in your care or use any tools that influence behavior through force, pain, fear, or intimidation.

All members must do the following:

  • Own or work for a business that services Evansville or a surrounding area: Henderson, Newburgh, Darmstadt, etc.

  • Electronically sign the pledge

  • Uphold our values and stay in good standing with Force-Free Evansville

  • Display the Force-Free Evansville Business logo on your website or at your location

  • Renew your membership annually

How does it work?

  1. Fill out and submit an interest form

  2. We will contact you for final steps and for a short meet & greet

  3. Approval, you will receive your membership certification, and your listing will be added to the Business Listings Page

Veterinary Care

  • Do not sell or recommend aversive tools such as: choke chains, prong collars, vibration collars, electric shock collars, air cans, or spray cans or any other tools that use shock, pain or sound to elicit a desired behavior

  • Do not recommend aversive methods such as: leash jerking, flooding, forceful manipulation, yelling, staring, physical force, or any other methods that force a behavior out of pain or fear

  • All staff must follow the Force Free Evansville Guidelines and not use the aversive tools/methods listed above

  • Preferred, but not required: Fear Free Certification (FFCP) or member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)

Trainers & Behavior Consultants

  • Do not sell or recommend aversive tools such as: choke chains, prong collars, vibration collars, electric shock collars, air cans, or spray cans or any other tools that use shock, pain or sound to elicit a desired behavior

  • Do not recommend aversive methods such as: leash jerking, flooding, forceful manipulation, yelling, staring, physical force, or any other methods that force a behavior out of pain or fear

  • Do not refer clients to other trainers that use aversive tools or methods listed above

  • Preferred, but not required: Fear Free Certification (FFCP) or member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)

Pet Sitting/Boarding/Dog Walking/Daycare

  • Do not sell or recommend aversive tools such as: choke chains, prong collars, vibration collars, electric shock collars, air cans, or spray cans or any other tools that use shock, pain or sound to elicit a desired behavior

  • Do not recommend aversive methods such as: leash jerking, flooding, forceful manipulation, yelling, staring, physical force, or any other methods that force a behavior out of pain or fear

  • All staff must follow the Force Free Evansville Guidelines and not use the aversive tools/methods listed above

  • Preferred, but not required: Fear Free Certification (FFCP) or member of the Pet Professional Guild (PPG)

Storefronts & Boutiques

  • Do not sell or recommend aversive tools such as: choke chains, prong collars, vibration collars, electric shock collars, air cans, or spray cans or any other tools that use shock, pain or sound to elicit a desired behavior

  • Do not recommend aversive methods such as: leash jerking, flooding, forceful manipulation, yelling, staring, physical force, or any other methods that force a behavior out of pain or fear

Concerns about a Force-Free Evansville Business

At Force-Free Evansville, we hold all member businesses to high ethical standards. If you believe a member is not following our policies- such as using tools or methods involving force, fear, pain or intimidation- you can report a concern and we will investigate.

Please fill out the form below. All concerns are reviewed confidentially, and we are committed to upholding the integrity of our alliance for the safety and well-being of our community’s pets.