The pet care professional will hold the client's information in confidentiality, and use discretion when discussing the client with non-professionals.

a) The professional will maintain all records that identify the client, the client's home and business addresses, phone numbers, key codes, security codes, etc. in confidence, and not disclose or share this information with anyone without the client's consent. The client shall, upon termination of the contract or when the information is no longer needed, dispose of the information in a manner in which no other person can use the information (i.e. shredding documents).

Exemption: Employees, Independent Contractors, or persons indicated as Back Up service providers in the event of an emergency when the scheduled professional is unable to attend.

b) The professional shall not advertise to unknown individuals that the client is away from home, for how long, where they are etc. Unless the individual is known to the professional and the client and already aware of the client's absence. (i.e. don't tell the guy at the parking meter that you are pet sitting for Mr. Smith down the street while he is in Barbados for 3 weeks). Use your presence for marketing your service, and offer non client-specific information on your services.

c) The professional may use the client as a reference if a person known to the client inquires about service, or if the client's status would benefit the professional's standing with potential clients. Remain non-specific however, simply indicate that they are a client.

d) The professional should not inform any outside party about any personal possessions or documents seen in the client's home. (i.e. Do not comment on the client's big screen television, awesome stereo system, expensive car etc. The information may be used as incentive for a crime if an individual has the information that they are away AND they have nice stuff!).

e) The professional should not discuss any information regarding the client's personal habits, or any information that may be potentially embarassing. (i.e. do not tell a neighbour about the subscription to Playboy, or the mailman about the shoe fetish.)

f) Discussions with other professionals in the interest of giving/receiving advice and enhancing quality of service are exempt from these rules. However, discretion should still be used as to how much information to provide, and the professional should ensure that the person they are discussing this with will also have the same discretion.