Members in good standing are entitled to all the benefits, privileges and services offered by the Association. Members in good standing may vote for the Board of Directors. Members in good standing are provided and authorized to display the PHA decal on crates and wear the PHA emblem. Members in good standing are provided a life insurance policy. Membership in the PHA conveys to the dog-owning public an immediate stamp of professionalism, integrity and confidence that they are not engaging just an individual for service, but a person backed by an association.

Clients can be assured that the PHA will do all in its power to see that members adhere to the Code of Ethics. If not, the Association will act to correct the situation and protect the client from misconduct. Confidence knowing that they belong to an Association that has by word, deed, and action earned the respect that it has held for many years, not only in the United States, but throughout the world wherever dog-people assemble. Internet link to a member's personal website from the Association's site.

Requirements for Membership

1. Applicants must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age and in good standing with the American Kennel Club. 2. Applicants must have ten (10) years of active involvement with show dogs and have handled professionally for five (5) years. 3. Any person interested in joining the PHA must submit a Letter of Recommendation form signed by three (3) members in good standing with the PHA. Recommendations do not have to be from the same zone, but may not come from the same household. 4. Upon receipt of the Letter of Recommendation, the Secretary and/or Executive Vice-President of the PHA will send to the applicant the following forms. A Letter of Intent Four Personal Evaluation Forms A Kennel Inspection Form The completed Letter of Intent and all necessary forms, along with the required fee (which is non-refundable) is to be sent to the Secretary and or Executive Vice-President. The Letter of Intent will remain on file to allow for observations and comments by PHA members and/or other interested parties. The Letter of Intent is only valid for two (2) years from the date of receipt by the PHA.

5. During the period of time that the Letter of Intent is on file with the Secretary and/or Executive Vice-President of the PHA, it will be necessary for the applicant to contact, either by telephone or in person, the Zone Governor to arrange for an inspection of the kennel facilities of the applicant. It is also the responsibility of the applicant to arrange to meet in person with at least four (4) Zone Representatives for the purpose of evaluation. 6. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to contact the Zone Governor to arrange for a kennel inspection of his/her kennel facilities. Kennel inspections will be by appointment and is done to determine whether the kennel facility of the applicant conforms to PHA requirements. 7. Within one (1) year of submitting a Letter of Intent, the kennel and vehicle inspection forms, and all other application materials the applicant will be advised when their application for membership will be forwarded to the Board for consideration and action. 8. The initiation fee, as prescribed by the Board, must be submitted with the application and will be refunded if the application is denied. Dues are payable upon notification of acceptance into the PHA. 9. The Letter of Intent and other application forms for membership must be completed in full and contain all the requested information.

To apply for membership in the PHA mail a request for a Letter of Intent, accompanied by three (3) letters of recommendation from members in good standing, to: Kathleen Bowser, Executive Vice-President The Professional Handlers' Association, Inc. 171017 Norbrook Drive Olney, Maryland 80832 kathy@phadoghanders.com