Preamble to the Code of Professional Ethics
The mission of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE) is to foster a community empowered to provide excellent wellbeing for birds in human care and to create programs that inspire conservation action. To uphold this mission, we must have strong relationships with the animals in our care, one another, and our audiences. This Code of Ethics establishes a framework for responsible conduct, guiding members in their efforts to remain in good standing.

An IAATE Member Shall:

• Strive to achieve high standards of animal care, welfare, training, and educational programming through ongoing professional development.
• Follow a hierarchy of behavioral procedures in training to use the least intrusive, most positive, effective methods to influence behavior.
• Make the physical and mental wellbeing of each animal the primary consideration in management, training, and presentation.
• Provide professional and humane care for the animals they work with, respecting natural history and maintaining compassion for each animal in life and in death.
• Abide by local, state, provincial, and federal laws concerning avian training and associated activities.
• Legally and ethically acquire and transfer animals to and from reputable facilities and maintain proper documentation.
• Establish safe work habits and conditions, abiding by current health and safety practices at all times.
• Encourage community support and involvement through public education. The common goal is to promote a responsible concern for all living beings and the conservation of the environments we share.
• Work on the basis of sound ecological principles, incorporating appropriate conservation ethics and an attitude of stewardship.
• Enlist the assistance of a veterinarian or other trained professionals when appropriate.
• Respect other trainers and persons in related fields, sharing skills and knowledge in the spirit of promoting the wellbeing of animals.
• Respect the intellectual property and copyrights of other individuals and entities.
• Conduct all business and activities in a professional manner; act with honesty, integrity, compassion, and commitment, recognizing that an individual’s conduct reflects on the entire field of avian training and environmental education.