MDBA Pty Limited
Operating as
Master Dog Breeders' Academy and Master Dog Breeders & Associates
ACN 120 900 656

BACKGROUND:
The MDBA was established in 2004 and operates under the names of the Master Dog Breeders Academy and Master Dog Breeders and Associates

It is the only group of this kind in Australia servicing, representing and uniting a wide range of canine enthusiasts, including registered dog breeders (of any bona fide registry), dog welfare and rescue organisations, and pet owners. The MDBA was first conceived to address a need within the community, and in particular, dog breeding, education, welfare and the care of pet dogs.

A vast diversity in dog breeder competencies, ethics and values and the easing of state Canine Association regulations allowing dog breeders to sell puppies to pet shops necessitated the need to differentiate between breeders.

As the designer dog market increased, it became obvious that the public was becoming confused and mislead on the qualities of a healthy puppy. The lack of information available to the community on animal care and responsible ownership compounded this issue.

The concept of breed specific laws being introduced world-wide added to the uncertainty of the future of dog ownership and the liability of irresponsible practices by a few were being felt by all dog owners.

It was necessary to provide a clear distinction between a reputable and ethical dog breeder, welfare organisation and pet care worker and some of their less ethical peers. Essential to this recognition was an education program, a national code of ethics, a screening system, and commitment to the welfare of pet dogs, dog breeding and a public advocacy.

Membership is voluntary and is open to members of the public from within Australia and overseas with an interest in dog breeding, welfare, ownership or care.

The Master Dog Breeders Academy is the educational arm of the MDBA and administers the MDBA certification program.

The Program is an in-depth educational framework that has been tailored exclusively for dog breeders, dog welfare and rescue and/or re-homing organisations, pet owners and those interested in a career in or already employed in pet care.

The curriculum includes selective study in the areas of anatomy and physiology, genetics, nutrition, parasitology, immunology, bereavement counselling, kennel management, pet care, health & nutrition, additional services and business & office administration. The coursework was developed with input from the most knowledgeable professionals in the pet-care industry.

The Education Faculty and resources are headed by Dr Lesley Levins who has a PhD in Science Education with majors in Genetics and over 30 years in dog breeding, judging and training.

AIMS: The aims of the MDBA are:

• To provide a system of distinction between an ethical reputable dog breeder, animal welfare operator and pet owner and their peers; to recognise and celebrate excellence in dog breeding and practices, animal welfare, ownership and animal related services; to be strongly committed to the promotion of responsible pet ownership with a focus on animal welfare issues;
• Work in co-operation with Government, animal welfare agencies, and other reputable organisations to provide effective and manageable policies for pet ownership and management in Australia;
• Provide a nationally accredited education system in all aspects of dog breeding, welfare, ownership and care;
  and
• To provide a regulatory body to increase the standards of dog breeding, welfare, ownership and care.

Mission Statement:

To preserve and improve canine life. To assist Dog breeders in achieving the highest potential of their breeding programs Dog owners to be responsible pet owners and Pet carers to excel in their professions. This is to be achieved by making a positive difference to their knowledge base and practices. The way to achieve this is to provide education, support and to show how a standard of excellence in dog breeding, dog ownership and canine care is achievable; To promote the public awareness, respect and accessibility of MDBA accredited dog breeders, owners and pet carers through public relations and education throughout the community.

As you can see, our mission is to encourage our members to attain the highest of standards. We don't just ask them to improve, but provide them with all of the tools necessary to do this.

We also ask them to agree to abide by a Code of Conduct relevant to their membership that is one of the toughest codes in Australia. This agreement sets our members apart from the rest and elevates them to a standard not demanded of most others.

Links to these Codes of Conduct are below.

Breeders Code of Conduct (Will open in new window)
Responsible Pet Owners Code of Conduct (Will open in new window)
Rescue Code of Conduct(Will open in new window)
Professionals Code of Conduct(Will open in new window)

We then promise to go out into the community and tell the public at large of the extra effort our members have put in so that others may see and appreciate the results.