ElitePetz Certification Standards Framework
I. Purpose of the Standards
The ElitePetz Certification Standards Framework defines the eligibility, compliance, and operational expectations required to obtain and maintain ElitePetz Certification.
Certification is granted based on documented review and is subject to continued compliance. It is conditional, revocable, and subject to change if material information emerges.
This Framework distinguishes between:
➤ Eligibility Standards (entry requirements)
➤ Certification Standards (what certification represents)
➤ Ongoing Compliance Obligations (requirements after approval)
➤ Status Classifications (public standing)
Enforcement authority is governed separately under the Governance & Enforcement Framework.
II. Eligibility Standards (Entry Requirements)
To qualify for certification review, applicants must satisfy the following baseline requirements:
1. Identity & Transparency
Applicants must:
➤ Provide verifiable identifying information
➤ Disclose accurate public-facing name and contact details
➤ Represent themselves consistently across public platforms
➤ Agree to transparency policies and registry publication if approved
2. Operational Disclosure
Applicants must disclose:
➤ Species and breed involved
➤ Nature of breeding or related activity
➤ Geographic location of operations
➤ A truthful description of practices
Incomplete or materially misleading disclosure may result in rejection or future revocation.
3. Legal & Regulatory Baseline
Applicants must:
➤ Operate in compliance with applicable local, state, and national laws
➤ Disclose any known regulatory actions or material legal proceedings
ElitePetz Certification does not replace regulatory oversight. Regulatory violations may affect certification standing.
4. Declaration of Accuracy
Applicants must affirm that:
➤ All submitted information is truthful and complete
➤ Material changes will be disclosed promptly
➤ They understand certification may be suspended or revoked
False statements constitute grounds for denial or revocation.
III. What Certification Represents
ElitePetz Certification indicates that:
➤ The applicant has undergone structured review
➤ Required disclosures were submitted
➤ No disqualifying information was identified at time of approval
➤ The entity agreed to ongoing compliance and transparency standards
Certification does NOT:
➤ Guarantee animal health outcomes
➤ Replace buyer due diligence
➤ Override governmental authority
➤ Act as an insurance product or warranty
Certification reflects a compliance posture at a defined point in time.
IV. Ongoing Compliance Obligations
Certified entities must:
1. Maintain Legal Standing
Continue operating within applicable laws and regulations.
2. Disclose Material Changes
Promptly report significant operational changes, ownership changes, or regulatory actions.
3. Cooperate with Review
Respond to reasonable information requests or complaints submitted through ElitePetz channels.
4. Preserve Accuracy
Ensure public representations remain consistent with certified disclosures.
Failure to meet ongoing obligations may result in:
➤ Suspension
➤ Revocation
➤ Status downgrade
➤ Non-renewal
V. Certification Status Classifications
Certification status is publicly recorded in the ElitePetz Registry.
Status | Meaning | Public Visibility |
|---|---|---|
Expired | Term ended | Public |
Revoked | Certification withdrawn | Public |
Suspended | Temporarily inactive pending review | Public |
Active | Valid and in good standing | Public |
Approved | Decision issued (awaiting activation if applicable) | Not Public |
Submitted | Application under review | Not Public |
Status changes are permanently recorded in the Status History log.
VI. Enforcement & Record Integrity
Enforcement actions are governed under the ElitePetz Governance & Enforcement Framework, including:
➤ Grounds for Suspension
➤ Grounds for Revocation
➤ Review & Due Process
➤ Status History & Record Integrity
The Certification Standards Framework defines the criteria.
The Governance Framework defines enforcement authority.
VII. Versioning & Evolution
The Certification Standards Framework may evolve over time.
All changes are documented under:
Governance → Evolution of Governance Policies
Certification decisions are governed by the standards in effect at the time of review unless otherwise specified.