Membership

VIP members come from a variety of lifestyles and countries. What we share is our dedication to the spirit of cooperation and devotion to the principles of good sportsmanship and the humane care and training of Poodles. Members of VIP are committed to educating the Poodle community and supporting Poodle-specific health research and are concerned about the future of the breed.

Types of membership: There shall be three types of membership: a. General membership, b. Associate membership, and c. Linked membership

a. General membership: General membership shall be open to all persons who have attained the age of eighteen years, who are in good standing with the national kennel corporations, who have put a performance or service title (any title conferred upon a dog which recognizes his performance as opposed to his appearance including but not limited to obedience, tracking, working, agility, field, therapy, and service) on a dog and who subscribe to the purposes, principles, and code of ethics of the corporation. Any person who is a general member has full rights and duties of participating in the corporation functions and activities including holding office and chairing committees.

b. Associate membership: Associate membership shall be open to all persons who have attained the age of ten years, are in good standing with the national kennel corporations and who subscribe to the purposes and code of ethics of the corporation but has not put a performance or service title on a dog. An associate membership shall be advanced to general membership upon completing a performance or service title on a dog and attaining the age of eighteen. No associate member shall be eligible to hold office or to chair a committee but may serve on a committee.

c. Linked membership: Linked membership is open to any person who has attained the age of eighteen or organization which ascribes to the bylaws and code of ethics and pays dues. No linked member shall be eligible to hold office, to chair a committee, or to vote.

Application for membership. Each applicant for membership shall apply on a form approved by the board of directors of the corporation which shall provide that the applicant agrees to abide by the by-laws and code of ethics of the corporation.

Election to membership. An applicant for membership whose application has been received and reviewed by the membership committee shall be submitted to the board for approval. Upon approval of the board the applicant shall be accepted into membership and their name published in the next newsletter. The applicant shall be promptly notified of the action. If the applicant is denied membership, in the spirit of disclosure and education the reasons shall be included in the notification.

Appeal. Any applicant for membership whose application has been rejected may reapply no sooner than six months after such rejection.

Dues. Annual dues for individuals and families shall be set by the board of directors. Members elected within the first three months of the official corporation year shall not again be liable for dues until the first day of the first month of the fiscal year of the following year. Newly admitted members shall pay a processing fee in addition to pro-rated annual dues for the fiscal year in which they are admitted both of which payments shall be made within thirty days after being notified of admission to membership. Upon failure to make such payment of dues and processing fee, such admission may, at the discretion of the board, be rescinded.

Dues shall be payable for each year on January first of that year.

Any member who has resigned his membership or who has been expelled for misconduct will not be entitled to a refund of any portion of dues, or other payments made by him, and shall be readmitted to the corporation only in the manner prescribed for new members.