Welcoming Our New DEIB Committee Chair
The Canadian Association of Professional Dog Trainers is pleased to introduce Kelly Crawford (she/they) as the new Chair of the DEIB Committee (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging).
Kelly brings a deep commitment to both animal welfare and community support, with a training philosophy centered on empowering pet guardians while advocating for humane, science-based approaches to working with dogs.
Their work in dog training has been shaped not only by formal education and professional certifications, but also by personal experiences and the lasting impact of beloved dogs Stewie and Georgie, whose memory continues to inspire Kelly’s dedication to compassionate training practices.
A Background in Community and Canine Support
Kelly’s path into professional dog training began through a strong foundation in social services.
They earned a Social Service Worker honours diploma from Georgian College in 2019, gaining valuable experience in community programming and human services. During this time, Kelly worked on initiatives that integrated therapy dogs into school environments, helping students benefit from the calming and supportive presence of trained dogs.
Kelly also contributed to the Sweet Charity Dogs Canine Ambassador Program, coordinating filming for handler resource materials that help support teams working with therapy dogs.
Recognizing the powerful relationship between people and animals, Kelly continued to expand their education in dog training and behaviour.
In Spring 2024, they completed the Canine Foundations Training Academy program at Georgian College, further strengthening their technical knowledge of training methods and canine behaviour.
Their hands-on experience includes volunteering with the Muskoka Animal Centre SPCA, as well as earning the Fear Free Shelter Graduate certification, which focuses on reducing stress and improving welfare for animals in shelter environments.
In October 2024, Kelly achieved the Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) certification, a globally recognized credential that reflects a commitment to evidence-based training and professional standards.
Kelly is also an active member of several professional organizations, including:
- Canadian Pet Care Professionals
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers International
- Canadian Kennel Club
What DEIB Means in the Dog Training Profession
The work of the DEIB Committee focuses on ensuring that the field of dog training continues to grow in ways that are welcoming, accessible, and supportive for both trainers and the communities they serve.
In practical terms, this means exploring questions such as:
- How can dog training education and resources be made accessible to more people?
- How do we create welcoming spaces for individuals of all backgrounds within the training profession?
- How can trainers better support diverse families and communities who share their lives with dogs?
Dogs are an important part of households across Canada, and the people who care for them come from many different backgrounds, cultures, and lived experiences.
Ensuring that dog training knowledge is accessible and inclusive helps more dogs receive humane training and support — and helps more people build strong, positive relationships with their animals.
Within the profession, DEIB also means encouraging respectful collaboration and learning across different perspectives, strengthening the professional community while promoting the highest standards of animal welfare.
Looking Ahead
As Chair of the CAPDT DEIB Committee, Kelly is committed to supporting thoughtful conversations and initiatives that strengthen the profession and expand opportunities for learning and collaboration.
“I am excited to take on this role and work alongside others who are passionate about both dog training and community wellbeing,” Kelly shares.
Through collaboration with fellow trainers and committee members, the goal is to help ensure that the dog training profession continues to evolve in ways that are ethical, compassionate, and inclusive.
Kelly looks forward to working with colleagues across the industry to support this important work — and welcomes the opportunity to learn from the many voices that make up the professional dog training community.
Share Your CAPDT Story
Inspire others by showing the power of our community and how ethical, science-based dog training is making an impact across Canada.
✔ Submit a short blurb (and optional photo or video)
✔ Share how your membership has helped you
✔ Tell us what you value most about being part of CAPDT
We’ll be featuring members throughout the year in newsletters, social media, and on our website.
