The International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP) is monitoring two bills introduced in the New Jersey Legislature that would establish a state licensure system for dog trainers and create a government board to regulate the profession.

If enacted, these bills could significantly affect dog trainers, training businesses, and consumers seeking professional training services throughout New Jersey.

Bills at a Glance

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4206
Synopsis: Requires licensure of dog trainers.

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4207
Synopsis: Establishes the New Jersey Dog Trainer Licensure Board.

Both bills were introduced on February 19, 2026, and have been referred to the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee.

What the Legislation Would Do

Taken together, these bills would create a new regulatory framework for dog trainers in New Jersey.

A4206 would require individuals who provide dog training services to obtain a state license.

A4207 would establish the New Jersey Dog Trainer Licensure Board, which would be responsible for administering licensing requirements and regulating the profession.

The board would likely have authority over licensing standards, disciplinary procedures, and rulemaking governing dog training in the state.

Certification Requirement in A4206

One provision of A4206 specifies that applicants for licensure must hold certification based on the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers examination.

This is significant because the bill references only this single certification pathway as part of the eligibility requirements for licensure.

The dog training profession currently includes multiple professional organizations, educational programs, certification bodies, and apprenticeship pathways. Many experienced trainers have obtained professional credentials through other respected organizations or have built their expertise through mentorship, continuing education, and extensive hands-on experience.

Limiting licensure eligibility to a single certification examination could create unintended barriers for qualified professionals who have pursued other legitimate paths within the field.

Why This Matters

Dog training is a diverse profession encompassing companion dog training, behavior modification, sport and working dog development, puppy training, and owner education. Professionals in the field often come from varied educational backgrounds and training philosophies.

Legislation that mandates state licensure for dog trainers raises several important considerations:

Barrier to entry
Licensure requirements can create financial and administrative burdens for small businesses, apprentices, and individuals entering the profession.

Potential for narrow standards
Dog training is not a one-size-fits-all discipline. A state regulatory system may favor certain methodologies or credentialing paths over others.

Reduced access for dog owners
Additional regulation may decrease the number of available trainers and increase the cost of training services.

Unclear regulatory structure
The creation of a new licensing board raises questions about who will determine competency standards and how regulations will be implemented and enforced.

Call to Action for New Jersey Members

New Jersey dog professionals and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with their elected officials and share their perspectives on these bills.

Legislators rely on input from professionals and constituents when evaluating proposed legislation.

Step 1: Identify Your Legislators

Use the official New Jersey Legislature website to find your State Assembly and Senate representatives:

🌐 https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/districts

Contact your legislators and respectfully explain how A4206 and A4207 could affect your profession, your business, and the dog owners you serve.

Step 2: Contact the Bill Sponsor

The sponsor of these bills is:

Carol A. Murphy
New Jersey General Assembly – Legislative District 7

You can contact Assemblywoman Murphy through the New Jersey Legislature website:

🌐 https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-roster/406/assemblywoman-murphy

When writing to the bill sponsor:

• Be respectful and professional
• Identify yourself as a New Jersey dog professional or constituent
• Explain how the legislation may affect your work and your clients
• Provide real-world examples from your professional experience
• Encourage dialogue about effective and practical approaches to supporting responsible dog training

Key Points You May Wish to Share

Members may wish to highlight points such as:

• The diversity of professional training approaches and specialties
• Concerns about barriers to entry for new professionals
• The fact that A4206 references only one certification examination, potentially excluding other experienced professionals
• The importance of preserving access to affordable training services for dog owners
• The need for policymakers to consult with experienced professionals across the dog training field

Stay Engaged

The legislative process is ongoing, and stakeholder input is important. Members are encouraged to monitor developments and participate constructively in discussions about the future of the dog training profession in New Jersey.