USPCA By-Laws, ARTICLE VIII CONCERNING MEMBERSHIP STATE THE FOLLOWING 9 POINTS:

1. Full membership to this Association shall be open to any active full time paid law enforcement officer, Federal, State, County or Municipal, who is a canine handler, trainer or administrator, pending approval of regional elected officers. This shall include members of the Military Police who may be canine handlers, trainers or administrators.

2. Any full member may continue as such in the event that they enter military service and later returns to canine law enforcement on a full time basis.

3.  An associate membership may be held in the Association under the following conditions:

1. A person who trains canines for an established law enforcement agency.
   
2. A retired (not a member at retirement) full time paid law enforcement officer, either Federal, State, County, or  Municipal, who was a canine handler, trainer or administrators.
3. Associate membership must have the approval of Regional Elected Officers.
4. Associate membership shall have voting privileges but cannot hold Regional or National office.

4. An Honorary membership may be bestowed on a person for distinguish or meritorious acts in the field of canine service

5. There shall be a special membership to the USPCA these members shall be any persons so designated by a Regional Executive Board. They will hold no office or have any other privileges that pertain to a full membership in the Association. A Special member shall be liable for dues or assessments. They may attend regular meetings and may be heard at the discretion of the President. They may not vote or have any other privileges that pertain to a full membership in the Association

6. Any member may be dropped from the association for non-payment of dues, upon final conviction of any criminal charge, for any acts that might bring discredit to the Association or using the Association or its name for personal gain or profit. Upon notification in writing of any of these circumstances by at least two (2) members in good standing, to the Executive Board of the region or district, the member shall be notified in writing of the circumstances charged. An investigation will be instituted by the region or district executive board and a 2/3 vote of the region or district at a scheduled meeting shall cause a member to be dropped from the membership rolls (passed 10-11-85).

7. All applications for membership shall be in writing upon forms furnished for that purpose, and signed by the applicant, and accompanied by the prescribed fee, If the Regional Executive Board so decides, applications may be referred to the National Executive Committee for investigation.

8. An applicant, having been elected to membership by the Region, shall be notified and may present them self at the next meeting and subscribe to the following pledge: “I. (members name), do hereby of my own free will, pledge upon my sacred honor to support the Constitution an By-Laws of this Association. That I will obey the resolutions adopted from time to time, not incompatible with my oath as a police officer; and I further more promise that I will forward and defend the interest of this Association by all honorable means within my power.”

9. Once an officer is elected, they will be allowed to complete their term if they are honorably retired.