Membership
CSSA Membership Overview
Current New Membership Contact: Evelyn Susin
The Canadian Shetland Sheepdog Association (CSSA) welcomes individuals and clubs who share a commitment to the preservation, promotion, and responsible stewardship of the Shetland Sheepdog. Membership is structured to reflect varying levels of experience, involvement, and contribution to the breed and the Association.
Below is an overview of the CSSA membership categories as defined by the Association’s bylaws.
Regular Member
Regular membership is intended for experienced Shetland Sheepdog breeders and exhibitors who have demonstrated long-term involvement in the breed.
Eligibility & Privileges:
- Minimum of five years’ experience in breeding and/or exhibiting Shetland Sheepdogs
- Full membership privileges
- Eligible to vote after one full year of membership
- Eligible to hold office within the Association
Life Member
Regular Life Membership is an honour awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions to the CSSA and/or its predecessor organizations.
Eligibility & Privileges:
- Elected by the voting membership following nomination
- Full membership privileges, including voting rights
- Exempt from annual membership fees
Associate Member
Associate membership is designed for Canadian Shetland Sheepdog enthusiasts who do not yet meet the criteria for regular membership.
Eligibility & Privileges:
- Open to new members during their first year or those without required experience for regular membership
- Full membership privileges except:
- No voting rights
- Not eligible to hold office
- Not eligible for CSSA awards
Associate membership provides an opportunity to become involved, learn, and participate while building experience within the breed.
Non-Resident Member
Non-resident membership is available to individuals residing outside of Canada who meet the requirements of regular membership.
Eligibility & Privileges:
- Same privileges as regular members, including voting rights
- Not eligible to hold office within the CSSA
Junior Member
Junior membership encourages youth involvement and education within the Shetland Sheepdog community.
Eligibility & Privileges:
- Open to individuals under 18 years of age
- May attend meetings
- Eligible for CSSA awards
- No voting rights
Joint Member
Joint membership is available to spouses or household members who meet the requirements of regular membership.
Eligibility & Privileges:
- Full membership privileges
- One shared vote per joint membership, effective after one year of membership
Affiliate Member
Affiliate membership is available to clubs with a shared interest in Shetland Sheepdogs.
Eligibility & Privileges:
- Open to Shetland Sheepdog clubs, joint Collie/Shetland Sheepdog clubs, Herding Group clubs, and Working/Herding Group clubs
- May appoint a representative
- No voting rights
Honorary Member
Honorary membership is a distinction awarded to individuals in recognition of exceptional service to the CSSA and/or the breed.
Eligibility & Privileges:
- Elected by the voting membership following nomination
- Full membership privileges
- No voting rights and not eligible to hold office
- Exempt from annual membership fees
Payment of dues
Membership fees are due December 31st of each year. Non-payment of renewal dues by February 28 will result in membership being lapsed, and a new member application will have to be submitted for approval. Payment must be received by the membership chair or the treasurer. Do not send money to any other person. According to our constitution if renewals are not done within 60 days from the beginning of the fiscal year (January 1st), membership shall be automatically terminated.
Applicants approved for membership within the last three months of the year shall have their membership dues applied to their following year.
Membership Applications
All applicants must:
- Complete the CSSA membership application form
- Agree to abide by the CSSA bylaws and the rules of the Canadian Kennel Club
- Submit the appropriate membership fee
- Be sponsored by two current CSSA members (sponsorship requirements may be waived at the discretion of the Board)
Membership acceptance is subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors.
Schedule of Fees
*Any overpayment of fees will be considered a donation to the next CSSA National.
As a result of the Privacy Act legislation in Canada, CSSA Fanciers Inc must have the written consent of all members to hold personal information such as names, addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers. This written consent allows your personal information to be shared among the various members of the organization who may need this information for Club business. The CSSA membership list is for members only and is never to be shared with or sold to other individuals or organizations.