📜 Governance & Club Rules

Club Bylaws, Policies & Governance

Every club is founded with clear rules of operation, and Texas Puppy Club is no different. Prospective and current members can read our governance rules, Bylaws, Policies & Procedures, and Code of Conduct right on this page or download the official PDFs below.

Official Club Bylaws (v1.07 • Sept 13, 2022)

Texas Puppy Club Bylaws

Defines our Statement of Purpose, Individual Membership eligibility, annual dues and renewal dates, Board of Directors structure, annual November elections, and amendment rules.

Download Texas Puppy Club Bylaws PDF (v1.07) ↓

Policies & Procedures (v0.03 • June 30, 2020)

Club Policies & Procedures

Covers operational procedures, membership verification, disciplinary and complaint processes, financial transparency and annual audits, and the Social Media & Chat Code of Conduct.

Download Policies & Procedures PDF (v0.03) ↓

Summarized Governance Reference

The bylaws and policies presented on this page are summarized for quick reference and accessibility. Please refer to the official PDF documents linked above for the complete, unabridged bylaws and policies of Texas Puppy Club.

Bylaws • Article I

Article I — Statement of Purpose

The Texas Puppy Club is a non-profit social club (incorporated in the state of Texas) whose purpose is to create a safe space in which the human pups, pets, critters, and handlers of Texas and their allies can gather, learn, and grow. We achieve this through:

Maintaining a communication, information, education, and support network for members of our pup/pet and handler community in Texas.
Promoting, with pride, the rights of all adults to engage in safe and consensual expressions of sexuality and leather / BDSM / fetish activities regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexuality, age, or creed.
Hosting periodic events in which members of the community can come together and fellowship in a judgment-free space.
Supporting our community clubs and organizations across the state and encouraging the formation of new groups.
Preserving our unique history for future generations.

Bylaws • Article II

Article II — Individual Membership & Renewal Rules

Eligibility, Identity & Annual Dues

18+ Eligibility: Individual Membership is open to any person 18 years of age or older who supports the club's Statement of Purpose and agrees to abide by club Bylaws, rules, and guidelines.
Annual Dues ($25): Annual membership dues are $25.00 per year.
Preferred / Scene Name Respect: Every member has the right to be known publicly within the club by their Legal Name, Preferred Name, or Scene Name, while Legal Name is maintained confidentially for age verification and board records.

Membership Term, Grace Period & Privileges

Membership Term: Membership is effective from the day dues are received through the end of that calendar month the following year.
30-Day Grace Period: Members enjoy a 30-day grace period following their expiration date during which they retain full member privileges and may renew without losing their anniversary month.
Member Privileges: Includes a Digital Membership Card, the right to attend member meetings and events, make and vote on club motions, nominate/run/vote in annual Board elections, access Texas Conference of Clubs (TCC) landsite privileges, and receive event and partner vendor discounts.

Bylaws • Articles III–VIII

Articles III–VIII — Administration, Elections & Amendments

Board Structure & Fiscal Governance

Fiscal Year: Runs from January 1 through December 31.
4 Co-Directors: Club administration is led by 4 Co-Directors (Secretary, Treasurer, Membership, and Events Coordinator) serving staggered 2-year terms.
Regional Representatives: Represent major Texas regions and serve 1-year terms to support local community outreach.
Expenditure Approval: Any non-recurring club expenditure exceeding $200 requires formal approval per club governance rules.

Annual Elections & Bylaw Amendments

Annual November Elections: Board of Directors and Regional Representative elections are held annually in November.
Bylaw Amendments (3/4 Vote): Amending the Club Bylaws requires a 3/4 affirmative vote of voting members.
Policies & Procedures (2/3 Board Vote): Updates to operational Policies & Procedures require a 2/3 affirmative vote of the Board of Directors.

Policies & Procedures (v0.03)

Verification, Disciplinary & Financial Procedures

Membership Verification & Vetting: All new and renewing membership applications undergo age (18+) and safety verification by the Board of Directors prior to activation.
Disciplinary & Complaint Procedures: The Board investigates formal community safety and conduct complaints. Grounds for suspension, revocation, or refusal of membership include working counter to the Statement of Purpose, discriminatory or illegal activity, or unsafe/maligned conduct.
Financial Transparency & Annual Audit: The Treasurer maintains itemized club financial records subject to periodic reporting and an annual financial audit.

Community Standards

Social Media & Community Chat Code of Conduct

18+ Only: All Texas Puppy Club spaces, events, and digital chats are strictly limited to adults aged 18 and older.
Polite, Respectful & Inclusive: Treat all community members with respect across all identities, genders, orientations, and pet play dynamics.
Zero Tolerance for Bigotry or Harassment: We enforce zero tolerance for racist, bigoted, or inflammatory content, harassment, or non-consensual behavior.
SFW Media in Community Chats: Keep media shared in general club social channels and community Telegram chats strictly SFW media unless a channel is explicitly designated otherwise.

Ready to join the pack under these shared values?Explore Individual Membership →

Article I — Statement of Purpose

Maintaining a communication, information, education, and support network for members of our pup/pet and handler community in Texas.

Promoting, with pride, the rights of all adults to engage in safe and consensual expressions of sexuality and leather / BDSM / fetish activities regardless of nationality, ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexuality, age, or creed.

Hosting periodic events in which members of the community can come together and fellowship in a judgment-free space.

Supporting our community clubs and organizations across the state and encouraging the formation of new groups.

Preserving our unique history for future generations.