There are three membership categories: Processor: Annual membership fee of $10,000.00 Can. Manufacturer: Membership fee is based on volume of business. This annual fee ranges from $500.00 to $10,000.00 Associate: Annual membership fee of $125.00 Can.

Executives from member companies serve without compensation on the Down Association of Canada's Executive and Board, contributing their skills and experience. Recommendations are first developed by Executive committees, and then subject to a majority vote of the Board of Directors. Representatives elected by and from the membership serve on the board.

The By-laws of the Association state that, by definition:

Active Membership is granted to "Any firm or Corporation in good standing located in Canada, engaged in the processing of down and/or waterfowl feather, or in the manufacture of products containing down and/or waterfowl feather provided that such manufacturer blows, sews and labels with own company name, down and/or down and waterfowl feather products and further, that 50% of the labour is done in Canada by a company owned or operated by such manufacturer".

Associate Membership is granted to: "Any individual group, firm or corporation, or branch of firm or corporation of good standing, with a bona fide business interest in the down and feather products industry in Canada".

Associate member retailers must sell products made in Canada by a Manufacturer who is an Active member of the Down Association of Canada.

Financial support for the Down Association of Canada, its programs and activities, is derived primarily from annual membership dues and the sales of labels, brochures, and hang tags.