JANUARY 2026
Message from our Chair, Jenn Dahinten
As fall winds down and we look toward winter, I know it has been a busy season for many of us in pet care. At PACCC, the pace has been just as steady as we continue the essential work of process building and future-proofing our organization.
I’m pleased to share that our third-party test managers, Professional Testing Corporation, have completed their internal updates. This means our exam committees can now begin convening to advance the critical exam updates that keep our certifications rigorous and relevant.
On the legislative front, we are seeing remarkable momentum across North America, Europe, and beyond. This activity underscores just how vital it is for professional pet care providers to hold independent, third-party certification. Your PACCC credentials, those hard-earned letters after your name, are more important than ever. Please use them proudly, and don’t hesitate to promote this meaningful validation of your professional standing.
We’re also excited to see our network of educational supporters continue to grow, expanding the number of CEU opportunities available. We are deeply grateful to the committed professionals who share best practices and elevate our field. When exploring CEU providers, look for the PACCC badge, it’s now easier than ever to stay current and maintain your certification.
PACCC is also strengthened by the involvement of professionals like you. As much as your business and clients need you, the future of our industry needs you too. I encourage you to consider volunteering with PACCC. Whether you can spare a little or a lot of time, every contribution makes a difference.
Finally, as the show season kicks into gear, PACCC will be out in the community. If you see us, please stop by and say hello and help us spread the word about certification. If you have ideas for outreach, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we are building a stronger, more trusted future for professional pet care.
Warm regards,
Jenn Dahinten, CPACO
Chair, PACCC Board of Directors
Certified Professional Spotlight – Savannah Dillard
PACCC: How did you find out about PACCC?
I first learned about PACCC when I was in the process of opening my pet boarding and daycare facility, The Barkmore Pet Daycare & Boarding. Being from Kentucky, I quickly realized that there are very few laws or regulations in place for businesses like ours. From the very beginning, it was important to me and my business partner that we hold ourselves to the highest standards, not just the bare minimum. That’s why PACCC caught my attention.
PACCC: Has being certified made a change to your business?
Yes, being PACCC certified has made a real difference for our business. It shows pet parents we’re committed to going above and beyond and gives them confidence that we truly know what we’re doing. We’re proud to be the only facility in our area with this certification, with three team members currently certified, and it has even brought new clients to us who value that level of professionalism.
PACCC: What was your motivation for becoming PACCC certified?
My motivation for becoming PACCC certified was to have a credible way to prove our knowledge and professionalism, rather than just asking pet parents to take our word for it. I also wanted to be part of improving pet care standards in the industry and showing that we’re committed to going above and beyond, not just today, but for the future of pet care as well.
PACCC: Why should others volunteer with PACCC?
I believe everyone in the pet care industry should consider volunteering for PACCC. It’s not just a way to give back, it’s a chance to help raise the standards across the entire field, support professionalism, and make a real difference in the lives of pets and their families. Volunteering also connects you with like-minded professionals, provides opportunities to learn and grow, and shows the community that you’re committed to excellence in pet care.
Know a PACCC-certified pro who deserves a shoutout here? Let us know!
Legislative Updates
Virginia Enacts SB1051: Enhancing Oversight of Animal Boarding Facilities
Virginia has enacted SB1051, a significant step toward improving oversight of animal boarding and grooming establishments. Effective July 1, 2025, this law empowers animal control officers to conduct inspections of such facilities—previously unregulated by the Board of Veterinary Medicine—under specific conditions:
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- With the owner’s or manager’s consent.
- Upon receipt of a complaint.
- Up to twice annually on their own initiative.
Additionally, SB1051 mandates the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in collaboration with the State Veterinarian, to convene a work group. PACCC Board Member, Sami Engle Price, is honored and thankful to be a member of this work group, as well as to have direct involvement with our friends at IBPSA. This group have been tasked with discussing and reviewing the potential for state licensing and regulatory requirements for animal boarding establishments, akin to those for animal shelters. The group’s findings and recommendations are due by December 1, 2026.
PACCC supports these developments, recognizing that certified professionals play a crucial role in upholding high standards of animal care. We advocate for the inclusion of PACCC-certified individuals in the forthcoming work group to ensure that practical, experience-based insights inform future regulations.
For more details on SB1051, visit the Virginia Legislative Information System.
PACCC Provides Input on Ontario’s Draft Legislation for Pet Shelter & Accommodation Standards
PACCC is pleased to share an update on the ongoing legislative developments in Ontario, Canada, where new standards for pet shelter and accommodation services are currently under review. The Department of Animal Welfare recently released a draft proposal, with a public feedback window open through March 12, 2025.
The draft legislation represents a promising step forward in addressing oversight and operational quality in Ontario’s animal care facilities. However, initial language in the proposal primarily emphasized physical facility requirements, with limited focus on staff training, professional qualifications, or safety protocols—areas that PACCC believes are essential to ensuring comprehensive, high-quality animal care.
In response, PACCC submitted formal written feedback to the Department, commending the government’s initiative and calling attention to the critical role that certified professionals must play in any regulatory framework. Our message emphasized that third-party certification—like that offered through PACCC—ensures that pet care providers have the knowledge, judgment, and ethical foundation necessary to meet modern standards for animal health, safety, and well-being.
We encouraged legislators to consider how credentialed professionals could strengthen enforcement, reduce risk, and raise public confidence in pet care businesses across the province.
As legislative conversations continue, PACCC remains committed to advocating for standards that go beyond infrastructure to recognize professional competence and accountability as cornerstones of safe, effective pet care.
We will continue to provide updates and encourage certified professionals to stay engaged in this important regulatory dialogue.
Alabama HB569 to Advocate for Certified Pet Care Professionals
House Bill 569 would require that certain dog and cat boarding or grooming facilities in Alabama employ a licensed veterinarian or licensed veterinary technician on site during business hours to advise on and provide proper care for animals in their custody.
The bill defines scope thresholds: a boarding facility must be one that confines or keeps at least 100 dogs or cats, and a grooming facility must employ 20 or more individuals across a calendar year to fall under the requirement. Violations would trigger enforcement by Alabama’s Department of Agriculture and Industries, with a minimum civil penalty of $500 per violation.
The effective date was proposed as October 1, 2025. As of now, HB 569 has been introduced and is pending review in the House Commerce and Small Business Committee. Follow updates HERE.
PACFA Rule Updates in Colorado: Emphasizing the Role of Certified Professionals
Colorado’s Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) underwent significant rule revisions effective July 15, 2025, aimed at strengthening oversight of pet care operations across the state. The updated rules include enhancements in definitions, enclosure and sanitation standards, isolation & commingling protocols, record-keeping, transport notifications, and vaccination requirements for incoming animals. These changes underscore the growing importance of relying on certified professionals in licensed facilities—those with formal training and credentials are now more critical than ever to meet the stricter compliance expectations.
If you’re operating a facility in Colorado, it’s a good time to review the rule changes and ensure your team’s education and credentials align with PACFA’s updated obligations. Follow updates HERE. If you have input that may be valuable, please email IBPSA at ceo@ibpsa.com.
Update on Crawford’s Law SB1263 from Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, Senate Bill 1263—also known as “Crawford’s Law”—was introduced earlier in 2025 to amend Chapter 272 by adding a new section aimed at increasing legal protections for companion animals. Under the bill:
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- A person who causes the “unnecessary or unjustified death” of a cat or dog through willful, reckless, or negligent action could be liable for economic and non-economic damages, including “loss of comfort, protection, companionship,” and more.
- There is a proposed cap of $30,000 on non-economic damages.
- The bill would allow claims to be filed within three years from an animal’s death (or from when a person reasonably should have known of the basis for a claim).
The language of the bill has drawn concern from pet care stakeholders. In recent testimony, the Pet Advocacy Network warned that such subjective damage claims could open the door to litigation risk for veterinarians, groomers, and other animal service providers — potentially increasing costs for companion animal care. Currently, SB 1263 has been referred to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary for review, and a joint hearing has been scheduled.
As PACCC, we are closely monitoring the bill’s progress and exploring how it may intersect with our mission to support certified pet care professionals, set quality standards, and protect those in our community from unintended liability exposure.
Announcements
Congratulations to Our Newly Certified Professionals!
The following are those who joined the PACCC after passing an exam during the June 2025 exam cycle:
Professional Animal Care Manager Exam
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- Carolyn Maddox from Independence, KY
Professional Animal Care Provider Exam
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- Carolyn Lapps from Collingswood, NJ
- Deirdre Licausi from Arnold, MD
- Isabella Sizemore from Odenton, MD
- Jacquelin Linzey from Turnersville, NJ
- Katie McGrath from Bradley, IL
- Kayla Ash from Frankfort, IL
- Mazie Jo Hartwell from Glen Burnie, MD
- Melissa Elliott from Indian Head, SK
- Taylor Morgan from Upper Chichester, PA
The following are those who joined the PACCC after passing an exam during the November 2025 exam cycle:
Professional Animal Care Operator Exam
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- Courtney Lynn Barnes from Wake Forest, NC
Professional Animal Care Manager Exam
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- David Petto from Moraga, CA
- Kathleen Ozimek from Madison, WI
- Sydney Green from Indianapolis, IN
- Allyson Wright from Charlotte, NC
Professional Animal Care Provider Exam
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- Elizabeth Azzinaro from Old Lyme, CT
- Stormy Dailey from Grand Junction, CO
- Lauren Ionta from Charlotte, NC
- Jin Chong from Manassas Park, VA
- Rachel Skinner from San Antonio, TX
- Willow Beaulieu from Gresham, OR
- Devin Chapdelaine from Corunna, FR
- Allison Barnes from Sarnia, FR
- Brandy Hartley from Indian Trail, NC
- Carisa Walsh from Sarnia, FR
- Joshua Wilbur from Millersville, MD
- Rebecca Bergstrom from Annapolis, MD
- Madison Deavers from Glen Burnie, MD
- Fadil Haniff from Charlotte, NC
- Trinity Winston from Gastonia, NC
- Julia Pollack from Indian Trail, NC
- Colby 1 new Goodine from Zealand, FR
Thank you for your commitment to the safety and well-being of pets in your care, and many congratulations on your achievement. We are happy to have you as #partofthepaccc!
Exams
2026 Exam Dates
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- May 2 – 16, 2026 (exam registration deadline is April 1)
- November 7 – 21, 2026 (exam registration deadline is October 9)
Learn more at paccert.org/exam-info.
Practice Exams
If you are planning on testing this year, the practice exams are a fantastic way to prepare. Each exam gives you the opportunity to:
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- Review the type of content included on the actual exam
- Learn more about question format, style, and level of difficulty
- Assess any areas of weakness
For more information on practice exams visit paccert.org/practice-exams.
Events
Dog Handler Academy Business’ Leadership Workshop – September 10-12, 2025, Chicago, IL
Dog Handler Academy recently hosted its 2025 Business Leadership Summit, a three-day event designed specifically for pet care professionals in dog training, daycare, and boarding. Held September 10–12 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O’Hare Rosemont, the summit brought together business owners, managers, and industry experts for sessions on leadership, operations, marketing, and team culture. Sponsored by companies like Blue-9 Pet Products, Pet Business Insurance, and Enrich University, the event blended hands-on workshops with valuable networking opportunities aimed at helping pet care businesses grow sustainably. Notably, the entire workshop was approved for PACCC continuing education (CEU) credits, giving attendees the chance to build both their professional knowledge and certification requirements.
IBPSA The Forum – September 21st – 23rd, 2025, Iselin, NJ
Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo – EAST – November 10th-13th, Hershey, PA
PACCC was proud to attend the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo, the premier national conference for professionals in the pet boarding and daycare industry. This event brings together industry leaders, facility owners, and service providers for several days of cutting-edge educational seminars, networking, and a robust trade show showcasing the latest products, services, and innovations in pet care and boarding. Attendees gained valuable insights on topics ranging from animal health and facility management to business growth and customer experience — all designed to help elevate standards and operations across the boarding and daycare field.
A huge THANK YOU to our new sponsor, Les Poochs, for providing the amazing shampoo samples we were able to hand out to attendees. We loved being able to share them with everyone!
And of course, a big shoutout to THREE of our incredible PACCC Board Members who each presented to packed rooms at Hershey:
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- Jenn Dahinten, CPACO – PACCC Chair
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- “SOPs: A Practical Guide to Take Control of Time, Training, & Team Efficiency”
- “Legislation in Pet Care: How You Can Stay Ahead of the Curve”
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- Rich Schlatter, CPACP – “From Bad to Worse: Dealing With the Most Difficult Situations in Pet Care”
- Amy Hillis, CPACO – “Filling the Void: Strategies for Driving Demand at Underperforming Locations”
- Jenn Dahinten, CPACO – PACCC Chair
We applauded these three for their expertise, leadership, and dedication to elevating the pet care industry. We can’t wait for PB&D West coming May 2026!
Upcoming Events:
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- ODD Ball 2026 – January 19th – 22nd, Nashville, TN
- Business & Behaviour Summit 2026 – May 1st – May 2nd, Toronto, Ontario
- Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West – May 25th – 28th, Phoenix, AZ
PACCC in the Media
Pet Sitter Confession Podcast: Shaping Industry Standards with Jenn Dahinten, Chair of PACCC – LISTEN HERE
What does it really mean to be a professional in the pet care industry? In this episode, Jenn Dahinten, Chair of PACCC, joins to explore the importance of third-party certification in setting industry standards. She shares how PACCC was founded to support experienced pet care providers with recognition, ethics, and continuing education. The conversation dives into the rising pressure from legislation, public expectations, and why certification helps build trust with clients and lawmakers alike. Jenn also offers practical steps for those ready to elevate their professionalism. Main takeaway: “There is a skill set, both taught and intuitive, that’s required to provide care for a pet when their owner is away.”– Jenn Dahinten
Demonstrating Commitment to Pet Safety: Why PACCC Certification Matters
Find this article HERE
At the Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC), our mission is to elevate pet care standards through independent, third-party certification that prioritizes animal health and safety. In a recent article by the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA), PACCC’s certification programs were spotlighted as essential credentials for professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise and integrity in animal care.
Founded in 2016, PACCC was created to address growing concerns around safety in pet care environments. Our certification process is rigorous, transparent, and entirely independent, offering peace of mind to pet parents and helping operators distinguish their services in a competitive market.
We offer three levels of certification to meet the needs of professionals at every stage of their career:
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- Certified Professional Animal Care Provider (CPACP): For hands-on caregivers responsible for day-to-day animal care.
- Certified Professional Animal Care Manager (CPACM): For those managing operations within a facility.
- Certified Professional Animal Care Operator (CPACO): For owners and top-level operators overseeing the full scope of pet care businesses.
As a proud PACCC Gold Sponsor, IBPSA continues to support candidates preparing for certification by offering valuable educational resources, including species-specific prep courses and the Heroes for Healthy Pets Infectious Disease Management program.
For PACCC, certification isn’t just a badge—it’s a commitment to best practices, professionalism, and above all, the safety and well-being of the animals in our care. By becoming PACCC certified, pet care providers not only validate their expertise but also build lasting trust with pet owners and peers across the industry.
Ready to take the next step? Join the growing community of PACCC certified professionals and let’s raise the standard of pet care—together.
Current Certified Professionals
If you are currently certified with PACCC, ensure you have joined our private Facebook group and that your information is up-to-date in our Certified Directory. To modify your personal information, click here.
Reimbursement for Marketing Materials
PACCC is currently offering a reimbursement program (up to $250 USD) to certified professionals who are interested in printing our marketing materials, such as the PACCC banner, for use at trade shows or at their place of business. These resources can be found on the private Facebook group or the PACCC Portal.
PACCC Orientation
If you have recently become PACCC certified, stay tuned to the PACCC Facebook group for certified professionals for our next orientation session!
CEU Updates
Log CEUs on the go with the PACCC App!
The PACCC Portal makes it easier for certified professionals to track their CEUs. The platform saves the information you input, so you don’t need to try and remember past CEU programs when you go to recertify. You can access the PACCC Portal on the Mobile app, which is a great way to add your CEUs on the go! Learn more at paccert.org/paccc-mobile-app.
Due to recertify soon?
Sponsor Highlight
Les Poochs is a luxury brand dedicated to creating the world’s finest grooming brushes, shampoos, creme rinses, fragrances and ear care products. Trusted by professional groomers and pet owners alike, our products combined innovation, quality and care from us all to help make pets not only look their best but feel their best too.
Some of our clients who use Les Poochs daily introduced us to PACCC. We saw it as a great opportunity to support the people we already work with and to give back to an industry we truly care about.
Check out this great promo available to you from PACCC friends and supporters, Les Poochs. Please sign up, wait for the approval email and when ready to shop call us for your 10% off! Please be sure to put ‘PACCC” on sign up form.
Please use this link: https://lespoochs.com/pages/arielle
800-745-4512
arielle@lespoochs.com
New Sponsor Welcome
The Pacific Animal Care & Control Council (PACCC) is pleased to welcome Time To Pet, a DaySmart Company, as a Bronze Sponsor.
Time To Pet is an all-in-one pet care software platform built to support animal care professionals through streamlined scheduling, invoicing, staff management, reporting, and client communication. Designed specifically for the pet care industry, Time To Pet helps organizations operate more efficiently while maintaining high standards of care. As part of the DaySmart family, the platform continues to evolve with reliable, modern tools tailored to the needs of animal-focused organizations.
We are grateful for Time To Pet’s support of PACCC and their commitment to strengthening the animal care and control community. Please join us in welcoming them as a valued sponsor.
Why and How to Certify?
Thinking about certifying through PACCC, but wondering what some of the benefits are and how to get started? Visit paccert.org/why-certify-paccc to learn more.
