• “Certification Pet Parents Can Trust”

July 2025

Message from our Chair, Jenn Dahinten

Hello fellow pet care professionals,

As your new Chair, I’m honoured to represent an organization driven by purpose, powered by volunteers, and dedicated to elevating our industry through third-party certification. While much of PACCC’s work happens quietly behind the scenes, I’d like to share just a few of the milestones we’ve reached together so far in 2025.

We’ve expanded the number and scope of our working committees – a key step in strengthening PACCC’s reach and relevance. New members have joined our Marketing, CEU/Education, Futures, and Fundraising Committees, bringing fresh energy and new ideas. We’re also pleased to share that, after extensive collaboration with our testing partners at the Professional Testing Corporation, we’re set to begin meetings for three updated exam committees. While volunteer names will remain confidential until that work is complete, please join me in welcoming the dedicated professionals who have stepped up to ensure our exams remain rigorous, fair, and forward-looking.

Out in the field, we’ve already connected with passionate professionals at ODD Ball 2025, The Dog Gurus Summit, and the Pet Boarding and Daycare West Expo this May. Wherever we go, one message is clear: professionalism matters. As legislation impacting pet care emerges across North America and beyond, it’s more important than ever that you — certified, credentialed professionals — are the ones at the table when rules are written.

To that end, PACCC applauds our industry’s trade association, IBPSA, for its leadership and recent advocacy successes. Together, we are helping shape a future where third-party certification and professional standards are not just valued — they are expected.

Thank you for committing to excellence in pet care and for proving, every day, that knowledge and integrity go hand in hand. We need more professionals like you. If you’re ready to get involved, reach out to our Futures Committee or visit our volunteers webpage to learn how you can contribute to PACCC’s mission to raise the bar for our entire industry.

Here’s to a safe, successful, and impactful season ahead.

Warm regards,

Jenn Dahinten, CPACO
Chair, PACCC Board of Directors

Certified Professional Spotlight – Meet Mindy Metcalf, CPACP

PACCC: How did you find out about PACCC?

I first learned about PACCC from my employer!

PACCC: Has being certified made a change to your business?

Absolutely! Internally, being in management and being board-certified has set the expectation for knowledge and education within our team. It also helps our team trust the decisions management makes – they know we know what we’re doing. As far as the pet parents go, once they learn about third-party certification for the industry, they wonder why they never looked for it before. It helps build that trust, which is crucial to the relationship we have with our clients.

PACCC: What was your motivation for becoming PACCC certified?

There were many motivating factors, one simply being “why would I not?”, but the biggest was wanting to be part of the change the industry sorely needs. Being an animal lover in pet care can be emotionally taxing at times, especially when you’ve worked at or heard about facilities that put their bottom line before the animals in their care and the people on their team. It shouldn’t be as easy as it is to open a business caring for live animals, for other people’s family members. There needs to be a higher standard, and I’m proud to say that I help set one.

Legislative Updates

PACCC Advocates for Safer Practices Amid New Collar Requirements

As part of our ongoing commitment to advancing animal care standards, PACCC is actively involved in the broader discussion around new collar and rabies tag requirements—measures that are now being enforced 24/7 by some animal control agencies in response to increased supervision following legislative efforts, such as Ollie’s Law in Massachusetts.

While PACCC fully supports initiatives that enhance animal welfare and public safety, we are also acutely aware of the unintended consequences these requirements may have in group play and boarding environments. Constant collar use—especially during social interaction among dogs—increases the risk of injury, including jaw entrapments, strangulation, and broken teeth.

Our partners at the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA) have taken a proactive stance, stepping in to bring attention to these emerging safety issues. They are working to engage regulators and the broader pet care community in thoughtful dialogue, advocating for practical, evidence-based solutions that balance public health protocols with the realities of safe, professional animal care.
At PACCC, we’re proud to contribute to these conversations as a trusted certification body and safety advocate. Our certified professionals are trained in best practices that reduce risk and prioritize the well-being of pets in group settings. We will continue working alongside IBPSA and other industry leaders to ensure that any new policies reflect both animal welfare and operational safety.

Stay tuned for updates and resources as this important conversation evolves.

PACCC Advocates for Safer Practices Amid New Collar Requirements

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.

PACCC Engages Alabama Lawmakers on HB569 to Advocate for Certified Pet Care Professionals

As part of our continued efforts to influence meaningful pet care policy across North America, PACCC has taken initial steps to engage with lawmakers in Alabama following the introduction of House Bill 569 on April 15, 2025.

Recognizing the opportunity to contribute to the development of thoughtful and effective legislation, PACCC sent an introductory letter to key representatives involved in shaping the bill. The letter outlined who we are as an organization, the importance of independent certification, and the value that PACCC-certified professionals bring to the pet care industry.

Our message was clear: PACCC-certified individuals are uniquely equipped to provide informed, real-world perspectives that reflect both local community needs and nationally recognized standards. We emphasized the importance of including certified voices in the policymaking process, particularly as lawmakers seek to create legislation that safeguards animals while supporting responsible care providers.

PACCC also stressed that our goals align with those of the Alabama legislature—to ensure the safety, well-being, and humane treatment of the pets across the state. We look forward to continued dialogue with lawmakers and are committed to being a trusted resource as this legislation evolves.

Stay tuned for further updates as we monitor HB569 and advocate for the inclusion of certified expertise in future animal welfare policy.

PACFA Rule Updates in Colorado: Emphasizing the Role of Certified Professionals

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has proposed significant updates to the Pet Animal Care and Facilities Act (PACFA) regulations, aiming to enhance animal welfare standards across the state. These proposed changes include:

  • Mandatory sterilization of dogs and cats prior to adoption by shelters and rescues, as required by Senate Bill 24-045.
  • Updated enclosure requirements for various species.
  • Revised cleaning, sanitation, and isolation protocols.
  • New rules regarding the commingling of animals.
  • Vaccination requirements for dogs, cats, and ferrets imported into Colorado.
  • Enhanced recordkeeping requirements for grooming, boarding/training, and pet handler facilities.
  • Updated notification requirements for pet transporters.

PACCC recognizes the importance of these regulatory advancements and underscores the value that certified professionals bring to their successful implementation. Our credentialed members possess the expertise and commitment to uphold the highest standards of animal care, aligning with the objectives of the updated PACFA regulations.
We encourage all stakeholders in the pet care industry to stay informed about these changes and consider the benefits of PACCC certification in promoting excellence and compliance within their operations.

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:

  • 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. This group will explore the potential for state licensing and regulatory requirements for animal boarding establishments, akin to those for animal shelters. Their 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.

Announcements

Congratulations to Our Newly Certified Professionals!

The following are those who joined the PACCC after passing an exam during the Spring 2025 exam cycle:

Professional Animal Care Manager Exam

Savannah Baker, CPACM
Haley Brulotte, CPACM
Yeganeh Naserdoust, CPACM
Charles Svedberg, CPACM

Professional Animal Care Provider Exam 

Haley Anderson, CPACP
Riley Armstrong, CPACP
Olivia Gaspar, CPACP
Jason Carter-Wright Ramsey, CPACP
Conor Jackson Rennebohm, CPACP
Alex Marie Varney, CPACP

Thank you for your commitment to the safety and well-being of pets in your care. We are happy to have you as #partofthepaccc!

Exam Update

Remaining 2025 Exam Date

  • November 8-22 (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:
– 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

ODD Ball

One of the most exciting things about our industry is the camaraderie and exchange of ideas. Having started as a Facebook user group, Owners of Doggie Daycares has evolved into an in-person networking and educational opportunity that many of us look forward to each year. This year did not disappoint, with hours of continuing education, updates on best practices, real-life case studies in leadership and training, and the strength of knowing you are not alone.

The ODD Ball was an opportunity for PACCC, as represented by Nichole Bennett (State of Washington), Amy Hillis (North Carolina) and Jenn Dahinten (Ontario, Canada), to reach organizations of all sizes and impress upon them the direct value of taking the next step in securing their “Professional” status for their business. It was especially exciting to see how many attendees were already planning to sit for upcoming exams, and to hear how often professional credentialing came up in conversations. Increasingly, businesses are turning to third-party certification as a meaningful way to differentiate themselves and establish trust with clients and staff alike.
The vendors continue to be a source of industry strength and sponsorship for PACCC, and we thank them for their continued support and investment in the future of professional pet care. They are the ones who make it possible for us to be there and support our mission, and reinforce the growing momentum behind raising standards across the industry.

Dog Gurus – Pet Business Growth Workshop

This year’s summit was kicked off with an amazing keynote presentation from our own PACCC Past Chair, Amy Hillis, and her partner, Bill Hillis. Some of the most exciting innovations and transformative best practices continue to come out of the collective gathering of the Dog Gurus. The Dog Gurus team consists of a group of present and former facility operators who share their successes and best practices through their regular operations and annual business summits.

Having said that, as always in our industry, the real innovation comes from the gathering of the honorary Dog Gurus—all those who attend. This year, we saw a significant number of seasoned professionals who still embrace the learning journey through their own growth and willingness to share, those new to the industry and bringing fresh plans and ideas while learning, and then a very exciting group of those in the planning stages.

PACCC was able to inspire not just those ready to test their knowledge and gain their professional credentials, but also to help those just starting out to continue as they mean to go on. There was a clear energy around certification this year—attendees were talking about their exam timelines, asking questions about the process, and helping each other plan their next steps. It’s evident that professional credentialing is becoming a central part of how businesses are building credibility and trust.

The PACCC Body of Knowledge provides the perfect blueprint for researching and establishing staff training. What do your staff need to know? The Body of Knowledge tells you.
We were also able to connect with several of our valued sponsors and vendor partners throughout the event. Their continued support is critical in helping us expand our impact, and their presence at gatherings like this one reminds us how united the industry is in raising the bar for professional standards.

Thank you once again to The Dog Gurus for the amazing opportunity to showcase PACCC and the outstanding opportunities they provide for all of us in the industry. I know many are still busy implementing the incredible knowledge and tools acquired at the summit, but we still can’t wait for next year’s meeting.
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IPATA – Costa Rica

The International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) held its 2025 Latin America/North America (LAM/NAM) Regional Meeting March 28-29, 2025, in San José, Costa Rica. PACCC was represented by Board Member Sami Engle Price, who also presented at this conference on the dog import regulations currently in place for the United States. These regional meetings aim to unite IPATA members around shared goals and values, fostering collaboration for the betterment of the pet shipping industry and animal welfare as a whole. This particular meeting saw representatives from 15 different countries.

PC: https://www.ipata.org/members-info

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Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo West

PACCC was proud to attend the annual Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo West in Las Vegas in May! Board Chair Jenn Dahinten and Vice Chair Jennifer van Garderen represented PACCC at our vendor booth, where they connected with certified professionals, introduced newcomers to the mission of PACCC, and guided exam candidates toward helpful study resources.

Our vendor booth was buzzing with energy! Throughout the expo, we had meaningful conversations with attendees who recognized the value of third-party certification in a growing and competitive industry. Many visitors were excited about how PACCC certification can set them apart from competitors, serving as a clear sign of their professionalism and commitment to high standards. Others shared how impressed they were with businesses that support their staff through the certification process, viewing it as a powerful gesture that shows investment in employee growth and development.

Events like this are a vital part of our work, as they spread awareness, foster community, and support those committed to raising the standard of care in our industry. As an all-volunteer organization, our motivation is simple but powerful: to elevate the pet care industry and the passionate individuals who make it great.

We’re already looking forward to the Pet Boarding & Daycare Expo East in Hershey, PA, this November. If you’ll be there, stop by and say hello. We’d love to connect!

PACCC in the Media

PACCC Featured in Epic Pet Business by Fernando Camacho

We’re excited to share that PACCC is prominently featured in the newly released book, Epic Pet Business: Creating a Successful Pet Care Business That Will Be Remembered, by renowned industry expert Fernando Camacho. The book dedicates a whole section to the importance of professional certification, highlighting PACCC as the gold standard for third-party credentialing in the pet care industry.

Fernando—known widely for his leadership in dog behavior, staff training, and pet business consulting—has been a longtime supporter and CEU provider for PACCC. Over the years, he has consistently championed the value of professional development, helping countless pet care providers raise their standards through continued education and certification. His training programs have not only supported PACCC candidates in earning CEUs but also helped shape the future of safe, knowledgeable, and trusted pet care.

In Epic Pet Business, Fernando highlights the critical role that PACCC certification plays in helping businesses stand out in a crowded market, earn client trust, and operate with confidence in their policies and practices. The book offers both inspiration and actionable advice for entrepreneurs who want to build lasting, values-driven pet care brands.

We’re honored to be included in this insightful industry resource, and we encourage all PACCC supporters and certified professionals to check it out and share it within their networks.

📖 Explore the book here: Epic Pet Business on Amazon

PACCC Featured in Care.com’s “Pet Care Certifications 101”

We’re proud to announce that the Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC) has been featured in Care.com’s recent article, “Pet Care Certifications 101”, a comprehensive guide aimed at helping pet parents understand the value and relevance of pet care certifications.

In this high-visibility piece, Care.com—one of the most widely used platforms for finding trusted caregivers—spotlights PACCC as a leading certification body for animal care professionals. The article outlines how pet owners today are seeking more than just experience; they want to know their caregivers meet high standards for safety, professionalism, and knowledge. PACCC certification is presented as a premier example of how pet care providers can prove their qualifications through an independent, third-party credentialing process.

From the PACCC perspective, this kind of public recognition is both affirming and essential. Our mission is to raise the bar across the pet care industry, and media features like this help spread awareness about why certification matters. Each of PACCC’s three certification levels—Provider (CPACP), Manager (CPACM), and Operator (CPACO)—are designed to validate deep knowledge, sound judgment, and responsible care practices. Care.com’s inclusion of PACCC reinforces that pet care certification is not a luxury—it’s a growing expectation.

This feature helps position PACCC-certified professionals as trusted experts in an increasingly competitive field. It also offers reassurance to pet parents who may not have known what credentials to look for when choosing a pet care provider. Certification signals a professional’s ongoing commitment to learning, safety, and excellence—values that PACCC stands firmly behind.

We encourage all pet care professionals to share this article with their clients and networks. It’s a great opportunity to show the public how certification can be a key differentiator—and a mark of true dedication to animal welfare.

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:

  • 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.

The Barkmore Celebrates PACCC Certification Milestone

We’re proud to spotlight The Barkmore, a respected pet daycare and boarding facility in Bowling Green, Kentucky, for publicly recognizing the value of PACCC certification within their team. In a recent Facebook post, The Barkmore congratulated co-owner Savannah Dillard on earning her Certified Professional Animal Care Manager (CPACM) certification, making her the first in their organization to achieve this advanced credential.

Savannah now joins a distinguished group of fewer than 300 professionals nationwide who have reached CPACM certification status. Her accomplishment reflects not only personal dedication but also The Barkmore’s broader commitment to raising the standard of care in the pet services industry.

The Barkmore team is known for its investment in continued education, with staff also certified in Fear Free handling and Pet Tech First Aid & CPR. Their recognition of PACCC further reinforces their mission to deliver safe, compassionate, and professionally guided pet care.

At PACCC, we are honored to support facilities like The Barkmore, which lead by example and prioritize excellence through verified, third-party certification. We applaud their dedication to providing exceptional care and to upholding the highest industry standards.

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.

Thinking about certifying? Visit paccert.org/why-certify-paccc to learn more.

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 to remember past CEU programs when you go to recertify. You can access the PACCC Portal through the Mobile app, a great way to add your CEUs on the go! Learn more at paccert.org/paccc-mobile-app.

New CEU Opportunities