June 2024
Message from our Chair, Amy Hillis
Hello everyone! PACCC has had a busy 2024 so far and I wanted to share some of the trends and takeaways from our travels:
- Certified pros are getting involved in their communities! We’ve spoken with folks in California, Colorado, and Virginia to help ensure quality, credentialed pet care is recognized and expected. Have an issue near you that needs to be addressed? Shoot us an email at [email protected] to see how we can help.
- So far, we’ve attended several shows this year, including the ODD Ball, VMX, The Dog Gurus Business Breakthrough Workshop, and Pet Boarding & Daycare West. One trend we’re seeing – lots of new people entering this industry by building from the ground up or acquiring new facilities. Many of these newbies want to get educated and certified. This is great news for the industry and all the more reason for you to maintain your certification and get your team members certified!
- Those entering the industry are coming from a variety of fields where certification and credentials are mandatory, and they are shocked that there are no requirements to be a pet care professional. YOU are helping to set the bar by choosing certification when it is optional. Be proud and market it to your pet parents!
Founders Award nominations will be opening up soon! This award is for those who have made distinguished contributions to the pet care industry and exemplify PACCC’s standards to elevate the profession as a whole. If you know someone who fits these criteria, keep an eye on your email and the PACCC – Certified Professionals Only Facebook group for more information!
Also, the Board Member application process has begun. PACCC is a working board with a monthly board meeting and monthly committee meeting requirement and provides a valuable opportunity to get involved in the industry.
We have two shows left this year – the IBPSA conference in Tucson and the Pet Boarding and Daycare East Expo in Hershey – we can’t wait to see you there!
We wish everyone a safe, productive, and happy summer season!
– Amy
Certified Professional Spotlight – Meet Sharon Parris, CPACP
PACCC: How did you find out about PACCC?
I heard about PACCC through the director and Co-Owner of my job at Pender, Sami Engle Price!
PACCC: Has being certified made a change to your business?
Being certified has allowed me to pursue more opportunities within Pender and has helped me to better understand and tackle difficult client and pet care issues.
PACCC: What was your motivation for becoming PACCC certified?
Becoming PACCC certified gives me a push towards better educating myself and growing in a field that I am passionate about.
PACCC: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Going into the certification process, I was definitely nervous, but studying goes a long way! There are lots of resources out there that can help better prepare you.
Organization Spotlight – Kennelwood Pet Resorts
Happy 50th Anniversary to Kennelwood!
Please join us in congratulating Kennelwood Pet Resorts on their 50th year in business! Kennelwood is a big PACCC supporter whose team includes PACCC-certified Operators and Managers!
Dondald Danforth Jr. opened the first Kennelwood location in St. Louis in 1974. He recognized an unfulfilled need for a pet care facility where pet parents could leave their pets with confidence knowing they are receiving the highest level of care. The Danforth family’s heritage in the pet care industry began much earlier when Donald’s Grandfather, William H. Danforth, founded Ralston Purina in 1894. Kennelwood remains today a family-owned business with Donald’s son, Chris Danforth, serving as CEO and Chairman of the Board.
Today, Kennelwood has grown to include nine Pet Resort locations, an Academy for Professional Dog Trainers, and a Corporate Support Headquarters.
Announcements
Congratulations to Our Newly Certified Professionals!
The following are those who joined the PACCC after passing an exam during the Winter 2024 exam cycle:
Professional Animal Care Operator Exam
Allison Strauel and Madison Warner
Professional Animal Care Manager Exam
Lily Cody, Jennifer Dove, Amy Garofalo, and Alicia Lueke
Professional Animal Care Provider Exam
Jessica Brown, Anna Chuvashova, Julie Craig, Taylore Flores, Rana Forehand, Braydon Fowler, Allison Greenlaw, Amy Hunter, Marshal Mowery, Chantal Oke, Sharon Parris, Samantha Reo, Giovanni Santiago, Victoria Sisson, Keaton Thompson, and Rachel Wilmot
Thank you for your commitment to the safety and well-being of pets in your care.
We are happy to have you as #partofthepaccc!
Join the PACCC Board of Directors
Are you a dedicated pet care professional with over 5 years of experience? Are you PACCC-certified and believe wholeheartedly in our mission to elevate pet care through independent testing and certification? We’re looking for leaders like YOU to help shape the future of pet care. Nominate yourself or a fellow professional ready to give back to the industry and make a significant impact. Together, let’s commit to the highest standards in pet care!
Submit your nomination today and join us in making a difference! Learn more at paccert.org/board-nominations.
Exam Update
2024 Exam Dates and Important Notice
The remaining exam period for 2024 is below. Test dates for 2025 will soon be released on paccert.org/exam-info.
November 9-23 (registration deadline is October 9) – note that registration for this exam period is temporarily unavailable due to a change in the application process that is taking place with the Professional Testing Company. We apologize for the inconvenience and encourage you to keep checking the
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
The Dog Gurus
In April, PACCC had the honor of being a sponsor at the Business Breakthrough Workshop held by The Dog Gurus. We saw many familiar faces, including past PACCC board chairs. It was great meeting so many new ones as well. Thanks for having us!
PACCC Orientation
In April, PACCC hosted an orientation session for newly certified professionals. Visit the private Facebook Group for the recording of the session.
Snouts and Stouts
In May, PACCC Board Chair, Amy Hillis, and Board member, Sami Engle, attended an information session at Snouts & Stouts in Arlington Virginia on the state of pet care in the DC area and what to look for in a pet care provider. Thanks for having us!
Pet Boarding and Daycare West
This year, once again, PACCC attended the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo West in Las Vegas. We were able to speak about the importance of third-party certification for pet care professionals with several individuals who visited our booth. If you were able to meet us there, thank you for stopping by!
Webinars
First Financial
This month, Ashlee Moore from First Financial Bank presented a webinar on navigating the evolving landscape of small business administration loans. Watch the recording on our YouTube channel. Thank you Ashlee for sharing such valuable content!
Pet Poison Helpline Toxin Trends
An additional webinar we launched this month as part of our blended PACCC series with Dr. Jen Chatfield. It covered pet poison helpline toxin trends and was presented by Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT. You can watch the recording on our YouTube channel.
Media and other Online Mentions
IBPSA
Information about PACCC certification was recently shared by PACCC Sponsor, The International Boarding & Pet Services Associations (IBPSA) in a blog post. Thank you for spreading the word about how pet care professionals can prove their commitment to pet safety!
Yahoo Finance
PACCC was mentioned in a research article by Technavio, which was shared on Yahoo Finance, about the Pet Daycare and Lodging Market. Check out the article for some interesting data on Pet Daycare industry growth estimations.
Chantale Fontaine
In an article by Richmond News, CPACP, Chantale Fontaine, was highlighted for her exceptional work at Pathfinder Dog Ranch. Way to go Chantale!
Rich Schlatter
Congratulations to K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel on their recent award, ‘Luxury Dog Boarding Hotel of the Year 2024 – Northeast USA’, by LuxLife Magazine! PACCC-Certified professional Rich Schlatter leads the team at this resort and is a role model in providing quality care, excellent service, and top-notch leadership. Congratulations on this amazing achievement!
Social Pet Hotel and Daycare
Social Pet Hotel and Daycare, led by Bill and Amy Hillis (both CPACOs), is thrilled to celebrate its 10th anniversary of providing pet care services in the Charlotte area! Since its founding in 2014, Social Pet has been dedicated to providing top-notch care and personalized services to pets and their owners, becoming a trusted and beloved name in the community. Their specialty is helping dogs who may not be the best fit for large group play thrive by providing small group and one-on-one enrichment activities and care. Congratulations and cheers to another 10 years!
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.
Recertification Reminder
Several Certificates expire this December and the deadline to submit your recertification application is November 30th. Visit paccert.org/recertification to get started on the recertification process!
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.
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.
New CEU Opportunities
We recently added several hours of CEU-approved content! Check out Christein Sertzel’s Certified Canine Esthetician course which has been approved for 10 CEU hours. You can also check out Fernando Camacho’s program, Overdog Digital, and their newly approved Dog Daycare Staff Training course for 3 CEU hours.
A Word from our Sponsor – First Financial
At First Financial Bank we offer specialized financing for pet care businesses of all sorts and sizes. Whether you are buying, selling, or refinancing, we’ll work with you, one-on-one, every step of the way. We’ll treat you with the same level of care you provide to your furry clients.
As a leading national SBA lender in the pet care industry, we’re connected with a variety of groups to help entrepreneurs like you achieve success. The pet care industry is growing fast — that’s why we’ve joined the PACCC. While they help you dig into best practices, certifications, and more to keep you up to date, we’re here to keep pet care businesses financially strong with expert advice and financial products.
Just like PACCC, our team of industry experts are committed to helping you and your business succeed. Only by understanding your business can we create the best solutions for your needs. At First Financial Bank, we’re in the business of YOU.
