November 2024

Message from our Chair, Amy Hillis

Dear Certified Professionals,
As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I am filled with immense pride reflecting on what we have achieved together. Your commitment to raising the bar for professional standards in animal care is what makes this community truly exceptional.

Award Winners

This year we celebrated the achievements of many certified professionals. We presented the PACCC Founders Award, an honor that celebrates individuals whose dedication and passion exemplify our mission, to Steven Parker, CPACO, Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of K9 Resorts. Additionally, many certified professionals and sponsors were recognized at the IBPSA IBBY Award presentation this year. Seeing members of our PACCC community recognized on such an important stage underscores the incredible impact certification brings not only to individuals but to the broader pet care industry. Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this celebration possible and to all the professionals whose outstanding work earned well-deserved recognition, including:

Small Business Award: Paw and Order, Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick (owned by Stephanie Shipley, CPACO)
Medium Business Award: K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel of Hamilton, Hamilton Township, NJ (managed by Rich Schlatter, CPACP)
Independent Provider Award: 4-Legged Kids, Ellisville, MO (owned by Janie Budnick, CPACO)
Industry Partner Award: Kuranda Dog and Cat Beds (PACCC Sponsor)
Industry Leader Award: Amy Hillis, CPACO

Congratulations to all winners and nominees – your efforts inspire us all to strive for excellence.

Conferences

It was great seeing everyone at the IBPSA show in Tucson, the Hershey Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo, and meeting new friends at the Dog Handler Academy Business Leadership Summit in Chicago, as well as the Most Pawsome Business Pet Conference in New Zealand! Looking ahead, we’re excited to see you at the Owners of Dog Daycare show in January and The Dog Gurus show in February. These gatherings are critical opportunities to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and grow our community.

A Final Thank You

Finally, as my term as Board Chair comes to a close, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the privilege of serving such an extraordinary group of professionals. It has been an honor to witness your dedication firsthand and I have been deeply humbled by this experience. You all have inspired me every day. I leave this role (but not the board – 1 more year!) with great confidence in PACCC’s future under the leadership of Jenn Dahinten, CPACO as Chair and Jennifer Van Garderen, CPACO as Vice Chair, whose vision and passion will guide us into an exciting new chapter.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with success and fulfillment. Thank you for everything you do to uphold the standards and reputation of PACCC-certified professionals. The world of pet care is better because of you.

Warm regards,
Amy Hillis, CPACO
Board Chair, PACCC

Certified Professional Spotlight – Meet Mayrin Aguilar, CPACP

PACCC: How did you find out about PACCC?

I learned about PACCC through Social Pet, where I discovered that the owners were certified. This piqued my curiosity about the certification process, and I was excited to find an opportunity for professional growth in the pet care field.

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

Being PACCC certified has reassured pet parents that our facility is staffed with knowledgeable professionals who prioritize safety and quality care. It has helped establish our credibility, showing that we’re not just “doggy daycare” providers, but certified experts who are genuinely invested in providing top-tier service. This has made our business stand out in the local community.

PACCC: What was your motivation for becoming PACCC certified?

I believe certification sets you apart in the industry and adds value to both you and your business. My motivation for becoming PACCC certified was to differentiate myself from others in the field and demonstrate a commitment to professionalism, knowledge, and growth. As leaders in the industry, we’re always seeking professionals who are dedicated to continuous learning and improving their skills.

PACCC: Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to grow and expand my knowledge in this industry. I’m always eager to continue learning and further my expertise. Certifications like PACCC are invaluable in advancing our careers and ensuring we provide the best possible care for pets.

Announcements

2024 Founders Award

Congratulations Steven Parker from K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel, the winner of our 2024 Founders Award!

The Founders Award recognizes certified professionals for distinguished contributions to the pet care industry. Recipients exemplify PACCC’s standards in their individual institutions and elevate our profession. Thank you Steven for helping raise the bar in the pet care industry!

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

Sherri Canjar, Alicia Collins, Sherri Romig

Professional Animal Care Manager Exam

Kelley Rutherford, Brianna Smith

Professional Animal Care Provider Exam 

Alyssa Costa, Summer Davis, Stevyn Dockery, Sierra Dunkin, Kyrie Farrell, Cooper Groff, Caprice Hardin, Shannon Hickman, Melissa Higgins, Emily Morehouse, Carlotta Nixon, Robert Prescott, Juliamarie Rivera, Dillan Roe, Jordan Vohs

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

2025 Exam Dates

The 2025 exam dates have been released! Learn more at paccert.org/exam-info.

• March 1-15 (exam registration deadline is February 5)
• June 14-28 (exam registration deadline is May 22)
• November 8-22 (exam registration deadline is October 9)

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

Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo

PACCC once again had a booth at the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo in Hershey, PA. This was a busy show and we had a great deal of valuable conversations. Thank you to Barkleigh for hosting us once again!

ODD Ball

PACCC will once again be attending the Owners of Dog Daycares conference (ODD Ball) in early 2025 in San Diego! If you plan to attend, make sure to stop by our booth at the vendor showcase. 

IBPSA Business FLOW 2024

Our board members had a whirlwind of a week at the FLOW 2024 conference held by the International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA) in Tucson. Aside from the annual board meeting, they also held an event for the valued PACCC sponsors. Here are some other highlights:

• Board Chair, Amy Hillis, won the Industry Leader Award at the Pet Care Business Excellence Awards (IBBYs)
• Former PACCC Chair, Stephanie Shipley, and her business Paw & Order won the Facility Small Business Award at the IBBYs
•  Board member, Rich Schlatter, and his team at K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel won the Facility Medium Business Award at the IBBYs
• PACCC sponsor, Kuranda Dog Beds, won the Industry Partner Award at the IBBYs
• PACCC volunteer and certified professional, Janie Budnick, and her business 4-Legged Kids, Inc won the Independent Provider award at the IBBYs
• Awarding Steven Parker, cofounder of K9 Resorts Luxury Pet Hotel, with the 2024 PACCC Founders Award 
• Board members Rich Schlatter and Tara Crouse leading educational sessions

Thank you to ALL certified professionals and sponsors who make PACCC’s mission possible!

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Best Practice Sessions hosted by PACCC

At the IBPSA conference in September, PACCC had the privilege of hosting Best Practice sessions. Some of the most valuable parts of the conference were the knowledge we shared with each other. The Best Practice sessions are an opportunity to foster collaboration, inspire new ideas, promote continuous improvement, and best of all, learn from one another!

There were three Best Practice sessions with different topics: Leadership, Canine Enrichment, and Marketing. During the session, attendees broke out into groups and shared their unique experiences, challenges, and successes related to the topic. Representatives from each group then presented their group’s key insights. These smaller group settings allowed for an open exchange of ideas and provided actionable takeaways that session attendees could immediately apply to their own businesses.

The shared knowledge and diverse perspectives made it clear: our industry is filled with professionals who genuinely want the best for each other and are always eager to learn from one another. The energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to collaborate were evident throughout the sessions, reaffirming that the pet care industry is as supportive and forward-thinking as ever.

We encourage you to keep the conversations going and to continue sharing knowledge and best practices with each other. We look forward to hosting these sessions again next year at the IBPSA conference in New Brunswick, Canada!

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VHMA Conference

As part of PACCC’s mission to promote its third-party pet care certification across all areas of pet care, board member Sami Engle Price represented PACCC at the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association (VHMA) annual conference in beautiful Charlotte, NC, in September. VHMA, which offers its own third-party certification—the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM), a credential that Sami herself holds—is highly supportive of PACCC’s mission to raise the standards of animal care across the profession.

The VHMA annual conference, which provided 34.5 continuing education credits to veterinary hospital managers across the U.S. and Canada, was a resounding success. It also served as an excellent platform for productive discussions about how practice managers can help guide their teams in selecting and recommending boarding, daycare facilities, and pet sitters. Additionally, the conference highlighted the importance of offering growth opportunities and certification programs for team members who ensure the smooth operation of kennels.

IPATA Conference Budapest

October was a fantastic month for spreading the word about PACCC on an international scale. Board member Sami Engle Price represented PACCC at the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA) annual conference in Budapest, Hungary. During the event, she presented to 276 attendees from over 50 countries on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) updated regulations for importing dogs from high-risk rabies countries. These regulations are part of ongoing efforts to prevent the entry of zoonotic diseases into the United States.

While many in the IPATA community were unfamiliar with PACCC, all of them work with boarding facilities for animals traveling around the world, so this was a perfect opportunity to offer guidance on what to look for when partnering with an animal care facility or personnel. The opportunity to present PACCC’s certification as a valuable resource to such a diverse and global audience was truly invaluable.

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Webinars

Wolfie’s Wish

Thank you Erica Messer from Wolfie’s Wish Grieving Cards and Products for Pet Parents for leading an insightful webinar on Healing from Pet Loss – Opening Hearts to Reduce Shelter Populations. You can watch the recording on our YouTube channel.

Blended PACCC Series with Dr. Jen – Canine Leptospirosis

If you missed our webinar on Canine Leptospirosis, you can now watch the recording on our YouTube channel! Thank you Dr. Jen Chatfield for another amazing installment in our Blended PACCC Series! You can watch the recording on our YouTube channel.

Choosing the Best Bedding for Your Business

Beth Klein, Director of Marketing at Kuranda Dog Beds, led a webinar this month on why pet bedding is important and what to look for when making the best choice for your pet care business. You can watch the recording on our YouTube channel.

Media and other Online Mentions

K9 Resorts

Steven Parker, PACCC Founders Award recipient and cofounder of K9 Resorts, was mentioned in a news release about the organization’s recent growth. Congratulations to the certified professionals who work at K9 Resorts!

The Barmy Beagle

In an article about dog trainer courses, PACCC was mentioned as an organization that has approved FearFree content for PACCC CEUs. 

Gingr

PACCC was mentioned in a blog post by Gingr Software about creating professional development opportunities. Thank you for the mention! 

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.

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

Dog Handler Academy just launched a new Puppy Training 101 program – and it has been approved for 3 CEU hours! Visit doghandleracademy.com to check it out! 

Planning on attending the ODD Ball in 2025? The majority of sessions will be  PACCC-approved for a total of 17 CEU hours! Learn more about the owners-only conference at Owners of Dog Daycares, LLC.

A Word from our Sponsor – IBPSA

The Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC) is proud to stand as the pet care industry’s only third-party certifying body, elevating professionalism and accountability. This achievement would not be possible without the support of industry leaders and sponsors, and none have been more instrumental than the International Boarding and Pet ServicesAssociation (IBPSA).

From the beginning, PACCC has stood as an independent certifying body for the pet care industry. While the contributions of many have shaped our journey, we remain deeply grateful for the vital support and sponsorship of IBPSA. As the industry’s professional association, IBPSA played an important role during PACCC’s inception, with its founder, staff, and several of its members joining industry volunteers to contribute to creating, validating, and launching our certification exams. Their ongoing sponsorship highlights the importance of having a strong association advocating for boarding and pet service providers.

Recently, PACCC had the privilege of speaking with Kelly Cullum, CPACO, longtime IBPSA Board Member and founder of Best Friends Fur Ever in Maryland, USA. As part of the industry-representative Board of Directors for IBPSA, Kelly reemphasized the commitment to the future that IBPSA represents. Speaking from her own experience, Kelly highlighted the reassurance and pride she feels knowing her business is supported by an association dedicated to the professional growth and success of the pet care industry. She reflected on the challenges of running a pet care business and shared how IBPSA has been a steady source of guidance and advocacy, particularly during times of uncertainty. For Kelly and her team, IBPSA is not just an association—it’s a partner that understands their unique needs and helps them navigate the complexities of the industry. This conversation reminded us of the essential role of professional associations in any industry. They provide resources, advocacy, and connections that no individual business can achieve alone. IBPSA, as the pet care industry’s professional association, also offers benefits that extend far beyond the traditional advantages of being part of an association. Here’s a snapshot of some of the resources specifically tailored for the pet care industry, offered by IBPSA:

1. Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry peers through events and a private online community.

2. Access to Resources: Stay informed with reports, guides, and compliance tools designed for the pet care industry.

3. Professional Development: Enhance skills through webinars, workshops, and tailored educational programs.

4. Credibility and Recognition: Showcase professionalism with certifications and IBPSA membership credentials.

5. Exclusive Savings: Access discounts on events, tools, and services that support your business.

6. Business Growth Support: Use templates, marketing tips, and expert guidance to expand operations and stay compliant.

7. Service Quality Improvement: Implement safety protocols and learn from real-world case studies to deliver exceptional care.

By becoming a member of IBPSA, you gain the knowledge, tools, and connections to thrive in a competitive and growing industry.

If you are interested in PACCC Sponsorship opportunities, visit paccert.org/become-a-sponsor to learn more.