Is Certification the Next Big Thing in Dog Daycare?

You are one of the reasons that independent professional certification is happening for dog daycares. Robin and I were asked repeatedly when speaking in 2013 & 2014 when there would be certification for dog daycares. We definitely agreed with the need, but knew The Dog Gurus was not the right organization for the project.

We are happy to share that the Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC) was founded for this purpose and is working hard to bring certifications to pet care services in the fall. Keep reading to find out why you need to participate in the next big thing to happen to dog daycare.

For over a year a team of volunteers from the pet industry has been hard at work creating a professional certification program for pet care services. PACCC was founded by Charlotte Biggs and myself to fill critical gaps in our industry. We realized that pet care businesses that really cared about pets and invested in education to provide quality care were not recognized in their market. At the same time, pet parents were struggling to find and select pet care providers they could trust to keep their pets safe and happy.

Independent professional certification was the solution to both of these problems. PACCC is following the model used by dog trainers and the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. This model required defining the pet care roles and knowledge required to provide care that meets or exceeds industry standards. It also meant working with a company with professional exam expertise and PACCC selected Professional Testing Corporation to guide us in creating our examinations.

Based on the roles and knowledge outlined a series of exam questions is required that will validate those that achieve certification are professionally qualified. This independent testing and professional designation we felt was very important to bring recognition that there is a broad and specific knowledge set required to offer professional pet care. By offering an independent exam process acquiring certification is not based on one viewpoint or course curriculum.

Today it is very easy to get started caring for pets and the booking services have big marketing dollars to promote their members. Some of them are professionals, however, many do not realize the knowledge they lack and unfortunately this comes at the risk of pets in their care.

Every pet service tragedy story that makes the news paints all providers in the same negative tone. We know this is not fair which is why we founded PACCC and need your support and participation. Our goal is recognition in the market of the difference between a professional and a hobbyist. In time this means professionals will be able to charge more for their services and be able to pay their certified professional providers and managers higher wages.

Creating this program with volunteers is a HUGE job and we are proud of our progress. Our goal is to offer the first exams in October of this year for Certified Professional Pet Care Providers. Your bonus this month is provided by PACCC and describes the steps you need to take to become certified; be sure to download, Stand Apart With Your PACCC Certification.

PACCC also recognizes the need to educate pet parents which is why we have a marketing committee comprised of rock stars in the pet industry in addition to many business owners. Professionals from these organizations said yes when asked to volunteer their time and expertise to PACCC.

• Black Dog Marketing
• Market Hardware
• FetchFind
• DogTec
• Comma Hound
• Bassman Creative
• Nehmedia Inc

We also ask that you consider joining the PACCC team of supporters and help educate your market that not all pet care providers are professionals. Check back for resources available later in the month that will help you share the word.

Follow PACCC on social media and also consider sharing time as a volunteer or a making a financial donation.

• Join email list for updates: www.paccert.org
• Email us to volunteer: info@paccert.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pacccert/
• Twitter: @pacccert
• Instagram: @pacccpics
• GoFundMe donations: https://www.gofundme.com/paccc

Certification for pet care services will become a reality with the support of the industry and we need to hear from you that our project is important and makes a difference to your business.