FROM THE PUBLISHER

Hello! Here at IBPSA we hope that each of our readers are practicing healthy habits in their homes and businesses. Never in the history of this industry have we seen so much loss of life and so many business closures in such a short amount of time. Most business owners have found themselves evaluating their business and personal life while at the same time looking for some normalcy or consistency.

IBPSA has worked this last quarter to continue our mission of providing you with resources and education that help businesses move forward despite the challenges that are all around. Pet Care Pro Quarterly is one of those resources developed just for you. I encourage you to take time out of your day and read through the many articles and give yourself an opportunity to breathe.

Another educational opportunity comes with the 2020 Virtual Conference. We have pulled together a wonderful group of talented speakers and a virtual exhibitor floor. Unlike the normal brick and mortar show, you have the opportunity to hear every session and visit the exhibitor floor until March 31st of 2021. We miss the opportunity to be with you in Orlando, but we are grateful for the opportunity to e-meet with you virtually. Look for more information to be released in the coming weeks. I am looking forward to seeing each of you there! Most of you who have spent time with me know that I am passionate about education and certification. Recently a member of IBPSA approached me and asked me to explain what it means to be certified. I thought this would be a great place to share what seems to be a confusing subject for our industry. FROM THE If you take an educational class, whether it be on-line, in a classroom setting or virtually, a certificate might be given to you showing that you attended that class. If the class includes an PUBLISHER exam then a certificate of completion might be issued if you pass the minimum requirement. IBPSA’s Species Certification Program, offered through our Learning Management System (LMS), offers this level of certification. Then there is another level of certification called third party certification.

In our industry this third-party certification is offered by the Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC). The certification requires personal references, specific time in industry, and sitting for and passing a comprehensive exam. PACCC, a not for profit 501c6, is required by their third-party certifying body to meet standards of testing and documentation. PACCC certification is for individual pet care service providers, not for buildings or facilities.

Finally, have you stopped by the Member Dashboard recently and watched some of our recent webinars? These are free to the membership! Please reach out if the team here at IBPSA can assist you in any way.

Thank you for your support of IBPSA as we

support the industry.

Carmen Rustenbeck Publisher, Pet Care Pro Quarterly Founder & CEO, IBPSA International Boarding & Pet Services Association