Cathie’s Canine Connection & Co Inc. has been awarded BC SPCA AnimalKind accreditation, making it the only dog training company in New Westminster to hold the distinction.
Cathie Tims, founder and head trainer at Cathie’s Canine Connection & Co Inc., started the business to help families in the city establish happy and healthy relationships with their dogs. “Our goal has always been to champion positive, happy and healthy relationships between canines and their families. It is so rewarding to play such a positive role in helping to shape dogs into well adapted canine citizens,” says Tims.
After years of experience working in dog training, she started in 2004, Tims opened Cathie’s Canine Connection & Co Inc., a dedicated training facility in New Westminster, in 2021. The company has grown since, and now has five trainers who work with all sizes and all ages of dogs. Their work goes beyond helping their clients and their dogs. Tims is an active community member and participates in events and fundraisers that benefit local animal rescues.
“Our city’s canine community has been very supportive, and we are eager to give back. We participate in the annual New Westminster Community Pet Outreach, offer free puppy socialization for puppies in foster care and host fundraisers for local rescues; our walk and train group, which is run by donation, has raised over $5,000 for Animal Services.”
The BC SPCA created the AnimalKind accreditation program to help dog guardians find training companies that use evidence-based, humane training methods. Nicole Fenwick, manager, research and standards for the BC SPCA, says, “Receiving AnimalKind accreditation means a company is committed to dog welfare, which gives dog guardians peace of mind knowing they use effective but kind training methods that protect the physical and emotional health of their pets.”
Accreditation includes a rigorous auditing process to verify companies follow AnimalKind dog training standards. Tims says, “The dog training industry is unregulated. The AnimalKind accreditation program plays an important role in the industry, by ensuring accredited trainers maintain the highest standards in dog training. This gives families with dogs the opportunity to choose trainers with credibility. We are very proud to have achieved this accreditation.”
Cathie’s Canine Connection & Co Inc. is located in New Westminster and offers training services to Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, Langley and virtual training worldwide.