The public comment period is now closed. Thanks to the thousands of British Columbians who shared their feedback and are helping shape a safe future for the industry!
UPDATE June 2023: Visit the BC SPCA AnimalKind website to see the voluntary AnimalKind Companion Animal Services Standards (PDF) and access the comprehensive resources for pet guardians and the resource page for pet services businesses.
Original story: May 9, 2022
During their life together, pets and their guardians might have to rely on pet care services like grooming, pet boarding, dog daycare and walking, for a variety of reasons.
But did you know that pet care services are not regulated in B.C.?
This can leave pet guardians on their own, without knowing who to trust and whether the pet care professional they choose has the skills to provide kind, high-quality care for their animals.
In response to the lack of regulation and with input from animal welfare experts and pet services business operators, the BC SPCA has created draft AnimalKind pet care services standards.
Now, it is time for pet guardians to share their experiences. Staff and operators of pet care services can also provide their feedback on the draft and help shape a safe future for the industry.
The public comment period is open until May 27!
Building on the success of the AnimalKind dog training standards, the pet services standards will help pet guardians identify companies who:
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- Only use humane, reward-based animal handling and care methods
- Work tirelessly to provide high-quality grooming, dog daycare and walking, and pet boarding services
- Are committed to good welfare practices
“It is crucial to give the opportunity to pet guardians and industry stakeholders to participate in the development process,” says Nicole Fenwick, manager, research and standards for the BC SPCA, “we want to hear from pet guardians to learn about their experiences so businesses can do better and pets in B.C. receive only humane care while in the hands of pet care services providers.”
Input from the pet services industry is equally important. Fenwick says, “We are doing this together, as listening to pet care services staff and operators about their best practices, experiences and areas of improvement informs the standards and helps make animal welfare a priority for pet services in B.C.”
This is an incredible opportunity for the community to come together and make their voices heard.
By sharing your experiences, you are helping shape the pet services industry to a level where kind and safe care is the norm.
