EXAM PREP
We understand studying for certification can be overwhelming. To make it less stressful, we have the following support and resources for you.
Practice Exams
Practice exams are available for Certified Professional Animal Care Provider (CPACP) and Manager (CPACM), and Operator (CPACO). Learn more by clicking the button below.
Study Group
Join the PACCC Study Group on Facebook. This group is moderated by CPACPs, CPACMs, and CPACOs that have taken and passed PACCC exams. Attendees participate in discussions about various exam topics, best practices and resources that were found to be beneficial in studying for the exam. Join to have your questions answered throughout the exam preparation process and meet other professionals dedicated to excellence in pet care! To join, please click on the button below.
Resources
We’ve compiled a list of recommended resources, below, based on feedback from Certified Professionals.
Certified Professional Animal Care Provider
Animal Care
- Aloff B. Canine Body Language. A Photographic Guide, (2007)
- American Red Cross Dog First Aid, Safety Series Volume 2
- Barry J The Ethical Dog Trainer 2008
- The Dog Gurus: Canine Body Language
- The Dog Gurus: Four E’s Of Excellence in Off Leash Dog Play
- The Dog Gurus: Knowing Dogs 101 & 201
- Cdc.gov.parasites.giardia
- Conner, Bobbi-DVM; DACVECC Pro Pet Hero Pet First Aid Student Manual
- DeMartini-Price, M, Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs. Dogwise
- Dunbar Dr. Ian (CAAB), Bite Index
- Emergencies and Life Saving Techniques (The Pet Professional Guild, 2012)
- http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/17_6/features/preventing-excessive-waterintake_20986-1.html
- https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Disease-Risks-for-Dogs.aspx
- IBPSA, Canine Advanced Certification
- IBPSA, Canine Basic Certification
- IBPSA, Caring for the Geriatric and Special Needs pets-video
- IBPSA, Feline Basic Certification
- Jordan B. A Comprehensive Look at Pet First Aid: Basic Assessment, Common
- Martin KM.& Martin D. Puppy Start Right. Foundation Training for the Companion Dog
- McKay, Davis, and Fanning. Messages: The Communication Skills Book
- Mehus-Roe K. The Dog Bible, 2006
- Miller P. Start Leash Training without a Leash Whole Dog Journal, Jan 2016
- National Dog Groomers Assoc. of America, Standards of Care
- PetTech PetSaver Course Manual
- Puppy Start Right. Karen Pryor Academy
- Rugass, Turid, On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals
- Sevigny, M, Dogsafe Canine First Aid
- Sevigny, M, Dogsafe’s Operation Find FidoTM
- VCA Pet First Aid Handbook
Operations
- Bennett R. All About Dog Daycare …. A Blueprint For Success
- Bennett R. & Briggs S Off Leash Dog Play: A Complete Guide to Safety & Fun
- The Dog Gurus: Dog Evaluations Course
- The Dog Gurus: Dog Incident Checklist Assessment Instructions
- The Dog Gurus: What Makes a Great Off Leash Play Group, The Dog Gurus
- The Dog Gurus: Playstyle Management Charts
- The Dog Gurus: How To Handle Loose Dogs and Dog Fights (RB Consulting Inc 2014)
- Boutelle, V. – Hot To Run a Dog Business (2nd ed)
- Boutelle, V. – The Business of Dog Walking: How to Make A Living Doing What You Love Boutelle, V. & Jorgensen, R. – Minding Your Dog Business
- IBPSA, Emergency Preparedness Program
- IBPSA, Hazcom Training Manual
- IBPSA, Kennel Start Emergency Manual
- IBPSA, Safety Manual
- PACCC Code of Ethics
Staff Management
- Every, Laeticia L ebook, Teamwork: Become the Greatest Team Member
- IBPSA, HR Manual
- IBPSA, Kennel Start Employee Manual
- IBPSA, Kennel Start Front Desk Manual
- IBPSA, New Employee Handbook
- Kruse, K. Employee Engagement for Everyone
- Siberman M. People Smart: Developing Your Interpersonal Intelligence
Certified Professional Animal Care Manager
Animal Care
- American Red Cross, Dog First Aid, Safety Series 2
- The Dog Gurus: Four E’s of Excellence in Off-Leash Play
- Bennet, R & Briggs, S: Off-Leash Dog Play: A Complete Guide to Safety & Fun
- Conner, Bobbi -DVM; DACVECC. Pro Pet Hero Pet First Aid Student Manual
- Dream Dog Productions –Evolve Resources for McCurnin’s Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians, 8th ed.
- Fogle, Bruce, DVM -Caring for Your Dog -The complete canine home reference, p.
- McConnell, P, The other end of the leash: Why we do what we do around dogs.
- Pet Boarding & Daycare Magazine (2015, January), – Handling Medications in a Pet Care Facility
- Richmond, M, Across the Threshold, The Whole Dog Journal, Volume 16, April 2013
Business Management
- Bennett, R – All About Dog Daycare….a Blueprint for Success
- Bennett, R – All About Dog Daycare….a Blueprint for Success 2nd Edition
- Gerber, M. – The E Myth Revisited
- Gordan, J & Smith, M, You Win in the Locker Room First
- Laaman, L , Seven Traits of Highly Successful Pet Care Facility Owners. Pet Boarding & Daycare Magazine (2015, January)
- Locker A. IBPSA Pet Care Business Basics -Pet Care Facility Design
- Moran, P. – Pet Sitting for Profit
- Steingold, F. – Nolo : The Employer’s Legal Handbook
- The Complete Guide to Human Resources and the Law
- Wicman, Gina Traction; Get a Grip on Your Business
Operations
- The Dog Gurus: Playstyle Management Charts
- The Dog Gurus: Dog Evaluation Course
- The Dog Gurus: Dog Incident Checklist Assessment Instructions
- Dunbar, Dr. Ian (CAAB), Bite Index Flaim D.
- Weather the Storm, The Whole Dog Journal, Volume 18, January 2015
- IBPSA Kennel Start, Operations Manual
- IBPSA Safety Manual
- PACCC Code of Ethics
- Quinlan, C. – Sanitation Practices. Pet Boarding & Daycare
- Magazine (2014, January)
- Wilson, Sonya Hairy Situations
Financial Management
- The Dog Gurus: My Successful Pet Biz course
- The Dog Gurus: Counting Noses; Financial Health Workbook
- The Dog Gurus: Know Your Numbers -Workbook, Crystal Canine
- Horngren, Datar, and Rajan: Cost Accounting: A Managerial Emphasis
Staff Management
- Beyond On-the-Job Training: Why Formal Staff Training Programs are a Great Investment Boutelle, V. – How to Run a Dog Business (2nd edition)
- Briggs, S, Energizing Employee Teams, Pet Boarding and Daycare Magazine
- The Dog Gurus: Final Employee Handbook Guide
- IBPSA Canine Advanced Certification Course
- IBPSA Feline Basic Certification Course
- IBPSA HR Manual IBPSA New Employee HR Handbook
- Laeticia, L., Teamwork: Become the Greatest Team Member Ever
- Marciano, P., Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work
- Maxwell J. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
- Peterson C & Seligman MEP (2004). Character strengths and virtues: A Handbook and Classification
- Pryor K., Don’t shoot the dog!: The new art of teaching and training
- Rath & Conchie. Strengths Based Leadership
Customer Relations and Marketing
- The Dog Gurus: 10 Ways to Maximize Peak Season Revenues
- The Dog Gurus: Counting Noses; Financial Health Workbook
- IBPSA Market Hardware Sept 2015 webinar
- IBPSA Webinar on negative reviews 2016
Certified Professional Animal Care Operator
Animal Care
- American Red Cross, Dog First Aid, Safety Series 2
- Bethany Jordan, CDT, CVT, CPDT-KA: A Comprehensive Look at Pet First Aid: Basic Assessment, Common Emergencies and Life Saving Tools
- AVMA – Your Pet’s Medications
Business Management
- Boutelle, V. & Jorgensen, R. Minding Your Dog Business
- Boutelle, V. How To Run A Dog Business
- Boutelle, V.The Business of Dog Walking: How to Make A Living Doing What You Love
- Bowman A. KPI Template Instruction
- The Dog Gurus: My Successful Pet Biz course
- The Dog Gurus: Counting Noses
- The Dog Gurus: Inside Scoop Guidebook
- Herman, R. The Process of Excellence
- The Dog Gurus: It’s Annual Planning Season blog, article and Annual Planning Checklist
- Genadlinik A. How to Write a Business Plan
Operations
- Bennett R. & Briggs S. Off-Leash Dog Play: A Complete Guide to Safety & Fun
- Bennett, R. All About Dog Daycare: A Blueprint for Success, 2nd Edition
- Breitner, J. – Dog Play and Dog Interactions
- OSHA – Hazard Communication
- IBPSA -Canine Advanced Education -Employee Safety
- IBPSA Hazcom Safety Manual
- IBPSA Safety Manual
- Kennel Start Operations Manual
- Yin, Sophia, Low Stress Handling, Restraint and Behavior Modification of Dogs and Cats. CattleDog Publishing
Financial Management/ Customer Relations and Marketing:
- The Dog Gurus: Annual Planning Checklist
- The Dog Gurus: 10 Ways to Maximize Peak Season Revenues
- The Dog Gurus: Final Budgets Made Easy-Premium Workbook
- The Dog Gurus: Financial Foundation Guide
- The Dog Gurus: Financial Health Workbook
- The Dog Gurus: Know Your Numbers-Workbook
- IBPSA -Pricing for Profit workshop
- Moran, P., Pet Sitting for Profit
Staff Management
- 5 Dysfunctions of a Team
- Blanchard, K. Legendary Service
- Crowley, MC. Lead from the Heart
- The Dog Gurus: Employee Handbook Development Guide
- Gordon J. The Power of Positive Leadership
- Gordon, J. and Smith, M., You Win in the Locker Room First
- Herman, R. Keeping Good People
- Laeticia, L. Leadership Mastery, How to Become a Great Team Leader
- Nelson, B. The Management Bible
- Nelson, B. & Economy, P. – Managing for Dummies The Guide to Managing HR in a Small Business (www.staffsquared.com) Wilson, S. Hairy Situations
*Some of the above resources are part of our Affiliate Program and therefore donate to PACCC for every product purchased