Are you ready to scale your passion into a thriving, sustainable business? While most pet professionals enter the industry out of a love for animals, we recognize that a “heart of gold” must be supported by a sustainable business model to truly impact and support pet guardians. We invite you to step back from the “daily grind” of leashes and litter boxes and join us for a high-impact week dedicated entirely to the professional growth of positive-reinforcement pet professionals.

Business Growth Awareness Week isn’t just a series of talks—it’s a tool kit for your future. It’s a week filled with virtual activities, huddles, and educational sessions to help build awareness around the fact that, to be successful business operators and enable us to better help pet guardian communities, we need to develop services and products that align with the needs of our target markets. And it’s …

Business Growth Awareness Week is also a global celebration of those who have moved away from high-pressure, “fearful” practices and sales into a zone of mutual respect and integrity-driven growth. We are celebrating the fact that integrity is not just a buzzword—it is your greatest competitive advantage. By professionalizing our approach, we ensure that the world of force-free pet training and care remains sustainable for the people who provide it.

Canine Division – Hosted by Sam Wike

Moving From Obedience Models to a Well-Being Focus: A Deep Dive Into Enrichment Services That Drive Loyalty and Revenue

In this deep dive, we shift the conversation from traditional “command and control” training to a holistic well-being framework. We will explore how modern enrichment services—those that prioritize a dog’s mental and emotional health—act as a powerful engine for client loyalty and sustainable revenue. Join us to share your ideas on how to transition business models toward this more compassionate, science-based approach while keeping your bottom line healthy.

Feline Division – Hosted by Jennifer Van Valkenburg

Mission Impossible? From Hiss to Homeostasis: Helping Guardians Prep Cats for Stress-Free Vet Trips. How Do We Promote These Important Services?

Helping cat guardians navigate the stress of vet visits is often seen as an uphill battle, but it is vital for feline health and business growth. This session focuses on the practicalities of preparing cats for low-stress transport and clinical exams, and more importantly, how we can effectively market these essential “pre-vet” services to guardians. We’ll brainstorm ways to make “stress-free” a standard part of the feline guardian’s vocabulary.

Equid Division – Hosted by Michelle Martiya

Unbridled Potential: Mastering and Marketing the Top 5 Essential Equid Skills—What Are They and How Do We Reach Equid Guardians?

What are the non-negotiable skills every equid needs to thrive in a human environment, and how do we ensure guardians value them? This session aims to identify the “Top 5” essential equid skills and develop creative strategies to reach and educate owners. We’ll look at how to position these skills as both a welfare priority and a marketable service that sets your equine business apart.

Assistance Animal Division – Hosted by Christina de Juan

Serving Those Who Serve the Gold Standard: Designing Services That Speak to Assistance Animal Handlers—Where to Start?

Providing services for assistance animal handlers requires a high level of nuance, respect, and technical understanding. This session asks the critical question: Where do we start? We will discuss how to design services that meet the rigorous needs of these specialized teams and how to communicate that expertise authentically. Your input will help define what a truly “gold standard” service looks like for those who rely on their animals for daily independence.

Pet Care Division – Hosted by Kat Frizzell

Aligning With Behavior Professionals: Building Credibility as a Fabulous Support Peer 

In the world of positive reinforcement, success isn’t just about what you know—it’s about who you stand with and how you support the “pack.” Join the team for an empowering huddle on how to position yourself as an indispensable asset to behavior professionals. Whether you are a dog walker, pet sitter, or groomer, your role is vital to the success of a behavior modification plan.

Shelter and Rescue Division – Hosted by Holden Svirsky

The “Unadoptable” Reimagined: Getting Creative to Get Hard-to-Home Pets Hired

Every pet has potential, but those labeled “unadoptable” often require a higher level of creativity and advocacy. In this session, we will brainstorm innovative ways to re-brand and re-market hard-to-home pets. We’ll discuss “hiring” pets into non-traditional roles and using unique storytelling to help potential adopters see the value in animals that have been previously overlooked.

Inclusivity Committee – Hosted by Lorena Patti

The Open Door Policy: 10 Essentials for Building a Truly Inclusive Pet Business—It Starts With Us! 

Inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a foundational requirement for a thriving, modern business. We will work together to outline the 10 essential pillars for creating a welcoming environment for all clients and staff. This session is an open forum to discuss how internal change reflects external growth, ensuring that our businesses are accessible, representative, and welcoming to every member of the pet-loving community.

Behavior Teams – Hosted by Erika Liljefelt and Tasha Attwood

From Me to We: The Power of Collaborative Behavior Teams—Come and Learn About the Value of Joining Behavior Teams as a Networking and Referral Strategy

The days of working in a silo are over. This session highlights how joining or forming collaborative Behavior Teams can revolutionize your networking and referral strategy. By working together across disciplines, we can provide better outcomes for pets and more robust growth for our businesses. Come share your experiences with collaboration and learn how a “we” mindset can lead to a more sustainable and professional career path.

🌟 Wednesday, June 17: A Special “dog*biz” Takeover!

Mark your calendars for June 17th! This very special day is hosted by dog*biz. Expect a high-energy atmosphere filled with:

• Incredible learning opportunities
• Prizes and fun
• An amazing business offer subsidized by the Pet Professional Guild, specifically designed to help your company thrive throughout 2026 and beyond

🌟 Facebook Lives With dog*biz

• Your Business Stage and Why it Matters
• Is Your Marketing Message Helping or Hurting?

🌟 PPG Power Hour Sessions: Live, Interactive Challenges!

Join us live for a fun, interactive quiz session about all things PPG! We will be holding two of these special challenges. You could win great prizes!

The Session Guide

The Schedule