The International Pet Professionals Standards Council (IPPSC) was founded in 2013 with a bold vision: to elevate the standards of pet care worldwide through professional education, rigorous certification, and a steadfast commitment to animal welfare.

At the time of our founding, the pet care industry was experiencing rapid growth. More families were welcoming pets into their homes, and the role of these animals was shifting from companions to cherished family members. Yet, alongside this growth, a critical gap remained. There was no internationally recognized standard for professionals dedicated to the science of pet health and wellness—no unified framework to guide their education, assess their competence, or certify their expertise.

IPPSC was created to fill that gap. From our earliest days, we set out to build a global community of professionals united by a common purpose: to advance the health, behavior, and welfare of pets through excellence in practice.

Since our founding, IPPSC has grown from a small group of dedicated experts into a globally recognized authority in pet health management. Our journey has been defined by collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering focus on quality.

In our early years, we focused on developing the foundational frameworks that would guide our work. We convened leading veterinarians, animal nutritionists, behaviorists, and educators from around the world to define the core competencies required of pet health professionals. This collaborative effort culminated in the Global Competency Framework for Pet Health Managers—the first internationally recognized standard of its kind.

Building on this framework, we launched the Certified Pet Health Manager (CPHM) program, establishing a rigorous pathway for professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise. Over the years, we have expanded our certification offerings to meet the evolving needs of the industry, including specialized programs in exotic pet health and professional pet training.

Today, IPPSC is supported by a network of experts spanning four continents. Our advisory board includes distinguished professionals from leading veterinary institutions, universities, and industry organizations. Our certified professionals work in veterinary practices, pet service organizations, corporate settings, and independent practices across the globe.

We are proud to collaborate with educational institutions, veterinary associations, and industry partners who share our commitment to excellence. Through our Global Partner Program, we work alongside these organizations to refine standards, share resources, and develop the next generation of pet health professionals.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: every pet deserves quality care, and every professional deserves the opportunity to excel.

Our mission is to advance the pet care profession by establishing rigorous competency standards, delivering world-class certification programs, and fostering a global community of ethical, knowledgeable, and compassionate professionals.

Excellence: We pursue the highest standards, never settling for “good enough.”

Integrity: We act with transparency, independence, and accountability.

Compassion: We are guided by the bond between humans and animals.

Innovation: We embrace new science, new tools, and new ways to advance care.

Community: We believe true excellence is built together.

As we look to the future, our commitment remains unchanged. We will continue to expand our certification programs, deepen our partnerships, and extend our reach to serve more professionals and more communities. We will continue to advocate for the highest standards of care, and we will continue to support those who dedicate their lives to the health and well-being of pets.

We invite you to join us. Whether you are a veterinary professional seeking to expand your expertise, an aspiring pet health manager ready to begin your journey, or an organization that shares our commitment to excellence—IPPSC is your partner in shaping the future of pet care.

Together, we are building a world where every pet receives the care they deserve, and every professional has the support they need to make a difference.