637: Raising the Bar in Canada: Inside Canadian Pet Care Professionals

How do you professionalize an unregulated industry across a vast country? Erika Godwin and Morag Wilcox share why they launched Canadian Pet Care Professionals, a membership built by and for Canada's pet care providers. They explain the "Verified Pro" approach, Canada-specific education (HR, legal, CRA), and a public directory designed to build trust with pet parents. We discuss shifting the mindset from "pet care is a luxury" to "professional care is a necessity," and why turning competitors into colleagues helps everyone win. The conversation closes with how in-person events and a shared code of ethics can elevate standards from coast to coast. Main topics: Why a Canada-first organization Verified Pro directory & badge HR, legal, CRA education Competitors into collaborative colleagues In-person events & advocacy Main takeaway: "If we work together to raise the standard in the industry, it's better for all of us." — Morag This is the heartbeat of professional pet care in Canada. When we collaborate, share resources, and uphold clear standards, pet parents get safer, more consistent care—and our businesses grow stronger. Verified credentials and Canada-specific education help build real trust with clients. Let's replace turf wars with teamwork and make "professional" the norm from coast to coast. About our guests: Erika Godwin — Co-founder of Canadian Pet Care Professionals; long-time industry supporter on the tech and marketing side. She builds websites and growth systems for pet businesses and co-founded ProPet Software, serving kennels, daycare, grooming, and training operations. Morag Wilcox — Co-founder of Canadian Pet Care Professionals and owner of York Professional Pet Sitting & Dog Walking in Newmarket, Ontario. With 25 years in the field and a multi-person team, she champions education, safety, and raising standards across Canada's pet care industry. Links: https://petcareprocanada.ca https://www.facebook.com/petcareprocanada https://www.instagram.com/petcareprocanada Check out our Starter Packs See all of our discounts! Check out ProTrainings Code: CPR-petsitterconfessional for 10% off 📞 Call us: (636) 364-8260 Follow us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Email us at: [email protected] Full show notes and transcript Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Pet Sitter Confessional, its hosts, or sponsors. We interview individuals based on their experience and expertise within the pet care industry. Any statements made outside of this platform, or unrelated to the topic discussed, are solely the responsibility of the guest. Sponsored by: ❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters  Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months Pet Perennials Visit: https://petperennials.com/pages/register-for-a-business-account Code: 'PSC' when registering for a $2 off coupon on any purchases in the 1st 90 days