The Voluntary Facilities Accreditation (VFA) program provides pet care facilities the opportunity to demonstrate their compliance to a comprehensive set of industry established standards and earn accreditation from the Pet Care Services Association. The program contains over 250 standards in 17 separate areas of pet care facility operations, management, and customer service. Developed by the Pet Care Services Association, formerly ABKA, the standards reflect the views of facility operators, veterinarians, pet owners and humane organizations representing the "state of the art" in animal care and management.

Pet care facilities are required to be in operations for a minimum of six months to  participate in the VFA program.  Once enrolled, they must submit detailed information about their operations, animal care procedures, and business policies. In addition, there is an onsite inspection of the facility by a trained evaluator.  With the successful completion of the program, a facility is awarded a "Certificate of Accreditation" which demonstrates to the public the pet care facility's commitment to high quality professional care for their pets.

The VFA program recognizes two levels of accreditation.  Level I consists of those standards considered essential for proper facility operation and is awarded PCSA's Silver accreditation.  Level II is for those facilities wanting to distinguish themselves by demonstrating they offer additional services and/or meet a higher level of standard.  A facility that incorporates applicable Level II standards into their operations may qualify of PCSA's Gold accreditation.

When pet owners see the Pet Care Services Association VFA Ribbon in a pet care facility's office, they can be assured that they are entrusting their pet to the care of a dedicated leader in the commercial pet care industry.

To see a complete listing of facilities accredited by PCSA by state, click on the above link List of Accredited Members.  You can also identify a Pet Care Services Association accredited member facility by looking for the Pet Care Services Association VFA Ribbon affixed to that member's listing in the Pet Service Locator.

2. Give special recognition to those facilities that have demonstrated the highest level of quality in commercial pet care by complying with industry established standards of facility design and operation.

3. To encourage facilities to participate in a program of continuing professional development.

• Grounds and Site
• Office and Reception Areas
• Record Keeping for Customers and Pets
• Business Practices
• Personnel
• Environmental Control
• Sanitation
• Trash and Sewage Disposal
• Pest Control
• Safety and Security
• Other Work Areas
• Facility Vehicles
• Boarding - Cats
• Boarding - Dogs
• Boarding - Other than Cats or Dogs
• Dog Daycare
• Grooming

If you would like to obtain a copy of the VFA Evaluation Standards, they are available for purchase from the Pet Care Services Association's online Store. Facilities that would like to enroll in the VFA Program can click "Enroll On-Line" above, contact PCSA via email at vfa@petcareservices.org, or call toll free 877.570.7788, ext. 16.