Green Acres' McDonald, Haskell and Hanson Earn Certification

Kate McDonald and Tracy Haskell, pet care technicians at Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor, have earned Level I certification through the American Boarding Kennel Association (ABKA).

In order to be certified by the ABKA, a pet care technician must pass a comprehensive exam which covers breed recognition, small animal anatomy and physiology, boarding care, emergency care and first aid, geriatric and degenerative disease care, contagious disease, parasites, zoonotic diseases, pesticides and customer relations.

Don Hanson, co-owner and director of behavior counseling and training at the Green Acres Kennel Shop in Bangor, has earned Level I recertification through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT), the only internationally recognized certification program for pet dog trainers. Hanson was one of the first dog trainers certified by the CCPDT in 2001 and was also one of the developers of the certification test and program. Certificants must recertify with the CCPDT every three years, documenting a minimum of 36 hours of continuing education in CCPDT approved courses. Hanson attended 154 hours of approved classes between 2005 and 2007.

In business since 1965, Green Acres Kennel Shop at 1653 Union Street is an American Boarding Kennel Association (ABKA) accredited facility offering boarding, daycare and grooming for dogs and cats, as well a pet behavior consultation and training classes. The Green Acres retail store offers a wide variety of wholesome pet foods, treat and quality supplies. For more information, please call 945-6841 or visit www.greenacreskennel.com.