Certifications
NAPPS Certified
Earned February 2007.- NAPPS Certification acknowledges that a pet sitter is a serious professional who has obtained a high level of expertise through personal study.
Christi Fries joined the NAPPS Certification Team in June 2007, served as the co-Chair in 2008, and was appointed Committee Chair for 2009.
Maryland Veterinary Assistant
Earned from Prince Georges Community College, May 2005
Internship completed at College Park Animal Hospital.
Obtaining this certificate was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. After years of watching Animal Planet vet shows, I thought "I have to try this, I can do that!" At the age of 44, I learned how mentally and physically difficult it is to be an "animal nurse," and how under-appreciated the staff at any animal clinic can be.
PSI Certified
We believe in continuing education, as pet care and nutrition theories are changing daily!
We have invested in the Pet Sitters International Accreditation Program in our efforts to perform as an industry leader, and contribute to our weekly Safety and Education Employee program.
NAPPS 2009 Annual Conference
The 2009 NAPPS Annual Conference and Small Business Forum was help in Long Beach, California, aboard the Queen Mary. Professional pet sitter from across the United States attended seminars over a 3 day period in January. Industry leaders covered topics including pet health, care and nutrition, pet sitter safety, pricing theory, and insurance bonding. Christi also received the NAPPS Business of the Year, and a Members in Action Award at the conference.
Presents4Pets
http://smilebox.com/playEmail/4d5449324e6a51354e7a5a384d6a49784d4451794d544d3d0d0a&sb=1
Click on the link to view our slideshow of our 2009 Presents4Pets Campaign! we collected 1681 items with a Salvation Army valuation of $3168. College Park Animal Shelter, Prince George's County Animal Shelter, and Alley Cat Rescue of Mt. Ranier shared in receipt of the generous donations from the community.
A final THANK YOU to Mighty Healthy Pet of Collee Park for donating floor space for the collection bin, and K.C Company/Pella Windows and Doors for the donation of a truck and driver for our afternoon of deliveries.
We'll be participating in Presents4Pets in 2010!
Can you donate your extra pet supplies, pet food and treats?
NAPPS Business of the Year 2009
We’re pleased to share the news that The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters has selected Christi Fries, owner of Terrapin Pets, as the 2009 Business of the Year winner. This award is presented to a member who has demonstrated outstanding business practices and vision in maintaining and growing their business. Jerry Wentz, NAPPS Past President and a member of the award selection committee, says “Christi and Terrapin Pets were selected because of their focus on customer service and compassionate animal care. “
CERT - Citizen Emergency Response Team
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations. Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.
Christi's participation in CERT training will be of great value to Terrapin Pets Clients should a local emergency occur, and pets need to evacuated by a trained First Responder, recognized by Police, Fire, and EMT Services. This training class, consisiting of 24 hours of classroom time and disaster simulation drills, and was co-sponsored by Prince Georges County, The Department of Homeland Security, and the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.
http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/
PCI Compliance - Control Scan
Terrapin Pets received their PCI DSS Certification 7-18-09. PCI DSS is a set of security guidelines formed by the five major credit card brands to ensure that merchants are following best practices in order to reduce credit card fraud and security breaches.
American Red Cross Pet First Aid
Emergencies similar to this can occur suddenly and without warning. Knowing what to do in the initial moments can be critical to your pet's life. Thanks to the Red Cross, pet care professionals can equip themselves with first aid and CPR skills.
American Red Cross Pet First Aid classes give pet care providers the confidence and skills necessary to tend to unexpected emergencies until they can get the pet to a veterinarian. Many Red Cross chapters across the country offer classes with hands-on training in Pet First Aid procedures. Reference guides are also available to provide quick answers to questions about caring for family dogs and cats. Red Cross manuals and hands-on classroom training provide instruction on skills including how to:
- Administer medications;
- Recognize an emergency;
- Perform CPR and first aid;
- Treat common problems and emergencies requiring immediate attention; and
- Stock a pet first aid kit
Christi was Red Cross Certified in 2008; Lynn obtained her certification in 2009.
NAPPS 2010 Annual Conference
January 22-24, Regal Sun Resort, Orlando Florida.
This year's conference included 3 full days of continuting education for Professional Pet Sitters. Christi delivered 2 presentations on Certification, and Emergency Planning. Other industry professionals spoke on Animal Law, Insurance and Bonding, Pet Loss Grief, Self Defense, Holistic Pets, and a variety of Business Management topics. A partner-vendor display area was also available to the membership, and we have Comfort Zone product samples in hand to share with our clients and their pets.
Christi was the recipient of the "Committment to NAPPS Award," presented by President Monica Leighton, " in recognition of her tireless committment to NAPPS and fellow members."
Many thanks to the wonderful Terrapin Pets Team that kept pets and pet parents happy back at home, during the conference!