You are probably wondering what the Professional Pet Association is.
Why do I need to join their organization? What do they do?

Let me tell you just a few things that the Professional Pet Association has done recently on behalf of the pet breeders. We have changed Farm Bureau policy to include kennels on the state level, and will continue to work with Farm Bureau. We have had many visits with the Missouri Director of Agriculture Mr. Fred Ferrell and his staff on behalf of the breeders. We have worked with Missouri Farmers Union as well as with the National Farmers Union in Washington D.C... We have spent several days at the Missouri Capitol visiting with Senators and Representatives, including testifying at committee hearings when needed, on your behalf. We have traveled to Washington D.C. to meet personally with many Senators and Representatives and/or staff including; Senator Kit Bond, Senator Jim Talent, Representative Roy Blunt Representative Sam Graves, Representative Ike Skelton, Representative Jo Ann Emerson, and Representative Kenny Hulshof. We have also personally delivered the microchip policy, as well as testifying at the microchip hearing.

While in Washington D.C. we also met with the Deputy Director of USDA Dr. Ron DeHaven as well as with the head of APHIS Dr. Chester Gipson. We have attended many political functions including Dinner with President Bush, dinner at Senator Bond's home, and a reception with Governor Blunt. In December 2005 Governor Blunt appointed President Griesbauer to the Governor's Agriculture Advisory Board as a voice for the professional pet breeders in Missouri. The last week of March 2007, PPA will be sending 2 professional pet breeders to Washington, D.C. on behalf of the breeders. We have heard from numerous legislators that being able to meet with the professional breeders face to face makes a huge difference, and that is why it is a priority of the Professional Pet Association to travel to Jefferson City and to Washington D.C. to represent the breeders, as we feel the future of our industry depends on being active.

As we all have many responsibilities including family, kennels, sports, children's activities, church, etc. It is very important that you take time out to join an organization that is Professional Breeders working for the betterment of the Professional Pet Industry. Dues are only $25, which will include your listing in the breeder's directory as well as newsletters. So join today and attend the seminar! The PPA June Seminar will be held on Friday June 8 and Saturday June 9, 2007 at the Moberly Area Community College in Moberly, MO.

The committee is working on a great lineup of speakers to further enhance the knowledge of the professional pet breeder, so make sure and attend the PPA Seminar!