We make sure there's
nothing to tell.
Empire Pet Care Alliance is the only independent, vendor-neutral trust network for New York's pet care professionals. Every business in our directory earned their listing — no software subscription required.
"Every pet owner deserves to hand over their animal knowing someone has already asked the hard questions."
New York has no licensing requirement for pet groomers or trainers. There is no state agency verifying insurance, no authority checking credentials, no accountability structure protecting your pet — or the professionals who care for them.
Empire Pet Care Alliance exists to change that. We are a 501(c)(6) trade organization built by and for New York's pet care industry. We set the standard, vet the members, and advocate to the legislators who write the rules.
We speak directly with state representatives and senators on legislation affecting groomers, trainers, and all pet care professionals.
Every member is verified against our standards — insurance, licensing, background, references, and a Standards Committee review.
A trusted referral network of vetted pet care providers across New York — the credential consumers can actually rely on.
No software to sell. No commissions. No conflicts. Our only interest is the integrity of the network and the safety of New York's pets.
Every business listed here has been reviewed and approved by our Standards Committee. Verified annually. No software subscriptions. No commissions. Every listing earned.
Fairport's trusted grooming destination, known for treating every dog as if it were their own. Full-service grooming with breed expertise and genuine care.
Grooming By The Canal has served the Fairport and greater Rochester community with professional, compassionate grooming services. Every groomer holds certifications from accredited courses and maintains continuing education to stay current on best practices. No licensing exists in NY state for groomers — GBTC holds the credentials that matter: insurance and verified training.
Science-based, force-free training built on communication and trust. Private sessions and group classes serving the greater Rochester region.
Dog Educated offers science-based, force-free training rooted in the latest behavioral science. EPCA requires all member trainers to disclose their methodology — Dog Educated practices positive reinforcement exclusively, with no aversive or punishment-based methods. CCPDT certified.
Dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need. Transparent intake processes, active vet partnerships, and thorough adoption screening across the Rochester region.
Rochester Hope for Pets operates as a fully transparent 501(c)(3) rescue with documented vet partnerships, a robust foster network, and a thorough adoption process. EPCA verifies all rescue members against their 501(c)(3) status and reviews intake and adoption practices annually.
Full-service boarding and daycare facility on the shores of Canandaigua Lake. Climate-controlled, camera-monitored, with 24-hour staff presence.
Finger Lakes Pet Boarding provides a safe, staffed environment for dogs and cats while their owners are away. All facilities were inspected by EPCA's Standards Committee prior to approval. 24-hour staffing, climate control, and camera monitoring throughout.
Full-service veterinary clinic with a focus on preventive care, wellness, and building lasting relationships between pets and their families.
Paws & Wellness is a fully licensed veterinary practice operating under active NY State licensure, verified annually with the NY State Education Department. EPCA confirms all veterinary members maintain current state licensure as a condition of membership.
Fully-equipped mobile grooming van bringing stress-free, one-on-one grooming directly to your door throughout Wayne and eastern Monroe counties.
Canal Side Mobile Grooming operates a fully-equipped, climate-controlled grooming van. Solo operation means your dog receives one-on-one attention from start to finish with no kennel stress, no waiting, and no other animals present during their appointment.
Membership isn't purchased — it's approved. Every applicant is reviewed by our Standards Committee. Dues fund the advocacy work and the integrity of the network.
Solo practitioners, independent operators, mobile services, and small rescues.
Established businesses with staff and a physical location. GBTC-tier operators.
Multi-location businesses, veterinary practices, larger boarding facilities and regional rescues.
Industry vendors, suppliers, insurance brokers, and businesses serving the pet care trade.
New York's pet care professionals have operated without a seat at the table for too long. EPCA represents groomers, trainers, rescues, and allied services directly to state representatives and senators on issues that matter.
Follow Our Advocacy WorkNY has no licensing requirement for pet groomers. We're building the framework — and advocating for standards that protect animals without burdening small operators.
Active PriorityConsumers deserve to know if a trainer uses aversive or force-based methods. We're advocating for transparency requirements and humane training standards.
Active PriorityBoarding, daycare, and grooming facilities vary wildly in safety standards. We're working toward baseline requirements that protect animals in care.
MonitoringGroup insurance purchasing power for solo groomers and trainers who struggle to access affordable liability coverage. Advocacy and member benefit in one.
In DevelopmentWe publish our standards openly because transparency is the foundation of trust. Being listed means you've met every one of these requirements — and we verify annually that you still do.
All members must hold valid business registration in New York State. Where a license is required by law — veterinary practices, regulated facilities, and other credentialed trades — current licensure must be maintained and resubmitted in full at every annual renewal. No exceptions for licensed professions.
Current certificate of insurance required at application and each annual renewal. Minimum coverage levels set by Standards Committee.
Minimum two years of documented operation, or sponsorship by an existing member in good standing reviewed by the committee.
All applications are reviewed by a committee of existing members. Majority vote required for approval. No single-person decisions.
No active animal cruelty charges or convictions among owners and principals. Verified against NY Department of Agriculture & Markets records.
Membership isn't permanent. Every year, all members resubmit their full documentation — insurance certificates, business registration, and any applicable licenses. Complaints are investigated. Standards are enforced. Nothing is assumed still current.
Empire Pet Care Alliance is funded entirely by member dues. We don't sell software, accept referral fees, or take commissions from any booking platform, product vendor, or service provider. Every business in our directory earned their listing — and our only financial interest is the integrity of the network itself.