Mark your calendars for the Pet Services Expo 2005. The conference is an in-depth educational forum to help entrepreneurs carve out their niche in the prospering pet services market. Co-sponsored by the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA), the weeklong event is scheduled this year for April 4-10 in Scottsdale, AZ, then will run again September 26-October 2 in Charleston, SC.

Many entrepreneurs who are new to the pet services industry may not have the tools or experience they need to establish and operate pet-related services. The Pet Services Expo serves to eliminate the guesswork, addressing a variety of concerns, including financing, site selection, design and construction, equipment, operating procedures, and employee management.

The Expo features a pet industry tradeshow and nine seminars outlining steps toward succeeding in the commercial pet care business. A special feature of 2005's expanded Expo program is a completely updated seminar on boarding kennel operations, with two full days on "Establishing and Operating a Boarding Kennel," and a third day on "Kennel Design."

In addition, registrants have the opportunity to talk with manufacturers and suppliers at the Pet Services Expo tradeshow. They also will have the chance to tour the prestigious Raintree Pet Resorts, a premier example of today's pet services.