In an era where trust in institutions is constantly under scrutiny, one Missouri trade school has just secured what might be its most meaningful honor yet. The Academy of Pet Careers (APC), a specialized school for aspiring pet professionals, has been awarded the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics — a distinction that caps off a remarkable year of recognition for the St. Charles-based institution.
First established in the 1990s, the BBB Torch Award was created to honor both for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations that demonstrate exemplary professional conduct toward their employees, communities, and industries. Administered by the Better Business Bureau, the award emphasizes trust in the workplace and is reserved for businesses that show a consistent commitment to ethical operations. APC now joins that select group.
“This award recognizes our daily commitment to doing the right thing,” said Joseph Schifano, President of APC. “Ethics shapes how we build our programs, teach our students, and care for animals.”
The selection process for the Torch Award begins with nominations. Each nominee is then evaluated against what the BBB calls the “Four C’s”: character, culture, customers, and community. To even be considered, a business must have been operating for at least three years and must hold a BBB rating of at least a “B.” APC, which has been in business for 33 years, currently boasts an A+ rating on BBB.
Although this is the first award APC has received from the BBB, it is far from the school’s only accolade in 2026. Earlier this year, the academy won three other honors: #1 trade school in St. Charles, Best Pet Career Education Provider, and Best Higher Education Provider. Together, these awards paint a picture of an institution that is building a strong reputation across multiple fronts.
Ethics has long been a cornerstone of the Academy of Pet Careers’ philosophy. Through what they call the Pet Empowerment Framework, APC students are taught to work with animals in a gentle and humane manner, fostering a strong bond between student and animal. With the Torch Award now in hand, the school has demonstrated that those ethical principles extend well beyond the classroom and into every facet of its operations.
Why it matters: In a field where the welfare of animals and the trust of pet owners are paramount, an ethics-focused accreditation from the BBB sends a clear signal to prospective students and the broader community. For anyone considering a career in pet care, this award suggests that the Academy of Pet Careers is not just teaching skills — it is building a culture of integrity that will follow graduates into the industry.
About The Academy of Pet Careers: The Academy of Pet Careers is a leader in pet education with decades of experience and a 5-star rating. APC offers certifications in dog grooming, dog training, and veterinary assisting. Founded in 1993, The Academy of Pet Careers serves aspiring pet professionals in the greater St. Louis area and across the nation.
Joseph Schifano
The Academy of Pet Careers
+1 6367784989
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