Established in February of 2009, Long Island Pet Professionals was created as the first and only business networking group, dedicated to the Pet Industry here on Long Island and throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, The Bronx, New York City and now NATIONWIDE! The membership-based organization was founded by Nancy E. Hassel…a seasoned public relations professional and television producer who also always worked in the pet industry in one way or another since childhood. After networking with various top organizations for nearly a decade, Nancy was frustrated with the lack of community in the pet industry locally on Long Island. Organizing and offering her very first networking event in February of 2009 – a crowd of 50 pet professionals from all over LI, Queens, Connecticut and NYC showed up. The organization has not slowed down since!

Members from other states started to join LIPP in 2011 and continued to do so over the last few years from: California; Connecticut; Pennsylvania; Illinois and continuing to grow as LIPP has gone national baby!   Whether you are a dog trainer, veterinarian, corporate pet business, pet influencer, dog groomer, horse farrier, pet store owner, involved in wildlife rescue, a dog or cat rescue organization, horse rescue organization, pet product manufacturere, pet massage therapist, pet photographer, animal lawyer, shelter worker or just entering the pet professional world – then this is the networking group for you! 

Over the past 5+ years, Long Island Pet Professionals has become a multiple award winning organization by being voted the Best Networking Organization, first place 3 years in a row, 2012, 2013 and 2014. LIPP has received accolades from other business organizations and even town officials.   Dedicated to bringing together pet professionals from all areas of our industry has always been a #1 priority. Anyone in the pet industry has always been able to join and enjoy the many, many membership benefits, camaraderie of in-person networking events, as well as many educational webinars, members only newsletters, information, insight and opportunities within the pet industry. 

Monthly in-person networking meetings have taken place in different locations across Long Island (Queens, Brooklyn and NYC too) and Connecticut over the years. Our in-person meetings have been very successful and our “Guest Speaker Series” has offered presentations and advice from experts in the pet industry and has covered topics such as: Media Training, How to Promote Your Pet Business, Twitter Tweetorials, Cross promotion how to’s; How to Market Your Pet Business or Product, Public Relations for pet businesses & rescues, How to Grow and Franchise your Pet Business and You’re a Non-Profit Animal Rescue Group, Now What? (To name just a few topics!)

LIPP has hosted well over 60 in-person educational networking events as well as many master-mind events – all just for the pet professional. LIPP has always enjoyed an amazing diverse group of pet professionals that continues to grow. LIPP’s founder and president has also been in attendance at other pet organizations events across the country multiple times such as: Total Pet Expo; BarkWorld; Global Pet Expo; BlogPaws; Top2Top Pet Industry Conference; Pet Writers Association to name a few.

LIPP is thrilled to now be a national organization and offer the rest of the country what LI and NY have been privy to for years and then some. American Pet Professionals will offer even more membership benefits, educational opportunities for pet professionals, networking (in-person, live online, lunch & learn sessions) and much, much more!   Membership has incredible benefits, and there is now a level to suit everyone’s needs – to find out more about how to become a member click on our Join page!  If you have any questions or suggestions please contact us at: info@AmericanPetProfessionals.com. 

Looking forward to working together soon! 

Nancy Hassel is the founder and President of American Pet Professionals®, an award-winning business networking, educational and multimedia organization for the pet industry since 2009.  Leading over 150+ in-person educational networking events, seminars, fundraisers, and has hosted hundreds of online networking events, and educational webinars for pet industry professionals.  Nancy has planned, promoted, organized, hosted & co-hosted over 1,000 pet events in the last 10 years. Nancy worked as public relations expert for over 14 years with pet companies in many aspects of PR.  Nancy also co-hosted the B2B trade show, NYC Re-Tails & Sales Pet Expo, yearly since 2014.  A speaker at pet industry conferences for a decade+, a columnist for pet trade and consumer magazines, photographer, and a TV producer for 10+ years.  Nancy created a Responsible Dog Ownership program and taught over 2,500 pet parents in a 5-year period.  Awarded 2018 Women of Influence by Pet Age Magazine and  American Pet Professionals was voted Best Networking org. three years in a row.  Nancy resides on Long Island, NY and is the proud pet parent of Cody, a rescued American Pit Bull Terrier.