Online Class: Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Business

This is a guide to the ins and outs of starting and maintaining a successful pet sitting and pet walking service.

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$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 12
    Lessons
  • 14
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 2,378
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 8
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.8
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Ready to dive into a fun, fulfilling career that lets you spend your days surrounded by furry friends? If you’re passionate about animals and want to turn that love into a successful business, then you’re in the right place! This engaging course will guide you through everything you need to know to create and grow your very own pet sitting or dog walking service, no matter where you’re starting from. Imagine waking up every morning excited to work with pets who adore you, while building a career that offers freedom, flexibility, and joy.

Whether you're looking to walk dogs, cuddle cats, or care for exotic pets, this course helps you tap into a booming industry that is increasingly in demand. Pet owners today consider their animals as part of the family, and they want the best care possible when they can’t be there. That’s where you come in! With this course, you'll learn how to not only care for pets with love and dedication, but also how to successfully manage your business, create lasting relationships with clients, and navigate the ever-growing pet care market.

Throughout this journey, you’ll discover how to turn your natural compassion for animals into a thriving career. You’ll learn how to connect with pets in meaningful ways, ensuring they feel safe, happy, and loved in your care. Picture yourself confidently managing multiple pets, from spirited puppies to calm older cats, while keeping their routines and needs perfectly balanced. Every day is different, every pet is unique, and you’ll be the reliable, trusted professional they can’t wait to see.

But this course isn’t just about animals—it’s also about building a smart, successful business. You'll find out how to attract new clients and build a loyal customer base, ensuring your schedule is packed with happy pet owners who can’t wait to recommend you to their friends. You’ll master essential skills like pricing your services, marketing your business, and maintaining a professional yet personal touch that keeps clients coming back. And of course, you’ll develop strategies to handle any challenges that come your way with calm confidence.

This isn’t just a job; it’s a way of life that brings you closer to the animals you love, while offering a career that feels more like a passion. Imagine the joy of spending your days in the company of pets, watching them thrive under your care, while building a flexible and rewarding business that gives you the freedom to live the life you’ve always wanted. Ready to take that step? Let’s get started, and before you know it, you’ll be living your dream while helping others care for the pets they cherish!

Courses Frequently Bought Together:
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.61 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(2,077 votes)

Lesson 1. Is a Pet Care Business Right for You?

13 Points
Evaluating your motivation and talents thoroughly before moving forward on a pet sitting or dog walking business can save you lots of headaches. Headaches in addition to a great deal of time and money invested in what might not be the right business for y
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Hurdles to Overcome; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam

Lesson 2. Preparation and Training

11 Points
You need to be fully prepared and have the proper training before you even think about putting together a business such as a pet sitter or dog walker.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam

Lesson 3. Business Plans and Protecting Yourself

11 Points
A business plan is a roadmap leading from where you are now to where you want to be with your business. It is essential to have a business plan if you will need to borrow money from a lender for your business; and even if you do not borrow money.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam

Lesson 4. Professional Organization

10 Points
Set up a formalized fee schedule and organize your schedule so that there are no mix-ups. You also do not run late, leaving clients in a bind, these are all part of being professional and reliable.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam

Lesson 5. Forms Every Pet Sitter and Dog Walker Should Have

10 Points
Running a successful pet care business requires not only love and expertise in handling animals but also a structured approach to managing the administrative side of things. Many new pet sitters and dog walkers overlook the importance of having clear, professional documentation for their business operations.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam

Lesson 6. Equipping Yourself and Your Vehicle

8 Points
This lesson will review how to properly outfit yourself and your car and have the proper gear for any pet care assignment.
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam

Lesson 7. Marketing Your Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Service

10 Points
Marketing your business effectively is crucial to your success.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam

Lesson 8. Meeting Your Clients

8 Points
Meeting your clients for the first time is a critical step in establishing trust and rapport, not only with the pet owners but also with their cherished animals. The initial interaction sets the stage for a long-term, positive relationship and can significantly impact the success of your pet sitting or dog walking business.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Skills, Skills and More Skills
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam

Lesson 9. Success Tips for Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters

8 Points
Success in the pet care industry depends on a harmonious blend of skills, knowledge, and an innate understanding of animals. Whether you're walking dogs or pet sitting, the foundation of your business will rest on your ability to connect with both the pets and their owners, ensuring that you not only meet expectations but exceed them consistently.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam

Lesson 10. Keeping it Personal

8 Points
Keeping your work personal while maintaining professionalism is a fine balance, especially in a business like pet care where emotions, relationships, and compassion come into play daily. As a pet sitter or dog walker, you're more than just someone who feeds or walks animals.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Dealing with Stress
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam

Lesson 11. Handling Difficult Clients

8 Points
Handling difficult clients in the pet care industry can be one of the more challenging aspects of running a successful business, but it's also an invaluable skill that, when honed, can significantly elevate your reputation. As a professional dog walker or pet sitter, your interactions aren't limited to the animals under your care; you are also building relationships with their owners.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam

Lesson 12. When You are Ready to Grow!

579 Points
Expansion requires a great deal of commitment and planning. It is crucial to plan carefully and handle the process properly for successful growth.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Your Opinion Matters: Course Rating; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam
  • Assessment: The Final Exam: How to Start a Pet Sitting/Walking Business
684
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Identify whether a pet care business is right for you.
  • Describe preparation and training.
  • Summarize business plans and methods for protecting yourself.
  • Summarize the forms every pet sitter and dog walker should have.
  • Describe equipping yourself and your vehicle.
  • Describe marketing your pet sitting/dog walking service.
  • Summarize how to find new clients and keep existing ones by keeping it personal.
  • Describe handling difficult clients.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Business
Course Number: 7550131
Lessons Rating: 4.61 / 5 Stars (2,077 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is offered online and is accessible in every state across the U.S., including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Learners in English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa can also enroll.
Last Updated: December 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.8 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Cathleen Chouinard
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "Enjoyed the course! It was nice being able to learn on my own schedule." -- Lavonne D.
  • "This course is amazing and also the instructor with the detailed email responses." -- Deneshia H.
  • "It was straight to the point. The key information was there. It was perfect for my needs. Course was brilliant, so perfect it was scary!" -- Brandy N.
  • "All of the lessons explained things in detail." -- Sharon E.
  • "I found the CONCEPT of each lesson most helpful. In each case I was surprised to find there were so many things I had not known about - or perhaps would not have thought of in starting out as a pet sitter. People would say to me, "How much is there to know?" and I would answer, "Have you thought of THIS or THAT?" - and in each case the person would have to answer, "Yes, I had not thought of this or that." I found the form samples most helpful and I certainly learned a lot in the marketing section. Thanks for a great fun course." -- Marion S.
  • "I enjoyed taking the course and found it very informative." -- Pamela P.
  • "I found this whole course helpful in many ways and really enjoyed doing this." -- Emily K.
  • "It was all very helpful for me to obtain the knowledge I need to start a dog walking business." -- Arthur B.
  • "I found the billing and how to handle different types of animals and about their needs most helpful." -- Mary B.