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!
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to assess personal motivations and readiness for starting a pet care business by reflecting on strengths and areas for improvement.
- Recognize the key characteristics and skills required to succeed in the pet care industry, including animal behavior understanding, reliability, and business acumen.
- Define the initial steps to establish a pet care business, including obtaining necessary certifications and completing pet first aid training.
- Demonstrate knowledge of canine behavior by identifying signs of distress or anxiety in dogs and applying appropriate intervention techniques.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and outline necessary insurance and legal protections required for operating a pet sitting or dog walking business.
- Describe the key components of a business plan for a pet care business, including purpose, marketing strategy, and financial planning.
- Define a systematic approach for setting fees in a pet care business including market research and cost analysis.
- Identify and implement effective scheduling methods to ensure timely and organized management of multiple client appointments in a pet care business.
- Demonstrate how to use time sheets and invoices to ensure transparent client interactions and maintain financial health through accurate billing and service tracking.
- Recognize the importance of comprehensive client and pet information forms in building trust and tailoring services to meet individual pet care needs.
- Describe the ideal clothing and footwear choices for different weather conditions to ensure comfort and safety during pet sitting and dog walking.
- Identify essential items to carry for pet sitting and transportation to effectively handle emergencies and ensure pet safety.
- Define the core elements of a strong brand identity for a pet-sitting business, including logo and slogan creation.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Assessment Guide
Assessment | Points |
---|---|
An Introduction | 5 points |
Lesson 1 Exam | 8 points |
Lesson 1 Review Exam | 2 points |
Lesson 2 Exam | 11 points |
Lesson 2 Review Exam | 16 points |
Lesson 3 Exam | 11 points |
Lesson 3 Review Exam | 19 points |
Lesson 4 Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 4 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 5 Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 5 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 6 Exam | 8 points |
Lesson 6 Review Exam | 19 points |
Lesson 7 Exam | 10 points |
Lesson 7 Review Exam | 18 points |
Lesson 8 Exam | 8 points |
Lesson 8 Review Exam | 17 points |
Lesson 9 Exam | 8 points |
Lesson 9 Review Exam | 19 points |
Lesson 10 Exam | 8 points |
Lesson 10 Review Exam | 9 points |
Lesson 11 Exam | 8 points |
Lesson 11 Review Exam | 20 points |
Lesson 12 Exam | 9 points |
The Final Exam: How to Start a Pet Sitting/Walking Business | 570 points |