As an animal lover, you may want to pursue a career caring for them. Perhaps you have already built clientele as a dog walker or pet sitter. Now it’s time to take your business to the next level. Pet care certification programmes offer the opportunity to refine your skills and demonstrate proficiency in your field.
So what does it take to become a professional in an animal care field? While it’s true that many people enjoy pet sitting, not everyone is cut out to become a professional pet sitter. You must be committed to continuing your education and rely on solid business practices and ethical treatment of animals to succeed.
Why pet caregivers need to be certified
Professional certification demonstrates a pet sitter’s commitment to their field, and lets their clients know that they are serious about their work and that they are willing to invest time, money, and energy in educating themselves. Certification also shows that pet care workers are true professionals. Training in the field is a sign that a pet sitter takes pride in their business.
There are financial benefits to certification too. As a certified professional, a trained pet sitter has more confidence to charge a higher rate for their services.
Where to get certified
The following organisations offer certification programmes relevant to the pet care industry:
National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NARPS)
The National Association of Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers (NARPS) promotes best practices, supports pet care professionals to deliver high standards of care, and provides quality information, education, and training. Courses include Animal Law and Regulations (cost for members £25, non-members £35), Canine and Feline First Aid (cost for members £70, non-members £80), and Running Your Pet Sitting Business (cost for members £25, non-members £35).
College of Animal Welfare (CAW)
The College of Animal Welfare (CAW) offers a range of courses for different types of careers with animals, including pet sitting. A Level 1 diploma in Work-based Animal Care costs £893 and teaches students how to assist with the care of animals, the movement and handling of small animals, and how to assist with feeding and maintaining safety in the workplace. Shorter courses are also available. For example, the Principles of Animal First Aid course costs £25 and takes place over 7 hours.
Pet Industry Federation (PIF)
The Pet Industry Federation (PIF) represents pet industry specialists including groomers, pet boarders, pet retailers, and manufacturers. In collaboration with The National Pet College, it offers training courses and qualifications in dog walking, pet sitting, dog grooming, canine health, feline health, and more. Prices for courses vary: a City & Guilds Level 2 Dog Walking course, for example, costs £360.
IMDT
IMDT is a leading education provider for dog trainers and behaviourists. It offers numerous courses related to separation anxiety, owner motivation, canine aggression, and professional day care and boarding, among others. If you want to dive deeper into canine behaviour and build a career helping owners bring out the best in their pups, a course with the IMDT will cost between £20 and £650, depending on length, course content, and intensity.
Canine Groom School
Canine Groom School is a specialist educational establishment for those wanting to build careers in dog grooming. Students can take a City & Guilds Level 2 & 3 Diploma Qualification in Dog Grooming, or complete an ICMG Qualification in Dog Grooming. The school also offers its own In-House Diploma to enable students to undergo the same practical training that they would as part of the other dog grooming courses but without the theory or exam elements.
Other details to keep in mind
Certifying organisations provide a variety of ways to display your certification to clients. After passing the exams, you may receive a certificate you can display at your place of business or a logo you can add to your advertising materials. Don’t forget to hold onto any receipts for certifications you hold as these are tax deductible!
You should also mention your certification on your Care.com profile and when you apply for pet care jobs as it can give you an edge over other care providers.
Part of running a professional pet care business is a commitment to following the law. You can find out everything you need to know about licensing and contracts for pet sitters in the UK here.
Becoming certified costs time and money, but the payoff is worth it. Pursuing certification in your area of specialty will build your confidence, impress potential clients, and take your pet care services to the next level.