Understanding pet sitting certifications for sitters and dog walkers

Whether you’re an established pet sitter or dog walker, or you’re looking to start up your business, odds are you have a few questions about pet care certifications. Are they important to have as a new pet sitter? Will they benefit your business overall? Moreover, are they worth the time, and possibly, the cost?

Think of it from the perspective of your current or potential clients. “For pet parents, the benefit of hiring a certified pet professional is the peace of mind that your fur-baby will be in the hands of an actual professional that has taken the time to establish themselves in this field,” says Sean Prichard, president and head canine fitness coach at Pant & Wag. 

In short, pet sitting certifications and other pet care credentials can show your clients you’re as serious about caring for their pets as they are. That said, not all certifications are created equally. It’s important to do your due diligence on which ones are worth your time (and money). For more on this, we consulted with several experts to get you all the info you need on pet sitting certifications.

Do pet sitters need to be certified?

In a word, no — but that doesn’t mean it isn’t helpful to have a certification for dog walking or pet sitting.

“The training and behavior field in the U.S. is the wild west,” says Allie Bender, co-owner and consultant at Pet Harmony Training. “Anyone is able to hang a sign that says they’re a trainer or behaviorist and charge money for their services.”

Bender says the exceptions are those who hold the title of veterinary behaviorists, which requires board-certification, and certified applied animal behaviorists (CAAB), who typically hold a graduate-level degree in one of the behavior sciences.

Unfortunately, many people choose to use the word “behaviorist” to describe themselves without having that certification or level of degree, and there is no repercussion for folks who choose to do that, says Bender. She adds that while some companies may require certain certifications from their employees, it isn’t standard practice across the board.

“Staying informed about best practices in pet care, first-aid and behavior can lead to safer, higher-quality services for both pets and their owners.”

— Alicia Collins, certified professional animal care operator and owner, K9 Activity Club

What are the benefits of pet sitter certification?

“The benefits for the pet service providers are the acquisition of knowledge and skills to handle the plethora of situations that can occur during any given workday,” says Prichard. “A certification can also establish credibility which can lead to more clients and repeat customers.”

But that’s not all.

“Pet care certifications usually come with access to ongoing training, industry support and professional networks,” adds Alicia Collins, a certified professional animal care operator and owner of the K9 Activity Club. “Staying informed about best practices in pet care, first-aid and behavior can lead to safer, higher-quality services for both pets and their owners.” 

Collins says certifications can also justify asking for higher rates as dog walkers and pet sitters, and help pet care workers stand out in a competitive market.

The best certifications for pet sitting and dog walking

Below are a number of highly recommended certifications for pet sitters, dog walkers, animal trainers and other pet care professionals, according to our experts. While some certifications are great for every pet care professional, others make more sense depending on the types of services you’re offering:

1. Certified professional animal care provider (CPACP) 

This certification can be obtained through the Professional Animal Care Certification Council. CPACP requirements include:

• Having 500 hours of industry experience
• Providing professional references.
• Passing a comprehensive, proctored exam.

The final exam covers animal care, health, safety, behavior and business operations. 

Cost: The exam costs $385. Renewal is required every three years by way of 20 approved continuing education units (CEU).

2. Certified professional dog trainer

The Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers offers two different certifications for trainers: The Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) and the Certification Examination for Professional Dog Trainers – Skills Assessed (CPDT-KSA). 

The CPDT-KA focuses on dog training technique and instruction, and it requires a number of qualifications, including:

• Having completed a minimum of 300 hours in dog training within the last 3 years.
• Providing a signed attestation statement from a CCPDT certificant, veterinarian or other approved professional.
• Passing a proctored 200 multiple-choice question exam. 

Those who obtain a CPDT-KA are then eligible for the CPDT-KSA. The CPDT-KSA tests expert training and instruction skills through hands-on exercises. It requires submitting an online application, including a video that demonstrates four assigned training exercises.

Cost: The cost for the CPDT-KA exam is $400. CPDT-KSA certification costs an additional $240. Both require recertification every three years, based on earning CEUs.

3. International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants certification

Interested professionals can obtain three levels of credentials from the IAABC: 

• The accredited credential: This is mainly for trainers and requires a minimum of 2 years experience dog training.. 
• The affiliate credential: This is aimed toward shelter workers with a minimum of 200 hours of experience.. 
• The certified credential: This is the highest level the IAABC provides, with credentials for caring for dogs (CDBC), cats (CCBC), equine (CEBC), parrots (CPBC), shelter-dogs (CSB-D) and shelter-cats (CSB-C). A minimum of four years’ experience with 500 animals in animal behavior consulting and 400 hours of coursework, seminars and mentorship are required.

Cost: The accredited credential application fee is $225, the affiliate application fee is $125 and the certified credential application fee is $225. Application fees are not refundable and recertification must take place every three years via CEUs.

“A certification can also establish credibility which can lead to more clients and repeat customers.”

— Sean Prichard, president and head canine fitness coach, Pant & Wag

4. Pet first-aid & CPR certification

Any pet care professional can take a 35-minute online course to become certified in first-aid and CPR for dogs and cats through the American Red Cross. Pet Tech also hosts first-aid and CPR courses in various locations. These courses run about five hours.

Cost: First-aid and CPR certification through the American Red Cross costs $25. Pet Tech courses can range from $60-$100.

5. Karen Pryor Academy training certification

The Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) program is a well-respected certification option that features in-depth animal training through a structured program that includes 21 lessons and 100 coordinated learning goals. The course takes six to nine months to complete and includes:

• Instruction on both the science and practice of dog training.
• Downloadable teaching videos and training exercises.
• In-person or virtual workshops and mentoring.
• 24/7 online classroom availability.

Candidates must complete the course at the standards set for graduation by their instructor. This includes taking quizzes and assessments and completing assignments throughout the course.

Cost: $5600-$6600 tuition, depending on the format.

6. Pet Sitters International professional certification

The Pet Sitters International Certification for Professional Pet Sitters (PSI CPPS) program trains pet sitters in general pet care, animal health and nutrition, pet-related services and business strategies. It is only open to active Pet Sitters International (PSI) members. 

Candidates must complete and pass a proctored exam with a score of 80% or above. There is no required online course or training program to take the certification exam. Instead, the exam tests the candidate’s existing knowledge and experience.

Cost: $155 per year for PSI membership, plus a one-time fee of $275 for the exam. Certification is valid for three years. Sitters must then earn 30 CEUs in order to renew their certification.

7. National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) certification

The self-paced NAPPS certification course includes information on pet care, nutrition, behavior and health, pet safety (including pet first aid), plus business development and management. Candidates must:

• Complete the entire NAPPS course within 6 months.
• Pass the final exam with a score of 75% or above.
• Submit the completed course and exam to receive certification.

If you don’t pass the course or exam, you can re-take it one additional time at no cost.

Cost: $245.00 for NAPPS members and $395.00 for non-members. NAPPS Certification is valid for three years, at which point you need to complete 30 CEUs and pay a fee of $75. Alternatively, you can retake the entire exam for $175.

“Taking care of other peoples beloved pets is a huge responsibility, and a commitment to safety and best practices is acknowledged by getting certified.”

— Alicia Collins

Are there any drawbacks to pet sitter certification?

Experts say the downsides are few, but they include mandatory fees, as well as being added to vendor lists (which might increase the amount of marketing emails you receive).

Additionally, some experts report that pet parents don’t always understand the value or importance of certifications, so there isn’t a guaranteed high return on the investment. While you might be able to charge more for your dog walking or pet sitting services, not all pet owners will immediately see the immense value your pet sitting certifications bring.

Are there any free pet sitting certification courses?

No, there are not currently any free pet sitting or dog walking certification courses; however, many existing programs offer scholarships or discounted tuition for certain applicants. Check with your desired training program for details.

A final word on pet sitting certification

While pet care certifications aren’t always required, they are a good way to set yourself apart from the competition. Not only will you gain valuable insight from courses, you’ll also expand your pet care network and show your clients you’re serious about keeping their pets safe and happy.

“Taking care of other peoples beloved pets is a huge responsibility, and a commitment to safety and best practices is acknowledged by getting certified,” Collins concludes. “Which certifications are best depends on the type of pet care services offered, but investing in these can set your service apart and ensure higher standards of safety, professionalism and customer trust.”