Free Pet Sitting Certification vs Paid: What You Need to Know

I get it. You’re just starting your pet sitting business, and you want to save money wherever you can. You’re looking everywhere for free pet sitting certification courses, and you’re wondering if they even exist. After running my own pet sitting business for 10 years (and making plenty of mistakes along the way), I can safely say that it is definitely possible to get up and running without a pet sitting certification. But just because it is possible, doesn’t mean you should!

Let me share a bit of backstory with you. 

In 2012, two years before I started my pet care company, I’d spent two wonderful years on a house and pet sitting tour of New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. I’d done a day-long pet first aid course, and that was the extent of my pet sitting certifications at that stage. I wasn’t a professional then — we were doing it in return for accommodation while we travelled. It was pretty much trial by fire!

When I got back to New Zealand from Canada, I thought I was well versed in the care of pets. After all, I’d looked after dozens of them across three countries. I thought I’d be fine to shut down my website design business and go forth into the world of professional pet sitting without a hitch. However, I quickly realised I had no idea what it really took to run a professional pet sitting business.

Those early days were eye-opening. I hadn’t known about conducting proper meet & greets (my first one was super awkward — I had no plan and just ended up pretty much ignoring the owner and playing with the dog!). I didn’t know how to screen for aggression issues, so I ended up taking on dogs I would never work with now. And don’t even get me started on client key management — I kept them in a white plastic container labelled “Keys” (cringe!) before I learned about proper security protocols and lockbox systems.

The business side blindsided me completely. Nobody had taught me how to handle those awkward money conversations with clients, or how to effectively communicate during meet and greets. I didn’t know how to set boundaries with clients who texted at midnight, and had no policies and procedures in place to define what would happen during emergencies.

I ended up piecing together the information I needed from online groups, forums, blogs, and YouTube videos. I read all of Kristen Morrison’s books (well, listened to them as I drove to care for pets!). I binge listened to Kristen’s podcasts and ended up getting the information I needed from various free sources around the Internet. What can I say, I’m just a DIY girl at heart!

What I learned from that experience is, yes, it is possible to get the knowledge you need to be a pet sitter for free. However, great pet sitting certification courses are really quite affordable. I signed up for the free trial of this Certified Professional Sitter — Dog Walker (CPS-DW) Course and got on the mailing list. Kyle (the founder) also gives away a tonne of information for free. It costs just $59, which is less than what most of us make in a single day of pet sitting. And it really packs in everything you need to start your business right.

Let me tell you about the most important things you’ll learn (these are the exact things I wish I’d known when I started):

Real Medical Knowledge: You’ll learn how to spot and prevent serious issues like blockages and bloat, plus get clear steps for handling medical emergencies. No more late-night panic googling – you’ll know exactly what to do.

Safety First: The course covers crucial safety protocols like how to stop dog fights, handle reactive dogs, and manage off-leash dog encounters. Trust me, these situations happen more often than you’d think, and knowing how to handle them professionally is priceless.

Professional Best Practices: You’ll get a complete system for running successful Meet & Greets, administering medications correctly, and conducting professional pet sitting visits. Plus, you’ll learn how to spot potential aggression issues before they become problems — something that took me months to figure out on my own.

Client Communication Skills: You’ll learn how to communicate effectively with clients and sell your services without feeling salesy. The course even includes real examples of sales calls, so you can hear exactly how to handle different situations.

Business Tools You Can Use Today: The course includes 16 ready-to-use business forms and documents. We’re talking about practical stuff like medication charts, visit checklists, and emergency procedure flowcharts. 

The best part? Everything works together as a complete system. It’s not just random information thrown together — it’s a structured approach to running a professional pet sitting business from someone who’s been there and is covered in pet hair to prove it.

For those planning to build a team, there’s also a team training subscription available for $119 per year. This lets you train your entire staff under one subscription and track their progress — perfect for growing businesses.

Let’s Talk About Additional Professional Pet Sitting Certifications

If you complete the Pet Sitter Course and want to keep growing your skills, here are some other great options:

Pet Sitters International (PSI) Certification offers a comprehensive program that includes study materials and a flexible six-month window to take their exam. You’ll need to score 80% or higher and commit to ongoing education, but the professional network you gain is invaluable.

The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) takes a different approach. They welcome both members and non-members, require a 75% pass rate, and offer some great insurance benefits through their partners. Their continuing education requirements help you stay current with industry best practices.

For those looking for the most comprehensive certification available, the Professional Animal Care Certification Council (PACCC) requires hands-on experience (500 hours or 90 days), professional references, and ongoing education. It’s thorough, but that’s what makes it respected in the industry.

Final Thoughts on Free Pet Sitting Certifications

Starting a pet sitting business is an exciting journey, and there are many paths to success. While I pieced together my knowledge from various sources when I started, I’ve learned that investing in proper certification from the beginning can save you time, stress, and money in the long run.

Whether you start with the affordable CPS-DW certification at $59 or dive into one of the more comprehensive programs, what matters most is your commitment to providing the best possible care for your clients’ dear friends. Every certification you earn is another step toward building a professional, trusted, and successful pet sitting business.

Remember, we all start somewhere, and there’s no “perfect” path to becoming a professional pet sitter. The key is to keep learning, growing, and investing in your skills. Your dedication to professional development will show in the quality of care you provide, and that’s what truly matters in this rewarding field.