This blog is for new and aspiring pet sitters, especially those who:
- Are passionate about animals and want to turn that love into a side hustle or full-time business
- Might be working another job, but are looking for a flexible, fulfilling alternative
- Have little to no professional pet care experience, but are eager to learn
- Worry about handling emergencies, setting boundaries with clients, or understanding pet behavior
- Want to stand out from the crowd with real skills and certifications
Sound like you? You’re in the right place.
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🐶 Why Online Courses Are Worth It
Getting started as a pet sitter seems simple at first, but it’s more than just walking dogs or feeding cats. From understanding pet behavior to communicating with clients, there’s a lot to learn. Online courses can help you:
- Build confidence when handling pets
- Learn the business side (like pricing, contracts, and insurance)
- Stand out with a certificate or badge on your profile
- Avoid common beginner mistakes
- Stay safe, especially during walks, travel, or emergencies
Many of these courses are affordable, self-paced, and created by veterinary professionals or experienced pet care providers.
🎓 Top Online Courses for Pet Sitters
1. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking Training (Pet Sitters International)
Best for: Complete beginners who want an industry-recognized certification
Highlights:
- Covers dog/cat care, home safety, scheduling, and basic business tips
- Offers a certificate upon completion
- Created by a trusted industry association
- Self-paced and accessible globally
SEO Keywords: pet sitting certification online, dog sitting course, pet sitter training
Estimated Time: 4–6 hours
Price: Around $145
✅ Why we like it: Solid reputation, great foundational knowledge, and proof of training to impress future clients.
2. Pet First Aid Course (American Red Cross)
Best for: Sitters who want to be ready for emergencies
Highlights:
- Teaches how to handle choking, bleeding, and common health issues
- Covers both dogs and cats
- Mobile-friendly platform
Estimated Time: 1–2 hours
Price: $25
💡 Pro Tip: This is a great add-on to your main training course and builds serious trust with pet parents.
3. Dog Biz’s Dog Walking Academy
Best for: Those looking to turn pet sitting into a business
Highlights:
- Covers canine behavior, leash handling, and group walk safety
- Includes business and marketing modules
- Interactive and instructor-led
Estimated Time: 2 days (live sessions) or self-paced
Price: Starts at $295
📈 Why it stands out: Great for sitters who want to offer dog walking services as part of their income strategy.
4. Udemy – Dog Training: Becoming a Dog Trainer
Best for: Sitters who want to improve dog-handling skills and behavior knowledge
Highlights:
- Taught by experienced dog trainers
- Affordable and user-reviewed
- Lifetime access
Estimated Time: 5–6 hours
Price: Often discounted (from $89.99 to ~$20)
🎓 Extra Benefit: While not specific to sitting, it builds real-world skills that make your services more valuable.
5. ProPetHero Pet First Aid & CPR Certification
Best for: Sitters who want professional-level first aid knowledge
Highlights:
- Video-based, step-by-step instructions
- Includes CPR for dogs and cats
- Certificate included
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Price: ~$50
🏅 Client confidence booster: Adds credibility to your profile or business card.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Course Name | Best For | Price | Certification | First Aid | Business Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Sitters Intl | Beginners | $145 | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Red Cross First Aid | Emergencies | $25 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Dog Biz Academy | Business-minded | $295+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Udemy Dog Training | Handling skills | ~$20 | ❌ No | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| ProPetHero | CPR & safety | $50 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
🤔 What to Look for in a Pet Sitting Course
Not all courses are equal. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Is it taught by real experts? Look for vets, trainers, or professional pet sitters.
- Do you get a certificate? Some platforms let you add a badge to your website or profile.
- Is it beginner-friendly? If you’re new, the course should assume no prior experience.
- Does it teach safety and first aid? These are must-haves for real-world work.
- Can it help you get clients? Business training is a bonus, especially if you want to go full-time.
🧠 Real-World Advice From Pet Sitters
Here’s what a few seasoned pet sitters shared:
“Getting certified helped me charge more and land clients who cared about safety.” – Mia, Texas
“The Red Cross course saved me when a dog had a seizure on a walk. I knew what to do without panicking.” – Leo, California
“Learning about behavior helped me avoid misunderstandings with anxious pets. It’s not just about cuddling them.” – Rina, Ontario
✅ Key Takeaways
Courses help you feel ready and reliable, especially when handling unfamiliar pets.
Look for certifications if you plan to make this a long-term income stream.
First aid training is non-negotiable if you’re serious about pet care.
Choose a course based on your goals: basic care, advanced training, or business building.
🙌 Ready to Start?
Becoming a great pet sitter starts with knowledge and care. If you’re committed to doing the job right, taking an online course is a smart first step.
🎯 Next Steps:
- Pick one course from this list that matches your goals
- Add your certification to your resume, website, or pet sitting profile
- Keep learning, practicing, and loving what you do
👉 Want more pet sitting tips, tools, and training ideas? Subscribe to our newsletter or explore our full guide on starting a pet sitting business here.