Curriculum
- 60 Sections
- 244 Lessons
- 10 Weeks
- 1.1: Before you get Started1
- Module 2: Is Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Business Right for You?Not available unless: The activity 1.1.a: Aims and Objectives is marked complete1
- 2.2: Things to ConsiderNot available unless: The activity 2.1: Introduction - About this Module is marked complete7
- 3.12.2.a: Do you have a passion for animals and a strong desire to work in a pet- oriented business?
- 3.22.2.b Animal Welfare Responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 2006
- 3.32.2.c: Do You Thrive in Interacting with Others?
- 3.42.2.d: Embracing the Unpredictability of Animal Care
- 3.52.2.e: Prioritizing Physical Well-being
- 3.62.2.f: Nurturing Business Acumen
- 3.72.2.g: Commencing Your Pet Sitting Business
- 2.3: Is Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Business Right for You?2
- 3.1: Managing Your Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Business9
- 5.13.1: What does running a pet sitting business involve
- 5.23.1.a: Information Pack
- 5.33.1.b: Storing Information
- 5.43.1.c: Client Record Fields
- 5.53.1.d: Setting Up Database Fields for Bookings
- 5.63.1.e: Creating a Calendar
- 5.73.1.f: Confidential Information
- 5.83.1.g: Ensuring Client Confidentiality
- 5.93.1.h: Managing Your Accounts
- 3.2: Managing Your Clients3
- 3.3: Preparing For Your New Client3
- 3.4: Setting Prices and Getting Paid8
- 3.5: Running Your Pet Sitting Business1
- Module 4: Pet Services Offered and What's Involved1
- 4.1: Pet Services: Dog Walking9
- 11.14.1.a: Introduction to Dog Walking
- 11.24.1.b: Setting Your Rates
- 11.34.1.c: Preparing for Your First Clients
- 11.44.1.d: Ensuring Proper Arrangements
- 11.54.1.e: Transporting Dogs for Walks
- 11.64.1.f: Safely Securing Dogs in Your Vehicle
- 11.74.1.g: Planning Your Day
- 11.84.1.h: Providing the Dog Walking Service
- 11.94.1.i: Managing your dogs
- 4.2: Pet Services: House Sitting5
- 4.3: Pet Services: Home Boarding Dogs6
- 4.4: Pet Services Offered and What's Involved1
- Module 5: Branding, Marketing & Advertising1
- 5.1: Your Business Plan1
- 5.2: Branding8
- 17.15.2.a: Build a Strong Brand Identity for Your UK Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Business
- 17.25.2.b: Choose a Clear and Appealing Business Name
- 17.35.2.c: Create a Professional Logo and Colour Scheme
- 17.45.2.d: Develop a Consistent Brand Voice
- 17.55.2.e: Build a Cohesive Online Presence
- 17.65.2.f: Be Consistent Across All Branding Touchpoints
- 17.75.2.g: Showcasing Your Brand’s Values
- 17.85.2.h: Final Thoughts
- 5.3: Marketing & Advertising13
- 18.15.3.a: Marketing Strategies for a Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Business
- 18.25.3.b: Utilize Social Media Marketing
- 18.35.3.c: Leverage Local SEO
- 18.45.3.d: Network within the Community
- 18.55.3.e: Offer Promotions and Referral Discounts
- 18.65.3.f: Invest in Paid Advertising
- 18.75.3.g: Monitor Your Marketing Efforts
- 18.85.3.h: Leaflets or Flyers
- 18.95.3.i: Design & Produce Your Leaflet
- 18.105.3.j: Distributing Your Leaflets Effectively
- 18.115.3.k: Online Advertising for Pet Sitting Services
- 18.125.3.l: Word-of-Mouth Marketing
- 18.135.3.m: Summary
- 5.5: Branding, Marketing & Advertising1
- Module 6: Setting Standards For Your Business3
- 6.2: Handling Emergency Situations6
- 6.3: Avoiding Misrepresentation of your Services4
- 6.4: Transparency and Reliability6
- 6.5: Credentials and Policies4
- 6.6: End of Module Summary: Professionalism in Pet Sitting2
- Module 7: Forms and Contracts for Pet Sitting and Dog Walking1
- 7.1: Creating Your Form Style2
- 7.2: Individual forms, templates & contracts22
- 28.1Individual forms, templates & contracts
- 28.27.2.a: Booking Form
- 28.37.2.b: Service Contract
- 28.47.2.c: Veterinarian Release Form
- 28.57.2.d: Pet information sheet
- 28.67.2.e: Vaccination log
- 28.77.2.f: Owner Checklist
- 28.87.2.g: Risk Assessment
- 28.97.2.h: Consent Form
- 28.107.2.i: House Information Sheet
- 28.117.2.j: Dog Walking Report Card
- 28.127.2.k: Key Release Form
- 28.137.2.l: Lone Worker Policy
- 28.147.2.m: Off Lead Disclaimer
- 28.157.2.n: Cat Flap Disclaimer
- 28.167.2.o: Financial Forms – Invoice, Receipt, Deposit Confirmation,
- 28.177.2.p: Accident/Incident Report Sheet
- 28.187.2.q: Medication Permission Slip and Log
- 28.197.2.r: Mixed Dogs Permission Sheet
- 28.207.2.s: Sub Contractor Forms
- 28.217.2.t: Licensing Forms and Policies
- 28.227.2.u: End of module
- 7.3: End of Module Assessment1
- Module 8: Animal Law & Regulations1
- 8.1: The Law10
- 31.18.1.a: The Animal Welfare Act 2006
- 31.28.1.b: The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
- 31.38.1.c: The Animal Health Act 1981
- 31.48.1.d: Understanding the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
- 31.58.1.e: Understanding UK Laws on Dog Bites: A Guide for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers
- 31.68.1.f: Your Legal Responsibilities as a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
- 31.78.1.g: If a Dog Bites another Dog: What to Do
- 31.88.1.h: If a Dog Bites a Person: Immediate Actions and Legal Steps
- 31.98.1.i: Potential Consequences for Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters
- 31.108.1.j: Tips to Minimize the Risk of Dog Bites
- 8.2: Insurance4
- 8.3: Identification3
- 8.5: Module Summary2
- Module 9: Breeds1
- 9.1: Dog Breeds8
- 9.2: Cat Breeds5
- 9.4: Rabbit Breeds1
- 9.5: End of Module Assessment1
- Module 10: Animal Healthcare4
- 10.1: Dog Health4
- 10.2: Cat Care6
- 10.3: End of Module Assessment1
- Module 11 Canine and Feline First Aid1
- 11.1 : Principles of First Aid4
- 11.2: Hidden Dangers in your Home4
- 11.3: Being Prepared when Out2
- 11.4: First Aid Treatment9
- 48.1The ABC Approach to First Aid
- 48.2Temperature, Breathing & Heart Rate
- 48.3How to Perform Artificial Respiration
- 48.4How to Perform Chest Compressions
- 48.5Animal is Not Breathing and has No Heart Rate
- 48.6How to Handle an Injured Animal
- 48.7Fractures and Trauma
- 48.8Broken Limbs and Ribs
- 48.9Broken Back, Spinal Injury and Broken Tail
- 11.5: Cuts and Wounds5
- 11.6: Bandaging6
- 11.7: Accidents & Injuries13
- 11.8: Illness8
- 11.9: Administering Medication6
- 11.10: Summary3
- Module 12: Nutrition, a Healthy Diet and Grooming1
- 12.1: Nutrition6
- 12.2: Grooming3
- 12.3: End of Module Assessment2
- Course AssessmentCourse Assessment - contains over 60 multiple choice questions. Please note there are no retakes on this final exam . If you are not sure please revise the materials thoroughly and use the end of Module Assessments to gauge if you are ready.1
- Course Review and Feedback1
12.1.c: How Much to feed?

Feeding amounts depend on your dog’s breed, age, lifestyle, and condition. Breeders typically provide initial feeding guidance for puppies. If uncertain, consult your vet or use the feeding guide on the packaging—but remember, these are only starting points.
Regularly assess your dog’s Body Condition Score (BCS) and weight to ensure they remain lean and healthy. The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) offers tools like the Pet Size-O-Meter for monitoring body condition.
Tip: Do not leave food down for extended periods. Discard any uneaten food after 20 minutes.
Feeding Options Include:
- Dry complete diets
- Wet/tinned food
- Semi-moist diets
- Home-prepared food (consult your vet or a nutritionist)
Select the highest-quality option you can afford. “Premium” products typically use higher-grade ingredients and offer better digestibility. Choose products marked as complete and balanced.
Ideal dog stools should be dark brown, well-formed, and firm. Loose, pale, or frequent stools may indicate poor diet or health concerns—consult your vet if issues persist.
Tip: When introducing a new diet, transition slowly over 7–10 days, and allow at least 10 days to evaluate its effectiveness before considering another change.