Curriculum
- 60 Sections
- 245 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
- 3.02.2.a: Do you have a passion for animals and a strong desire to work in a pet- oriented business?
- 3.12.2.b Animal Welfare Responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 2006
- 3.22.2.c: Do You Thrive in Interacting with Others?
- 3.32.2.d: Embracing the Unpredictability of Animal Care
- 3.42.2.e: Prioritizing Physical Well-being
- 3.52.2.f: Nurturing Business Acumen
- 3.62.2.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
- 11.04.1.a: Introduction to Dog Walking
- 11.14.1.b: Setting Your Rates
- 11.24.1.c: Preparing for Your First Clients
- 11.34.1.d: Ensuring Proper Arrangements
- 11.44.1.e: Transporting Dogs for Walks
- 11.54.1.f: Safely Securing Dogs in Your Vehicle
- 11.64.1.g: Planning Your Day
- 11.74.1.h: Providing the Dog Walking Service
- 11.84.1.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
- 17.05.2.a: Build a Strong Brand Identity for Your UK Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Business
- 17.15.2.b: Choose a Clear and Appealing Business Name
- 17.25.2.c: Create a Professional Logo and Colour Scheme
- 17.35.2.d: Develop a Consistent Brand Voice
- 17.45.2.e: Build a Cohesive Online Presence
- 17.55.2.f: Be Consistent Across All Branding Touchpoints
- 17.65.2.g: Showcasing Your Brand’s Values
- 17.75.2.h: Final Thoughts
- 5.3: Marketing & Advertising13
- 18.05.3.a: Marketing Strategies for a Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Business
- 18.15.3.b: Utilize Social Media Marketing
- 18.25.3.c: Leverage Local SEO
- 18.35.3.d: Network within the Community
- 18.45.3.e: Offer Promotions and Referral Discounts
- 18.55.3.f: Invest in Paid Advertising
- 18.65.3.g: Monitor Your Marketing Efforts
- 18.75.3.h: Leaflets or Flyers
- 18.85.3.i: Design & Produce Your Leaflet
- 18.95.3.j: Distributing Your Leaflets Effectively
- 18.105.3.k: Online Advertising for Pet Sitting Services
- 18.115.3.l: Word-of-Mouth Marketing
- 18.125.3.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
- 31.1Individual forms, templates & contracts
- 31.27.2.a: Booking Form
- 31.37.2.b: Service Contract
- 31.47.2.c: Veterinarian Release Form
- 31.57.2.d: Pet information sheet
- 31.67.2.e: Vaccination log
- 31.77.2.f: Owner Checklist
- 31.87.2.g: Risk Assessment
- 31.97.2.h: Consent Form
- 31.107.2.i: House Information Sheet
- 31.117.2.j: Dog Walking Report Card
- 31.127.2.k: Key Release Form
- 31.137.2.l: Lone Worker Policy
- 31.147.2.m: Off Lead Disclaimer
- 31.157.2.n: Cat Flap Disclaimer
- 31.167.2.o: Financial Forms – Invoice, Receipt, Deposit Confirmation,
- 31.177.2.p: Accident/Incident Report Sheet
- 31.187.2.q: Medication Permission Slip and Log
- 31.197.2.r: Mixed Dogs Permission Sheet
- 31.207.2.s: Sub Contractor Forms
- 31.217.2.t: Licensing Forms and Policies
- 31.227.2.u: End of module
- 7.3: End of Module Assessment1
- Module 8: Animal Law & Regulations1
- 8.1: The Law10
- 34.08.1.a: The Animal Welfare Act 2006
- 34.18.1.b: The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018
- 34.28.1.c: The Animal Health Act 1981
- 34.38.1.d: Understanding the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
- 34.48.1.e: Understanding UK Laws on Dog Bites: A Guide for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers
- 34.58.1.f: Your Legal Responsibilities as a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
- 34.68.1.g: If a Dog Bites another Dog: What to Do
- 34.78.1.h: If a Dog Bites a Person: Immediate Actions and Legal Steps
- 34.88.1.i: Potential Consequences for Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters
- 34.98.1.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
- 52.0The ABC Approach to First Aid
- 52.1Temperature, Breathing & Heart Rate
- 52.2How to Perform Artificial Respiration
- 52.3How to Perform Chest Compressions
- 52.4Animal is Not Breathing and has No Heart Rate
- 52.5How to Handle an Injured Animal
- 52.6Fractures and Trauma
- 52.7Broken Limbs and Ribs
- 52.8Broken 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 Assessment3
- 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
4.1.e: Transporting Dogs for Walks

Although no specific law limits the number of dogs transported in one vehicle, it’s your legal duty to ensure they are restrained to avoid distraction, prevent injury during sudden stops, and keep them comfortable. Each dog should be securely fastened upon entering the vehicle to minimize risks of escape or injury.
For smaller businesses, an estate car offers enough space for dogs in the back seat or luggage area. Most cars have restraint hooks where a dog harness can be clipped, or you can opt for dog crates. Consider investing in a ramp to assist elderly or short-legged dogs. A commonly used van, such as the Renault Traffic, is ideal for pet sitters as it features a low load height, making it easier for dogs to enter and exit. It can also accommodate up to four cages. Joining forums like the one offered by NarpsUK allows you to discuss van choices with other dog walkers.
Hygiene Considerations
Regardless of the vehicle, maintaining high hygiene standards is crucial to prevent the spread of infections and parasites and to keep your vehicle fresh. When selecting equipment, prioritize ease of cleaning, especially for fur, mud, vomit, or urine after walks.
Common parasites and diseases like fleas, ringworm, and kennel cough can spread through contaminated environments, so regular cleaning is essential.