iPET Network Level 3 Award in Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for Professionals

iPET Network Level 3 Award in Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for Professionals

Ofqual Regulated Qualification | Qualification Number: 603/6844/5

Turn your passion for animals into professional practice with a recognised qualification created specifically for dog walkers and pet sitters.

The iPET Network Level 3 Award in Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for Professionals is designed for people who want to start a dog walking or pet sitting business, as well as established pet professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge and demonstrate their commitment to high professional standards.

Working professionally with other people's animals carries considerable responsibility. Clients are trusting you with their pets, their homes and access to personal information. A successful pet care business therefore requires much more than a love of animals.

This qualification develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to provide safe, responsible and professional dog walking and pet sitting services. You will explore animal welfare, health and behaviour alongside risk assessment, client care, professional responsibilities and the practicalities of operating a small animal business.

Most importantly, you won't be left to work through the qualification alone. Learning with Critters Academy combines live, tutor-led teaching with individual guidance and ongoing support from an experienced animal care educator.

What will you learn?

The iPET Network Level 3 Award in Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for Professionals consists of two mandatory units.

Unit 311: Professional Dog Walking and Pet Sitting

Develop the knowledge and skills needed to provide professional dog walking and pet sitting services, including:

• Professional standards of animal care
• Animal health, welfare and behaviour
• Safe handling and working practices
• Risk assessment in real working environments
• Client communication and professional conduct
• Legal and professional responsibilities

Unit 312: Planning the Operation of a Small Animal Business

Explore the practical considerations involved in planning and operating a professional pet care business, including:

• Planning and operating a small animal business
• Policies, procedures and record keeping
• Insurance and relevant legal responsibilities
• Professional working practices
• Business planning and service delivery

Who is this qualification for?

The iPET Network Level 3 Award in Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for Professionals is suitable for:

• Aspiring dog walkers and pet sitters preparing to start their own business
• Existing dog walkers or pet sitters who want a formal, regulated qualification
• Pet professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge and professional practice
• Individuals looking to develop a career within professional pet care

You do not need to already own a pet care business to enrol.

How will you learn?

At Critters Academy, learning is personal.

Your qualification includes two live, tutor-led online lessons, each lasting approximately two hours and delivered through Microsoft Teams.

You will also have an initial meeting with your tutor and can arrange additional tutorials when you need further guidance or support.

You will receive digital learning resources to support your studies and clear guidance to help you work through your assessments confidently.

How is the qualification assessed?

Assessment includes written work alongside practical evidence.

The practical elements are assessed through video evidence and include a dog walking observation and a behaviour observation, allowing you to demonstrate your skills in a real-world setting without needing to travel to a training centre.

You will receive guidance on the assessment requirements and support throughout the qualification.

What's included?

Your enrolment includes:

• Live online teaching with an experienced animal care educator
• Initial one-to-one tutor meeting
• Additional tutor meetings and support when required
• Digital learning resources
• Assessment guidance and feedback
• Practical assessment through submitted video evidence
• Registration with iPET Network
• Certification following successful completion
• FREE Pet Professional Starter Pack worth £29.99

FREE Pet Professional Starter Pack

Starting or developing a pet care business involves much more than completing a qualification, so every learner also receives the Critters Academy Pet Professional Starter Pack.

The pack includes practical business resources such as editable client documentation, policies, planning tools, social media resources and templates to help you put your learning into practice and develop your professional services.

Qualification details

Full qualification title: iPET Network Level 3 Award in Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for Professionals
Qualification number: 603/6844/5
Level: Level 3
Regulated by: Ofqual
Awarding organisation: iPET Network
Units: 2
Study period: Up to 12 months
Delivery: Live online tutor-led learning with independent study
Entry requirements: Learners must be aged 16 or over and capable of working at Level 3 standard

Why choose Critters Academy?

Learn with an experienced educator

Critters Academy isn't a large, faceless online training platform. It is an independent, female-owned education business founded by Vanessa Woollatt, an experienced animal care educator who has taught and supported more than 2,000 students.

You will receive genuine tutor contact, individual guidance and the opportunity to ask questions throughout your qualification.

Award-winning, independent training

Critters Academy combines years of experience in animal care and education with a genuine passion for helping people build knowledgeable, professional and responsible careers working with animals.

The aim isn't simply to help you gain a certificate. It's to help you understand your responsibilities, develop confidence in your professional practice and provide a standard of service that both animals and their owners deserve.

Gain a regulated qualification

The iPET Network Level 3 Award in Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for Professionals is an Ofqual regulated qualification awarded by iPET Network, giving you formal recognition of the knowledge and skills you have developed.

Ready to take the next step?

If you're serious about developing your knowledge and building a professional dog walking or pet sitting service, the iPET Network Level 3 Award in Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for Professionals provides a recognised route to developing the skills, knowledge and professional standards you need.

Enrol today and begin your qualification with Critters Academy.