Program Overview

Dog Walking and Pet Sitting: How to Start Your Own Business

Overview

This two-day course provides the foundation knowledge and skills necessary to start a dog walking and pet sitting business. It covers self-evaluation, market research, marketing, defining services, price setting, training requirements, legislation, insurance, health and safety, occupational standards, terms and conditions, documentation, and record keeping.

Course Details

• Duration: 2 days
• Location: Writtle campus
• Fees: £200 (standard booking)

Course Content

Day 1

• Self-evaluation
• Market research
• Marketing
• Defining services
• Price setting
• Training requirements
• Legislation
• Insurance
• Health and safety
• Occupational standards
• Terms and conditions
• Documentation
• Record keeping

Day 2

• Practical approach to facing clients
• Day-to-day procedures
• Animal health and safety
• Use of equipment
• Scheduling a typical day
• Factors that can affect dog walking/management
• Home-boarding
• Housesitting
• Future training needs

Tutor

• Kate Middleton BSc MSc PGCE, with a degree in Animal Science and a Masters in Animal Behaviour, and experience in running her own dog walking and pet sitting business.

Who Should Attend

• This course is suitable for people wishing to set up a dog walking and pet sitting business.

Dates

• Saturday 12 July and Sunday 13 July 2025

Entry Requirements

• There are no formal entry requirements, though please note you must be over 16 to join this course.
• By making a booking, you are declaring yourself medically fit to participate in the course and agree to the terms and conditions.

Suggested Courses

• Canine Behaviour for Dog Walkers, Home Boarders and Day Carers
• Level 3 Award in Dog Walking and Pet Sitting for Professionals (iPet Network)
• Level 3 Canine First Aid (iPet Network)