Professional certification in a pet care field enhances a provider’s reputation and demonstrates their commitment to providing top quality service to clients.  The cost of certification may be tax deductible as a business expense, and it often increases the rate that a pet care provider can charge for services.  Here are some of the best known pet care certification options:

Pet Sitting Certification

The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) offers a certification course for pet sitters.  The course includes topics in pet first aid, business management, animal behavior, nutrition, and safety.  The final exam is completed online.  NAPPS certified sitters may also be eligible for discounts on liability insurance.  The course is self-paced and usually takes about a month to complete.  The cost is $245 for NAPPS members and $395 for non-members.  Certification lasts for a period of three years and continuing education credits are required for renewals.

Pet Sitters International (PSI) also offers a certification course for pet sitters.  The coursework for the Certified Professional Pet Sitter program includes pet care, health, nutrition, business, client services, and more.  Students have six months to study the comprehensive manual before taking the final exam (which is open book but proctored by a business professional).  PSI certification is valid for three years and can be renewed if the sitter completes the requisite continuing education credit hours.

  Those who complete the certification program are eligible for a 10 percent discount on liability insurance and bonding premium programs offered through PSI.  The course costs $299.

Pet Boarding & General Care Certification

The International Boarding and Pet Services Association (IBPSA) offers a two level certification course for pet care providers.  The Specialist designation (level 1) includes basic courses in anatomy and physiology, nutrition, behavior, safety, handling techniques, and emergency care.  The Certified Provider designation (level 2) includes courses in emergency care, behavior, stress management, client relations, medications, geriatric care, special needs dogs, and intake procedures.  Species-specific certification is available for canine, feline, avian, small mammal, and reptile care professionals.  Students have a 90 day window to study for the online exam.  Each level of certification is offered at a cost of $99.

The Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC) offers species-specific certification programs for animal care providers.  Coursework in the Certified Specialist program includes species-specific information relating to intake exams, care, handling, nutrition, and health.  Students study a comprehensive manual before taking a final exam.  Certification lasts for a three year period and is renewable.  The course costs $75 for members and $95 for non-members.

Dog Grooming Certification

There are many organizations that offer certification options for dog groomers (view the top certification options here). 

Dog Training Certification

There are many organizations that offer certification programs for dog trainers (view the top certification options here). 

Pet First Aid & CPR Certification

The American Red Cross offers a pet first aid and CPR training course that covers cats, dogs, or both.  The course can be completed in about 4 hours.  Topics include first aid, urgent care situations, medication, injuries, and disaster preparedness.  The total course cost varies depending on the location that is offering it.  The first aid guidebook is available through the American Red Cross website for $16.95.

The Pet Professional Guild (PPG) offers a pet first aid certification through a three part webinar series.  Each one hour section covers topics including CPR, wound management, snake bites, heat stroke, injury assessment, common pet emergencies, safety, handling, and transportation.  The final exam consists of a 55 question online test (open book) plus four short videos to demonstrate hands-on competency.  The course fee is $28.50 for PPG members and $35 for non-members.  A group discount of 15% off is available to companies that enroll more than 3 employees.  The course also counts for 3 continuing education credit hours for CCPDT and IAABC (dog training) certifications.

The PetTech PetSaver program offers pet first aid certification to those who successfully complete an 8 hour course.  Coursework includes topics in restraint, rescue breathing, CPR, injuries and emergency care, snout-to-tail assessment, and senior pet care.  Courses range from $80 to $125 depending on location and instructor.