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Contributed article | September 2021

Continuing education is an important part of running a pet-sitting business.

In particular, holding your Certification For Professional Pet Sitters (CPPS) through Pet Sitters International shows your clients that you’re committed to pet care. This isn’t just a hobby for you; it’s your career. Your certification tells them that they will be getting more for their money than they would from a casual pet sitter, neighbor, or friend. Since your certification is only good for three years, and you need to stay up to date on best practices and proper pet care, it’s so important that you make time to fit in continuing education courses.

Even if you haven’t pursued earning your CPPS® designation yet, you should still make continuing education a priority as a professional pet-care provider.

Unfortunately, fitting in time for continuing education isn’t always easy to do. A busy schedule, making time for family, and maintaining a good work/life balance can make it difficult to also make time for professional development. The idea of continuing education can get pushed to the side under the pressure of everyday life.

Don’t let your certifications lapse or your knowledge become obsolete. You can make time for continuing education while still running your business and living your best life. We’ve put together some ideas to help make continuing education and professional development a part of your regular routine.

How To Make Time For Continuing Education

Your certifications are more than just pieces of paper. And courses you complete are more than just items to check off your to-do list. They show your clients that you have devoted time and effort into staying at the top of your field. Certifications inspire confidence, and show the effort you have put into learning the best way to care for your clients' pets.  

Thanks to technology, continuing education courses don’t need to be taken in a classroom. You can find courses available online. While this makes them readily available, it can still be challenging to fit them into your routine. Start with baby steps to  make continuing education a part of your regular routine.

Start with changing your mindset

Don’t think of continuing education courses as something you’ll squeeze in. Think of them as an integral part of running your business… because they really are! Maintaining your certifications and staying on top of new developments are just as important as keeping appointments and paying your taxes.

Plan to take one course a month

One course a month is no pressure. You won’t feel you have bitten off more than you can chew, and it gives you ample time to complete it. Challenge yourself and try to select courses that align with the various pet awareness months. If you are a CPPS, taking one course a month will also allow you to easily meet the continuing education requirement of 30 continuing education units (CEUs) every 3 years. (You can learn more about CPPS requirements and details here.)

Make continuing education part of your daily routine

Consider continuing education a part of your workday. Schedule it for the same time every day. If you make it a normal part of your routine and block off that time, instead of saving it for “when I have free time”, you will be more likely to complete your courses. Make it official by incorporating it into your written schedule so you don’t feel compelled to fill that time with something else.

Take yourself on a field trip

Taking online courses means that you can change up your environment. If the same surroundings every day are starting to make you dread sitting down for your study sessions, you can move things outside. An outside workspace free of distractions may be just what you need to regain your focus. Or perhaps a busy coffee shop is more your vibe. Whatever works for you! The beauty is that you control the environment.

Build extra time into your day

You can’t force more than 24 hours out of the day, but you can start your day earlier, end it a little later, or even make your lunch break a working lunch. If you are full of energy in the morning, this may be the best time to focus on your continuing education. If you are more of a night person, devote one extra hour to work in the form of coursework. If you are pressed for time in the mornings or evenings, block off an hour in the afternoon that you dedicate solely to continuing education.

If you really don’t see an opportunity to add an hour or so into your day, take a step back and make sure that everything you do in a day makes sense for your business. Is your scrolling on social media strategic? Or are you just killing time? Audit your daily routine to make sure you’re making the right choices for your pet-sitting business.

Where To Find Continuing Education Courses

Before signing up for a continuing education course, make sure the credits count toward the certification given by the association you are certified through.

Don’t worry; if the credits don’t apply but the topic is something you know you need to brush up on, you can absolutely still go ahead with the course!

Resources for continuing education for pet sitters and dog walkers include:

PSI.  Pet Sitters International, the world's largest pet-sitting association also offers an abundance of courses for continuing education. There are online trainings offered relating to all aspects of pet sitting. PSI offers courses that focus on different aspects of business development, how to work with different species, and more.  A few of the courses offered include:

• Pet First Aid & CPCR
• Disaster Planning
• Professional Pet Sitting as a Career

In addition to online certifications PSI also offers annual conferences and webinars that are not to be missed!

Fear Free. This pet-sitting certification has been reviewed by PSI. As a pet sitter, it’s essential to understand the pets that you work with in order to keep them, yourself, and others safe. This certification will provide you with the tools to recognize and understand animal body language and minimize fear and anxiety in pets you care for. PSI members, be sure to use your special member discount to receive 20% off. 

Pet Safety Crusader.  The Pet Safety Crusader courses include caring for senior pets, pet first aid basics for rabbits and pocket pets, general pet first aid and more.  The hours you put into earning this credit are recognized by several pet-care associations, including PSI.

Incorporate some of these ideas into your daily life, and finding time for continuing education will no longer be a problem. Use the courses to help you build your pet-sitting business in the direction you want it to take. You will see the benefits as you grow your business and continue to build a good reputation with your satisfied clients.