PSI's Pet-Sitter Education Month™
PSI's Pet-Sitter Education Month™ is observed each September. Pet Sitters International (PSI) established the month-long observance in 2016 to shine a spotlight on professional pet sitters’ commitment to continuing education and on the growing number of educational resources available to today’s professional pet sitters and dog walkers.
This September is PSI's 10th annual Pet-Sitter Education Month™. To celebrate this milestone event, the association is highlighting how pet-sitter education is more accessible than ever for those looking to start or grow a successful business. Read PSI's press release.
Learn more about PSI's educational resources...
PSI members, be sure you are taking advantage of the wealth of free educational resources included with your annual PSI membership!
Educational resources available to PSI members include:
Monthly Member Toolkit
Each month's online toolkit features a new free online training, featured member resources (e.g., form template, client handout, etc.), a monthly calendar/pet-sitter to-do list, and custom social-media images with caption ideas.
PSI's Learning Library
Available exclusively in the Members Area, we've compiled PSI's top resources including blog posts, free online trainings, magazine articles and more by category for you to easily search and access.
Pet Sitter's World magazine
Members are mailed two print issues each year (Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter) + issues are available in digital format. Articles cover the latest in pet health and behavior, best business practices, inspiring pet-sitter stories, and more.
PSI members can also take advantage of:
- Free Online Course: Creating Your Dream Pet-Care Business
- PSI's private Facebook Group, a private forum to post questions and share advice with fellow members
- PSI's State of the Industry Survey that shares the most up-to-date information on the professional pet-sitting industry, including average service fees, annual revenue and more.
And much more—available at the click of a mouse in the Members Area of petsit.com!
New online learning option announced...
PSI is expanding its former annual one-day online event to a new FOCUS Online Summit Series for Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers. Now, with multiple online events each year, PSI's FOCUS Online Summit Series offers an affordable, convenient opportunity to learn from industry experts and network with fellow pet-care professionals—all from your computer, phone or iPad—throughout the year.
Learn more about the next event on November 5.
Certification for Professional Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
Now, more than ever before, the pet-owning public needs an easily identifiable way to determine the most qualified, knowledgeable professional pet-sitting options—and professional pet sitters need a way to demonstrate their qualifications to stand out in the sea of qualified and unqualified options in the ever-growing pet-care services industry.
PSI's CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® Exam provides candidates with the only knowledge-based assessment designed specifically for professional pet sitters. PSI’s exam requires that candidates demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the professional pet-sitting industry.
Ready to earn the CPPS® designation?
PSI members, take advantage of this special Pet Sitter Education Month offer! Use promo code: CPPSWEB100 to save $100 off your purchase of the CPPS® Exam when you register by September 30.
The Exam is regularly priced at $275, so you will be able to register for $175 when you take advantage of this special offer.
Become a CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® to:
- Demonstrate your competency in the core skills and knowledge base professional pet sitters should possess.
- Earn formal recognition for your commitment to excellence in pet sitting.
- Raise awareness among your clients and the general public about what it takes to be a qualified professional pet sitter.
- Support standards in our largely unregulated industry and promote professionalism.
Additional benefits of certification include:
Marketing advantage. Certification matters to your current and prospective clients, if you educate them. When you earn your CPPS designation, you’ll receive a certificate to display and the CPPS logo to use on your website and other marketing materials. A special certified icon is added to your listing on PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator. PSI will also provide you with a press release you can distribute to your local media announcing your accomplishment.
Ongoing education. Your initial certification is valid for three years, and continuing education is required to maintain your designation. As a CPPS, you’ll be motivated to continue lifelong learning to stay up-to-date on the latest in pet care, pet health and best business practices.
Discounts and savings. CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitters receive a 15 percent discount on Pet-Sitter Liability Insurance and bonding premiums through PSI Preferred Provider Business Insurers of the Carolinas (U.S.) or a 10 percent discount through PSI Preferred Provider Jones DesLauriers, formerly Binks Insurance (Canada). All CPPSs also receive $10 off their annual PSI membership renewal and an extra 10% off the already discounted member pricing for PSI’s events, digital products and online courses.
Personal satisfaction. By earning your CPPS designation, you are able to prove that you possess the knowledge and skills required to pass the rigorous standards of PSI’s knowledge-assessed exam. Becoming certified is an investment in yourself and in your business.
