Why become certified?
In the ever-growing pet-sitting industry, professional pet sitters need a way to separate themselves from hobbyists, demonstrate their knowledge and distinguish themselves as qualified, competent professionals.
Becoming a CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® allows you 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 downloadable 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 BINKS (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.
Applying for the CPPS Exam:
When you apply for the CPPS Exam, you receive immediate access (digital download) to the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter Study Guide to aid you in preparing for the exam. Candidates are permitted six months from the date of purchase to request the exam. The exam is available online and upon passing, you will be awarded PSI's CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® designation.
Learn more about the exam’s study objectives here.
Just entering the industry and not ready to test for the CPPS designation? PSI offers an online certificate course, Professional Pet Sitting as a Career, which provides the need-to-know information for starting and growing your own professional pet-sitting service.
PSI Members: Learn more about becoming a CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter®. Not a member? Learn more about PSI’s member benefits and join today.
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PSI's Non-Discrimination Policy
PSI Certified Professional Pet Sitter Exam Refund Policy: There are no full or partial refunds offered for the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter Exam or for retesting. Candidates are encouraged to plan their schedules carefully, as no exceptions will be made to this policy.
Membership Policy: All CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitters must maintain full PSI membership for certification to remain active and in force. Maintaining active membership and being considered a PSI member in good standing is defined as having all stated membership dues paid in full and abiding by the PSI Member Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Click here to download the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter Handbook for Candidates.
