What is the CPS-DW Certification?
The Certified Pet Sitter–Dog Walker (CPS-DW) certification, offered by the Professional Pet Care Association (PPCA), is a professional credential designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a strong understanding of safe, responsible, and ethical pet care practices.
The certification program evaluates essential competencies including animal handling, dog walking safety, risk management, emergency preparedness, client communication, and professionalism for in-the-clinet’s-home pet care services.
Earning the CPS-DW certification signifies a commitment to industry standards, continuing education, continuous improvement, and the well-being of pets entrusted to professional care.
Achieving the CPS-DW shows proficiency in the following fields of study.
Safety-first pet care practices for every visit
Risk management and hazard awareness in professional pet care
Dog walking safety standards, including real-world scenarios
Understanding dog reactivity and how to respond appropriately
Medication administration best practices and documentation
Emergency preparedness and communication with clients and veterinarians
Client confidentiality, home security, and key management
Meet & Greet best practices for screening pets and setting expectations
Industry-recognized pet sitting standards for in-the-client’s home care
Professional onboarding for new clients and their pets
Attention to detail during every pet sitting and dog walking visit
Visit documentation and checklists to ensure consistency
Clear, professional visit updates clients trust and value
Customer service benchmarks for professional pet care businesses
Cleanliness, appearance, and professionalism on the job
Recommended gear and supplies for pet sitters and dog walkers
Taking high-quality pet photos for client updates and records
Professional communication standards with clients and team members.
