Turn Your Love of Animals
Into a Flexible Income.

This course is built for Australian adults who want to start a dog walking or pet sitting business from scratch, or who are already operating and want to run a more professional, sustainable service. No prior business experience or formal animal training background is required. Whether you are considering this as a side income or a full-time venture, the content is structured to meet you where you are.

The course spans 50 lessons across five modules, covering safe dog handling, reading canine body language, group walking management, first aid, and handling difficult dogs. It also walks through the practical business side, including ABN setup, public liability insurance, client contracts, pricing, and marketing through social media and local channels. Australian-specific content is woven throughout, including council off-leash rules by state, heat safety for walking in Australian summers, and bushfire and flood planning for pet care businesses.

No prior experience is needed. The course begins with foundational skills such as reading dog body language and safe greeting techniques before progressing to more complex scenarios like managing leash-reactive dogs or group walks. On the business side, lessons start from the basics of choosing a sole trader or company structure and registering an ABN, so you are guided through each step rather than assumed to already know it.

The course is designed for approximately 123 hours of study at a self-directed pace, which allows time to absorb and apply the material as you go. If you want to move through the core content more quickly, a fast-track option is available that covers the essential material in around 13 hours. You can study on your own schedule, pausing and revisiting lessons as needed.

Yes, the course is accessible on mobile devices, tablets, and desktop computers, so you can fit study around your existing commitments. This is particularly useful for lessons you may want to revisit while out on jobs, such as the walk report and client communication guidance or the emergency protocols module.

Upon completion, you will receive a Certificate that is recognised by ICOES and carries CPD accreditation. While this is not a government-regulated qualification, it demonstrates a structured and verifiable commitment to professional practice, which can support your credibility with clients and local networks.