Welcome to the NAPPS Online Certification Program
The NAPPS Online Certification Program supports the NAPPS mission:
- To provide tools and support to foster the success of members' businesses
- To promote the value of pet sitting to the public
- To advocate the welfare of animals.
Certification acknowledges the pet sitter is a serious professional who has obtained a high level of expertise through personal study. NAPPS Certification provides pet sitters with a broad-ranged and in-depth program in pet sitting. Completion of the course of study and a passing score on the examination assures pet sitters and pet owners of a meaningful credential.
The course of study includes pet care, health, nutrition and behavior, as well as, business development and management, and a complete pet first aid course. The study materials consist of pet care and business articles in the NAPPS virtual library, The American Red Cross First Aid for Dogs book and CD and the American Red Cross First Aid for Cats book and CD. Similar to a college course, the course will take approximately 16 weeks to complete if you pace yourself and spend approximately 60-90 minute intervals, 3-4 times per week to read the materials and complete the accompanying test questions.
All prospective certificants must complete the NAPPS Pet First Aid course of study and test questions. We are not able to accept the American Red Cross (ARC) certification or ARC class participation in lieu of the NAPPS Pet First Aid section of our course.
The ARC certification is not a standard course; the test, tools, and time commitment vary from state to state. The NAPPS Certification committee has created a program with specific standards and objectives to provide our members with an education and tools specifically designed for professional pet sitters. Should you choose to keep your ARC current (annual renewal with ARC), please keep your documents available for application and point credit towards the NAPPS Recertification/Continuing Education program.
NAPPS Certified Pet Sitters receive additional recognition and benefits for their achievement. NAPPS official insurer, Business Insurers of the Carolinas, provides liability insurance discounts for pet sitters who have earned NAPPS Certification. NAPPS Certified Pet Sitters are also recognized in the NAPPS Pet Sitter Locator *. NAPPS Certified Pet Sitters can be identified by the NAPPS Certified logo 
. NAPPS Certification indicates that an individual has met certain objective criteria through a course of study and testing. The pet owning public should refer to the important tips on hiring a pet sitter.
The Certification Program was developed through the efforts of a dedicated team of member volunteers. These volunteers dedicated hundreds of hours researching, selecting, and developing materials and formulating questions based on the materials selected for the program. All of the materials and questions were reviewed by the NAPPS Certification Advisory Board, a team of professionals in their fields.
Dr. Holly Nash of Drs. Foster & Smith and a member of the NAPPS Advisory Board had this to say about the NAPPS Certification Program, "I am excited about the proactive approach NAPPS is taking to educate its members. Up-to-date information is a cornerstone of proper pet care and is key to the quality of life for pets and the human-animal bond. NAPPS is a very forward-thinking organization and should be commended for its leadership role in educating pet sitters. A certification program for pet sitters highlights the vast amount of knowledge these people need to provide the quality level of care pet owners are asking for. Congratulations to NAPPS and its members."
Employees or Independent Contractors (ICs) of Member Companies can complete the NAPPS Certification Course. The certification course is offered only to employees or ICs of member company owners who have completed the course. A discounted rate of $125 is provided to employees or ICs. The Employee/ Independent Contractor course does not include the business development and management section.
To view a course outline click here.
To begin the course, you must first visit the Petsitters Store and purchase the
Exam and Study Kit.
Members will have to login and then go to the store to purchase.
Non members will have to create an account to purchase the exam.
After completing the purchase come back to the Course Registration page and begin.
Certificants or candidates for certification pledge that they shall not use or reproduce, in whole or in part, or aid another in using or reproducing, in any manner or fashion, any examination materials or re-certification materials or their contents.