Start your Own Pet Sitting Business

Now Only

$389

AUD

35% off

$599 AUD

Quick Facts

Delivery Method Online
Professional Certificate
24hrs Suggested Study Time
3 Months Access
Tutor Support
Study On Any Device
1177 Students

Discover how to translate your love of animals into a fun and profitable career.

If you're an animal lover, find out how you can start your own pet sitting business to translate your passion into a profitable career!

In this course, you'll master the essentials of running a cat and dog sitting business. You'll begin with pet care, including nutrition, exercise, first aid, and identification of common diseases. You'll learn the basics of first aid and find out how to administer pills, liquid medications, and injections to an uncooperative cat or dog.

Next, you'll discover how to handle home visits and impress your potential clients. You'll also explore sticky situations that can arise, such as lost pets, pets that die unexpectedly, and pets that need immediate veterinary care.

In addition, you'll delve into finances and explore start-up costs, accounting, fee-setting, business plans, and low-cost marketing. You'll find out how to obtain required insurance, hire employees as your business expands, and entice financial institutions to loan you money.

To complete the picture, you'll identify many opportunities for expanding your pet sitting services. Is a dog-walking service right for you? Can you train puppies? Do you want to look after other animals, including horses?

By the end of this course, you'll have all the knowledge you need to become a professional pet sitter. In addition, you'll see how your pet sitting business can grow to continually challenge and satisfy you.

Courses are delivered to you through expertly executed lessons, online instruction and interaction with like-minded students. Our courses are designed to deliver all of the benefits of studying in a classroom whilst giving you the flexibility to study at a time and place to suit your needs. You can access your classroom 24/7 from any device with an internet connection.

This course has a 3 month duration. You'll complete comprehensive lessons, quizzes and assignments before submitting your final exam at the end of the course to achieve your certificate. Courses must be completed within the 3 month access period.

Are you a bona fide animal fan? Do you love nothing more than a long walk with a furry friend? If so, then a career in pet sitting may be just right for you. In this first lesson, you’ll discover what pet sitters do, what the many benefits are, and how to determine if there’s a strong market for this business in your area. The good news is, you don’t need lots of money to get started—your love for animals, your strong sense of responsibility, and the knowledge and skills you’ll learn in this course will take you far!

In this lesson, you’ll find out how to care for dogs. You’ll see that feeding is more than just putting food in a bowl as you discover how to determine food and water quantities for the dogs you care for. You’ll also learn about some of the ways to help Spot get the exercise he needs without overdoing. We’ll examine the dog’s vital signs—the signposts to health—and review specific conditions dogs sometimes develop, so you’ll always be able to assess the overall health of your canine clients. Finally, we’ll consider two emergency situations that can mean the difference between life and death for a dog and outline what to do if they arise.

In this lesson, you’ll gain an understanding of all the ways that cats are not just little dogs. You’ll see that feline nutritional requirements are unique, and you’ll explore the latest guidelines for ensuring that cats get the nutrition they need. From hair balls and abscesses to more serious conditions, such as thromboembolism and urinary blockages, we’ll examine the particular health concerns you’ll need to be aware of as you care for cats. You’ll learn how to identify these diseases as well as others and evaluate a cat’s vital signs so that you can be alert to emergency situations.

Can you tell a timid dog that’s smiling from an aggressive one that’s baring his teeth? What would cause a cat to use your sofa for a litter box? In this lesson, you’ll gain insights into how dogs and cats think. You’ll gather quick tips on how to protect yourself when working with aggressive cats and dogs and also learn strategies for dealing with common feline and canine behavioral issues you’ll encounter as you care for them.

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to recognize and deal with emergencies that can arise in your role as a pet sitter. You’ll delve into what to do with a bleeding pet or if one of your pets in care has an allergic reaction or experiences shock. You’ll find out what to do with conditions such as vomiting and diarrhea, foreign bodies, and eye problems, and what to do during the birthing process. Then we’ll cover poisoning and examine common toxins that pets may encounter. Finally, you’ll learn how to respond to emergencies with a review of how to do CPR in pets and what to include in a first aid kit.

Have you ever gone into an interview totally unprepared for what happened? Did you make a poor impression? This will never happen to you in pet sitting! In this lesson, you’ll find out how to make the best impression to a new client—what to say and how to act. You’ll also consider how to assess the impression prospective clients are making on you—and how to refuse a client. Next, you’ll gain an appreciation of how much you can earn and how many calls you can do in a day. Lastly, we’ll look at how to get organized so you can get the most out of your new business.

In this lesson, you get right into the thick of your new career by finding out what to do during the home visit. You’ll learn about what kind of information to get from your clients in advance and how to assess their needs based on the kind of services they request. Next, you’ll explore all the elements of a home visit, from managing keys and alarm systems to feeding, exercise, and everything you need to do to keep the pets healthy and happy day to day. Finally, we’ll get a first look at some of the little extra things you can do to offer the kind of service that keeps your clients coming back for more.

What happens when a pet you're caring for gets lost? What if the animal needs expensive veterinary care? Will you be stuck with the bill? In this lesson, you'll learn to cope with some of those sticky situations that pet sitters occasionally run into on the job. This includes losing a pet, the sudden death of a pet, as well as handling medical emergencies. You'll also learn how to handle some literally sticky situations—such as how to administer injections, eye and ear drops, and other kinds of medication.

There are countless ways to get clients to call you and book your services. In this lesson, you’ll discover the different tools and techniques you can use to build your clientele. You’ll start with basic marketing materials, and see how to exude a professional image through business cards and brochures. Then, we'll delve into advertising, and consider whether paid advertisements are worth the money. We'll also discuss how to use things like press releases and social media to get free publicity, and whether joining professional organizations can boost your business. Finally, we'll explore ways to establish and deepen your relationship with clients once you've caught their attention—from how to handle that first phone call to special things you can do to keep clients happy and loyal.

At this point, you've developed the skills and knowledge to be a successful pet sitter. But how do you set up shop? In this lesson, you’ll see how to establish your business, including both your actual office and the legal structures you have to have in place to keep your venture stable. You’ll learn about the licenses you'll need and get a good sense of why contracts with customers are so important. You’ll appreciate the different types of insurance, both for the business and you personally. Finally, you’ll learn the ins and outs of employees—when to hire them and what they cost.

Time to hit the books—the financial books, that is. In this lesson, you’ll delve into the world of accounting so you can see where your business is heading financially. You’ll find out how to determine start-up costs as well as the ongoing costs of running a pet sitting business. You’ll also come face to face with the necessity of getting your bills paid, and get some suggestions to ensure your clients pay in a timely fashion. Finally, we'll explore the importance of writing a business plan to set a road map for success and help you convince lenders that your new business is a solid investment.

You’ll discover that pet sitting doesn’t have to be just feeding and watering the cat or dog. As a pet sitter, you are perfectly positioned to add other services. This can include grooming for the animals you look after, cutting their nails, and brushing their teeth. Then there are services such as dog walking, puppy care and training, pet taxi, home sitting, and even poop scooping. You’ll also learn that there are other species to look after, each requiring their own expertise.

Jeff Grognet

Jeff Grognet has been a companion animal veterinarian for 25 years. He was a pioneer in the field of veterinary assistant teaching, developing his first course almost 20 years ago. The overwhelming success of his veterinary receptionist/assistant ... Read more

Read Jeff Grognet's Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you've made the payment, we'll send you a confirmation email with a link to start your course. Feel free to get started whenever you're ready!

You'll have 3 months access to your course. In that time you are free to study at your own pace. The course duration is 24 hours.

Online learning is a flexible way to study that fits around your schedule, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace from anywhere in the world. You'll have 3 months to complete the course and can take the multiple-choice questions and final exam whenever it suits you.

If you need help, you can contact us anytime. You can also join the discussion area where you can interact with other students. The discussion area for each lesson is open for the entire duration of the course.

Of course! We offer a 7-day money back guarantee. As long as you haven't completed the course, you can get a full refund within 7 days of enrolling.

We do not offer extensions or transfers for this self-paced course. However, you will have 3 months to complete the course, and if you need to cancel within the first 10 days of enrolment, we offer a money back guarantee.

What people are saying about our courses

This was my first time taking a course online. I truly recommend anyone who is interested in doing this please go for it. This course was very helpful and gave me much motivation to move forward with my pet sitting business. The instructor, Jeff, was very helpful with any questions, comments and concerns that were presented.

Verified Student

I feel much more confident and prepared for my new career in pet sitting
after taking this course. Topics that never entered my mind were addressed
and will help me become successful. I already registered my new company
name, have my first potential new customer. I am working on joining
an association and obtaining insurance. Best of all, I will be following my
heart and working with animals. Thank you very much, Dr. Jeff!

Verified Student

I really enjoyed this course and plan to use this information to begin a pet sitting business. I liked the way the course was organized, starting with the care of pets and then dealing with the business end last. If the order was reversed, I might have felt overwhelmed! The reading supplement will provide more opportunities to focus on areas of interest. I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of information and the eloquence of the presentation! Thank you for a great experience.

Verified Student

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The Learning Environment

From the moment that you enrol in the Start your Own Pet Sitting Business you will become an integral part of our learning community. You'll find yourself with the freedom to learn at a speed that suits you, on any device, from anywhere in the world. Achieving your career goals no longer has to mean compromising family and work commitments.

Ready to get started?

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Our Values

Learn At Your Own Pace

We believe in personalised learning. That's why we provide all the tools and support you need to succeed at your own pace. With flexible learning, you'll stay motivated and retain more information. Plus, you can balance your studies with work and family commitments to make your dreams a reality.

We Won't Break The Bank

Education should be accessible to anyone who wants to learn. That's why we offer some of the most competitive prices in the industry with payments plans for just $25 per week. Investing in your future is a smart choice and doesn’t have to break the bank.

Industry-Led Courses

There's no better way to learn than from experts with years of experience in your field. That's why each of our 200+ industry-led courses are designed to give you a real-life perspective on your industry. With our expert mentors, you'll learn from people who have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and who are passionate about sharing it with you.

Get The Personal Support You Deserve

At Vibe Learning, we're real people who are dedicated to providing you with personal support every step of the way. Our industry experts are not only professional and knowledgeable but also incredibly passionate about sharing their expertise with you. With their guidance, you'll gain invaluable insights and practical knowledge to help you succeed.

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Start your Own Pet Sitting Business

$599

$389AUD

Save 35%

Medical Writing

Now Only

$389

AUD

35% off

$599 AUD

Quick Facts

Delivery Method Online
Professional Certificate
24hrs Suggested Study Time
3 Months Access
Tutor Support
Study On Any Device
353 Students

Take your first step toward a lucrative and rewarding career as a medical writer.

Take your first step toward a lucrative and rewarding career as a medical writer; no specialised or advanced degrees required! In this course, you'll learn about the different types of medical writing that you can do, how to break into and succeed in this industry, and how to write effectively on medical topics, whether you're writing for healthcare providers, patients, or regulatory organisations.

We'll examine the various types of writing that you can do, from producing technical pieces like abstracts and regulatory documentation to writing breezier items like medical news stories and patient education materials. You'll gain insights about what goes into putting together a solid and compelling article, regardless of what you're writing about or who you're writing for. Along the way, we'll review how to consider your audience and construct an outline that addresses your audience's informational needs. You'll also learn how to keep your writing free of medical jargon and common grammatical errors, while ensuring the scientific integrity of your work.

Throughout the lessons, you'll discover lots of invaluable tools and technologies that can make your life as a medical writer easier. We'll examine informational resources, productivity tools, marketing resources, devices, and software, and we'll review how to use them optimally to achieve your goals. You'll also discover numerous tips and tricks that can help set you apart from others in the field and enable you to keep your career momentum going. And of course, you'll master key medical and statistical terms that you'll need to know.

The knowledge you'll gain in this course will give you the foundation and confidence you need to work for almost anyone as a medical writer, whether your goal is to find permanent employment with a company or to work as a freelancer from the comfort of your own home.

In our first lesson, you'll learn what medical writing is all about. We'll discuss what medical writers do and what it takes to be a medical writer. We'll also examine the many types of writing medical writers produce, as well as the tools of the trade—the equipment that medical writers need to have. By the end of this first lesson, you'll have a solid grasp of the field and the items you should have with you as you begin your medical writing career!

Today we'll examine the two main career paths you can take as a medical writer: freelancer and employee. We'll start by examining general factors that you need to consider. Then, we'll examine the benefits and drawbacks of being a freelancer and an employee. After you complete this lesson, you'll have a good understanding of both of these routes, enabling you to determine which one will better serve your needs and objectives.

There are a few core things you'll need to get a handle on before you start any medical writing project: knowing your audience, understanding your topic, and creating your outline. You can't expect to succeed without first tackling these elements, so we'll go into good detail in this lesson! After you complete this lesson, you'll be equipped to lay a solid foundation for your writing, regardless who you're targeting and what you're writing about.

The focus of this lesson is on grammar, which is essential for making your writing polished and coherent. We'll start by looking at key sentence-level issues, including sentence structure and use of punctuation. Then we'll move on to building easy-to-follow paragraphs and transitions, as well as a few rules specific to medical writing!

In today's lesson, we'll focus on language you'll often come across in medical literature. We'll start by looking at abbreviations, including when and how to use them. Then we'll look at how to spot medical jargon. Finally, we'll review some key statistical terms so that you can better understand how to process the information you're writing about. After you complete this lesson, you'll have a better understanding of the language that dominates the medical arena and how to use it!

In this lesson, we'll focus on how to add visual elements to your writing and enhance its readability. We'll start by looking at the accessories you can create: figures, tables, and sidebars. We'll review what these accessories are, when to use them, and considerations to keep in mind when creating them. Then we'll turn our attention to proofreading your work, focusing on strategies you can use to catch errors and improve flow. After you complete this lesson, you'll understand how to add the finishing touches to your work that'll really help it shine!

This lesson is all about ethics! We'll talk about the ethical issues that surround medical writing and the responsibilities that come with authorship. We'll start by looking at scientific misconduct and how it can affect your writing. Then we'll turn our attention to plagiarism and how to avoid it. And finally, we'll review ghostwriting and other situations that can cause ethical dilemmas, as well as steps you can take to secure the integrity of your work. After you complete this lesson, you'll have a good understanding of the ethical terrain that underlies medical writing.

Today we'll examine the markets that need medical writers. We'll start by looking at the pharmaceutical industry, which directly and indirectly employs medical writers. Then, we'll examine medical communications companies, another major employer of medical writers. Finally, we'll review some of the smaller markets, like hospitals, managed care organizations, and professional medical associations. After you complete this lesson, you'll have a good understanding of these markets and where to aim in your job search!

In today's lesson, we'll examine the medical writing freelance arena. First, we'll review how you can build a portfolio, which can be an important tool for helping you secure work. Next, we'll examine where to look for freelance work and steps you can take to increase your odds of finding work. Finally, we'll review the business side of being a freelancer, including how to develop a business plan and which business structures you can consider. After you complete this lesson, you'll have a better understanding of the freelance environment and how you can be successful in it.

How can you find permanent employment as a medical writer? That's what we'll discuss today. First, we'll review how to put together an effective resume and maximize your job search. Then, we'll examine strategies that can enhance your chances of getting an interview, such as constructing a thoughtful cover letter. And finally, we'll look at some ways to really shine during your interview. By the time you finish this lesson, you'll have the knowledge you need to stand out from the crowd, from resume prescreening through the interview process!

Now it's time to think about how you can advance your medical writing career. We'll review credentials you might pursue to make you more enticing to employers or clients, and we'll look at strategies for building a good reputation. Also, every writer's career reaches a standstill at some point—even if you're not there yet, it'll help to be prepared when that happens. We'll close out this lesson by discussing some ways to get career momentum going when you find you've peaked!

How is technology shaping medical writing and the way we look for and find medical information? That's what this lesson is all about. First, we'll review how writing for the Web is different from print and what you need to know to write effectively for online viewing. Then, we'll look at social media and how companies are using them to promote content and brands, and we'll discuss how you can use these platforms to promote your own work. And finally, we'll examine how technology continues to shape the writing world and some technology solutions that can make your life as a medical writer a bit easier!

Christina Loguidice

Christina Torster Loguidice graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She has 15 years of experience as a scientific, technical, and medical (STM) editor and writer and has overseen numerous... Read more

Read Christina Loguidice's Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

Once you've made the payment, we'll send you a confirmation email with a link to start your course. Feel free to get started whenever you're ready!

You'll have 3 months access to your course. In that time you are free to study at your own pace. The course duration is 24 hours.

Of course! We offer a 7-day money back guarantee. As long as you haven't completed the course, you can get a full refund within 7 days of enrolling.

What people are saying about our courses

I am so glad I took this course! By the end, I felt empowered to get the medical writing job of my dreams. Christina is very knowledgeable about the industry and offered common-sense tips as well as insider info on how to do well as a medical writer. I look forward to a second course in this series.

Verified Student

Overall, an excellent course with up-to-date useful and actionable information. Well done! Thank you.

Verified Student

Christina is an excellent instructor. Her Explore a Career in Medical Writing course enabled me to open my mind and explore my career options in ways I would never have considered. Thank you, Christina!

Verified Student

See More Reviews

The Learning Environment

From the moment that you enrol in the Medical Writing you will become an integral part of our learning community. You'll find yourself with the freedom to learn at a speed that suits you, on any device, from anywhere in the world. Achieving your career goals no longer has to mean compromising family and work commitments.