The Professional Dog Walkers Association International has always considered the industry of pet care to be one in which experience and high quality of standards should prevail. Although this certification cannot be monitored by authorities, it is strongly recommended for anyone coming into this realm of work to obtain these suggested credentials within your first year of business or before you start your business.

The recommended credentials are demanding and is set to reflect the standard of commitment a Professional Dog Walker makes to his/her community and to the Pet Industry. The preferred age to start your business is 18 years of age or older.

A Professional Dog Walker Should:

• Sign a contract to uphold a Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics.
• Have a copy of their License or Registration to operate a business in their country
• Have a copy of Liability Insurance Policy and/or Dishonesty Bond.
• Have 2 Letters of Recommendation from clients/Pet Care Professional.
• Have a Certificate of Completion of Pet First Aid.
• Complete a Pet Dog Training Course with a reputable dog trainer.
• Volunteer at an animal shelter.

By signing a contract to adhere to a code of conduct, shows that you are putting your professional reputation on a higher level that affords respect in the community and among peers. It assures that you are dedicated to the betterment of the field of Professional Dog Walking as your career.

Licensed business in your country:

You need to be a tax paying business owner with a stake in the current affairs of your community. In order to ensure that you are a responsible walker, and care about the community you serve, this is recommended.

An insurance policy and/or dishonesty bond:

This is an essential tool for the dog walker to protect you and your clients from accidents, loss, damage, etc. Please see the recommended Insurance Policy for more information.

2 letters of recommendation:

These letters are essential as they allow your personal strengths, talents and skills to shine as a dog-person becoming an established walker. Take a course with a trainer or speak to another established professional dog walker. If you have a respected Professional as a resource, you will have a much easier time of selecting those people you would like to write your letters.

Pet First Aid Course:
(This certification MUST be updated every 2 years)

For pet first aid in the United States, contact the Red Cross or ASPCA.
Here is a helpful link: http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/courses/pfachapter.html

For pet first aid in the Toronto, Ontario area, contact jogadog@sympatico.ca

Pet Dog Training and Course:

For a trainer in the United States contact the International Association of Canine Professionals at iacpadmin@mindspring.com or by phone at 407-469-2008.
The website address is http://www.dogpro.org/

Offered only in the City of Toronto, for more details on Pet Dog Training course dates please contact Dorothy Avery at averyd@smh.toronto.on.ca or call her at 416-421-6019

Volunteering at a Shelter:

This is an excellent way to gain experience while helping out in your community and establishing new relationships for networking. It will also help you learn the value of commitment.

Professional Dog Walker's Mission Statement:

"To enhance the quality of care given to the clients of Professional Dog Walkers and to uphold our professional image through the Code of Conduct, Ethics and Certification Program."

In no way may the Certification of the Professional Dog Walkers Association be duplicated by anyone claiming to have a certification program. If any information is seen to be duplicated and or copied from the PDWAI certification Course/Outline legal action may be taken. All Rights Reserved.
Copyright © 2003 The Professional Dog Walkers Association

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