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Become a dog sitter: test-drive the job before a career change
Walks, home visits and pet sitting: read a dog, go out safely, know the law, then set your prices and build a loyal client base.
- 13 five-minute lessons
- 3 levels
- 13-page PDF guide
- English & French
- Certificate of completion
Why a dog sitter stays essential in the age of AI
- A lead is held by hand, and a scared dog is calmed by a voice, not by an app.
- An escape, a dog fight or heatstroke has to be handled on the spot, in seconds.
- Owners hand their keys and their pet to someone they trust, not to an algorithm.
Is it for you? Five signs
- You enjoy walking in all weathers.
- You easily read an animal's mood.
- You are punctual and trustworthy.
- You stay calm when a dog gets overexcited.
- You like organising your own days.
Not sure yet? That's what the €6.90 guide is for. Refund within 14 days if it isn't you.
Thinking about a career change? Read our complete career change guide →
A typical day
- 7:45 am: visit to Mimi, a cat home alone during the holidays: food, litter, play and a photo sent to her owner.
- 9:30 am: replies to overnight requests and a meet-and-greet with a new client, a young Australian shepherd.
- 11:45 am: the lunchtime round, two dogs from the same street, 45 minutes in the park on the lead.
- 1:00 pm: a slow walk with Rocky, a 12-year-old labrador who no longer does the long loop.
- 5:30 pm: a second cat visit, then a stop at a client's home to collect keys for next week.
- 7:00 pm: reports, invoices and tomorrow's schedule, grouped by neighbourhood.
How to become a dog sitter
In France, no state diploma is needed to become a dog sitter, but paid pet care requires the ACACED, a certificate of knowledge about companion animals set out in the Rural Code (art. L214-6-1). You get it after 14 to 27 hours of training at an approved centre, depending on the options, and an online multiple-choice test; the certificate is issued by the regional agriculture office. The activity is then declared to the local DDPP on form Cerfa 15045, and most pet sitters start as a micro-business. In English-speaking countries, rules and licences vary by area, so check with your local council. The G-Learn trial lets you discover dog body language, walk safety and the rules in a few hours; its certificate is not a diploma, but it helps you decide whether the job suits you.
Pay
According to France's CIDJ youth information service (sheet of 9 December 2024), a new pet sitter earns about €10 for a simple walk or home visit, and €10 to €25 for a full day of care. Pay is low at first: income depends on the number of clients, the area and extra services such as overnight stays or boarding. Rates are set freely: compare those in your town, count your travel and costs, then offer bundles to regular clients.
The hard parts
- Going out in all weathers, rain, cold or heatwave, several times a day: the body tires, especially knees and back.
- A big responsibility: you hold clients' keys and the animals they love, and an accident or escape can happen.
- Irregular income, very high in school holidays and lower in winter, with low rates when you start.
Sources: CIDJ — Fiche métier pet-sitter (9 décembre 2024) · Préfecture du Var — Activités liées aux animaux de compagnie · I-CAD — Baromètre 2025 de l'identification des chiens et des chats · Zoopro — Programme de formation ACACED 2024
What you'll be able to do
- Read a dog's body language
- Walk dogs safely
- Know the legal framework
- Run a home visit
- Handle an emergency
- Set your prices and contract
The programme
Level 1 – Beginner
- D1Tasks, services, a typical day
- D2Body language and stress
- D3Kit, heat, hazards
- D4ACACED, DDPP, restricted dogs
Level 2 – Intermediate
- I1Pre-visit and client profile
- I2Meals, litter, report
- I3Building and managing a group
- I4Home boarding and living together
Level 3 – Expert
- E1Injury, escape, bite
- E2Reactive, senior, restricted
- E3Rates, insurance, cancelling
- E4Platforms, network, reviews
- E5Status, pace, career paths
The full guide: 6 chapters
- The basics of the job
- A walk in 5 steps
- Facts & figures
- The toolbox
- Case study: the dog that bolts
- Dog sitter glossary
Prices
The whole job in 13 pages, PDF, English or French.
13 five-minute lessons, quizzes and 3 certificates, English or French.
Path + full guide, English and French editions included.
1-hour interactive course with final exam and a certificate in your name.
14-day money-back guarantee · Instant download · Secure payment
Frequently asked questions
Can I become a dog sitter at 40?
Yes, it is a common career change, often started alongside another job. You need to enjoy walking, be organised and, in France, pass the ACACED before charging for your services.
Do I need a qualification to be a dog sitter?
In France there is no compulsory diploma, but paid pet care requires the ACACED certificate, obtained after a short course and a test. The activity must also be declared to the DDPP.
How much does a dog sitter earn?
According to France's CIDJ (2024), about €10 per simple walk when starting out. Income depends on the number of clients, the town and the services offered, such as overnight stays or boarding.
What is included in the dog sitter & pet sitter course?
A 13-page PDF guide that covers the whole job, and a 3-level path of 13 five-minute lessons (beginner, intermediate, expert), each with a quick quiz, plus a certificate of completion per level.
Is the course available in English and French?
Yes. You choose English or French at checkout; the Complete Pack includes both languages.
How do I receive the course?
Immediately after payment you receive a download link by email, with your invoice. The files are A4 PDFs you can read on any device or print.
Is the certificate an official qualification?
No. G-Learn certificates confirm you completed the course. They are not a state diploma or a licence to practise.
Can I get a refund?
Yes: if the course is not what you expected, ask within 14 days of purchase for a full refund. Prices start at €6.90.