Tier 0 Member
R 0 per annum
- Receive industry news and updates on local training events.
- Access to paid training, workshops, industry news and local training updates.
- Upgrade to Tier 1 - Tier 3 any time.
Membership options
Review our various services and benefits below
Please contact 083 273 4477 for more information.
Membership options
Please look at the membership options that best suit your business needs.
Tier 1 Member
R 400 per annum
- Annual membership only.
- Access to discounted / free training, workshops, industry news and local training updates.
- Upgrade to Tier 2 - Tier 3 any time.
Does not include L1 certification.
Choose Tier 1Tier 2 Member
R 999 once off
- Access to discounted / free training, workshops, industry news and local training updates for 3 months.
- Listed on the national database of certified pet sitters.
- Receive an exclusive digital identity badge for email and social media.
*Includes a 204-page practical training manual, a test module + digital certificate, door to door-to-door delivery within five working days. Get your FREE First Aid for Cats manual included* while stocks last.
Choose Tier 2Tier 3 Member
Spring special until 31 October 2026
- Certified (L1) training plus 12-month membership.
- Access to discounted / free training, workshops, industry news and local training updates for 12 months.
- Listed on the national database of certified pet sitters.
- Receive an exclusive digital identity badge for email and social media.
- Access to customer leads and referrals from other certified members.
- Discounted annual membership fee (less 10%) from year 2.
*Includes a 204-page practical training manual, a test module + digital certificate, door to door-to-door delivery within five working days. Get your FREE First Aid for Cats manual included.
Choose Tier 3
Course content
Level 1 Pet Care Certification (L1)
Tier 2 and Tier 3 include a 204-page practical training manual, a test module + digital certificate. Here is what is inside.
- 204 pages
- 15 sections
- 121 topics
- L1 test + digital certificate
Section 1
Common Misconceptions About Pet Sitting
Pages 15 to 19
- What Does it Take to Become a Pet Sitter?
- 15 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Becoming a Pet Care Professional
- 18 Reasonable Requirements for a Pet Sitting Business
Section 2
What is a Professional Pet Sitter?
Pages 20 to 36
- Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of a Pet Sitter
- PSI Recommended Quality Standards for Excellence
- 15 Key Questions Every Pet Sitter Should Be Able to Answer If the Client Requests More Information
and 3 more topics
Section 3
Professional Client Interviews
Pages 37 to 52
- Why Use a Professional Pet Sitter?
- Client Home Inspections
- Pet Sitter’s Insurance
and 8 more topics
Section 4
How to Avoid Personal Insurance Claims for Pet Sitters (Dos and Don’ts)
Pages 53 to 60
- Examples of Pet Sitters Who Were Caught or Negligent in Their Service
- Examples of Don’ts When You Are Rushed, Tired, or Both
- Things You Can Do to Prevent Claims from Occurring
and 2 more topics
Section 5
Pet Sitter Safety Module
Pages 61 to 75
- Tips to Increase Safety on Your Pet Sitting Assignment
- Dealing with Potential New Clients (Red Flags)
- Safety While on Assignment (Red Flags)
and 4 more topics
Section 6
Basic Stay-Over Protocols for Pet Sitters
Pages 76 to 84
- Conduct for Overnight Pet Care Assignments
- Sanitation and Cleaning for Pet Sitters
- Cancellation of a pet care assignment
Section 7
Canine (Dog) Behaviour
Pages 85 to 95
- Temperament
- Aggression
- Dog Reactivity Explained
and 1 more topic
Section 8
Feline (Cat) Behaviour
Pages 96 to 106
- Reasons Behind a Cat’s Annoying or Destructive Behaviour
- The Feline Toolbox
- General Feline Behaviour Tips for Pet Sitters
and 7 more topics
Section 9
Reptiles and Amphibians
Pages 107 to 112
- Understanding Cold-Blooded Pets
- Environment
- Dietary Needs
and 3 more topics
Section 10
Freshwater Fish Tanks
Pages 113 to 115
- How to Maintain a Tropical Fish Tank
Section 11
Basic Nutrition Knowledge for Dogs and Cats
Pages 116 to 122
- Nutrients and What They Do
- The Myths and Truths About Wet Food for Dog Nutrition
- Signs That Your Pet May Be Asking for Help
Section 12
Senior Pets
Pages 123 to 127
- Definition of a Senior Pet
- Care of Senior Pets
Section 13
Grief Counselling for Deceased Pets
Pages 128 to 135
- The Human-Animal Bond
- Grief
- The Myth of “Closure”
and 4 more topics
Section 14
Emergency First Aid for Your Pet
Pages 136 to 150
- Diabetes in Cats
- Diabetes in Dogs
- Tips and Tricks for Recognising and Healing Hot Spots on Dogs
and 2 more topics
Section 15
Additional General Knowledge for Certified Pet Sitters
Pages 151 to 189
- Separation Anxiety in Dogs
- To Medicate or Not for Bad Behaviour?
- Why Hitting Dogs is Unacceptable
and 10 more topics
Also included: 15-Day Preparation for Your Pet Care Certification (Optional); D.I.S.C. Survey (Optional exercise for pet sitters); Your Next Steps If You Want to Explore a Career in WePetSit.
Why join PSI_SA
Get Pet Sitter Certified and showcase your expertise and dedication to the pet care industry.
1. Proven Knowledge
Demonstrate your proven knowledge in essential areas of professional pet care while educating your clients about your qualifications and the standards that define a professional.
2. Income Replacement
By operating ethically and knowledgeably, pet sitters can add to or replace lost income, ensuring your family’s lifestyle and living standards are maintained.
3. Be Part of a Bigger Family
Join the movement that supports industry conduct and standards to help raise the bar for quality service and ethics in a largely unregulated sector.
4. Peace of Mind
Knowing that your expertise will protect you from unnecessary risk and mistakes can offer peace of mind, ensuring that you are less likely to fail in the open marketplace.
5. Formal Recognition
All certified members will gain a Level 1 PSI-SA certificate, acknowledging their effort in gaining and applying the formal knowledge received through the study guide and final test.
6. Planning Ahead
Building a local business can be a useful tool in building an alternative income stream, helping you financially in the day-to-day revenue requirements.
Additional courses & resources
Upskill your training to increase your worth.
Additional courses
First Aid for Pets
R 450 per workshop (TBA). Members less 15% off fee.Watch for our new letter about our interactive first aid for pets workshops: 3hrs, in-person with a handbook, notes and a personalised certificate. Get your FREE First Aid for Pets manual included.
| Tier 1 - Tier 3 Members' fee | R 510 |
|---|---|
| Tier 0 Non-members | R 600 |
Additional courses
Startup_100: Pet Sitting Business
R 999 per module (or 3 x R 350 monthly payments)8 x 1hr ZOOM sessions at 10am & 7pm on Thursdays. VIP Access.
Build your business by design
- 16 business sections.
- Tools kit for pet sitters.
- Best business structure.
- Customer care and interviews.
- Prospecting for new clients.
- Roles and responsibilities.
- 15 years of pet care experience
- Build a business plan and get accredited - optional - self-study
135-page bound Startup_100 study guide included. D2D delivery.
| Members' fee | R 720 |
|---|---|
| Non-members | R 999 |
Additional resources
Legal pet sitter client agreements
R 500 per copy (PDF)Protect yourself with a legal agreement between you and your client. Avoid risk and liability, sleep in peace knowing that you are protected.
Editable custom client agreement and customer interview process included. Be competent and professional.
Build your client database on the proper foundation.
| Members' fee | R 400 |
|---|---|
| Non-members | R 500 |
Merchandise
Additional pet booklets
Additional pet booklets are available from our online merchandise store: TBA
Including door-to-door delivery
Enquire| First aid for Pets | R 180 |
|---|---|
| Prevent that bite | R 160 |
| First aid for Cats | R 180 |
| The beauty of owning a senior pet. | R 160 |
Note: Members in other provinces may not have access to all in-person workshops at this point in time. All other training modules are available to purchase online.
What is included in my membership
It pays to belong!
Tier 0
Non Members
- Access to industry information.
- Quarterly digital newsletter
- Access to upcoming events (Free and payable).
- Access to PSI_SA merchandise.
- Access to public forums (Free).
- Access to become a full member.
Tier 1 - Tier 3
Members
- Access to industry information.
- Quarterly digital newsletter
- Access to upcoming events (Free and discounted)
- Early bird training discounts (less 20% off fee)
- Access to merchandise. (Less 10% for members)
- Access to public forums (Free).
- Access to other members' details.
- Access to leads and customer collaboration (L1 Members).
- Access to HELP advice from other members (L1 Members)
- Access to business training forums (L1 Members)
- Access to "WePetSit SA" national franchise group.
- A unique annual identity logo for L1 members.
Serious about your business - Get certified today
Please call 083 273 4477 should you have any queries, or email info@petsitterinstitutesa.co.za