Paws & Pathways Scholarship Application – National Pet Care Certification

Through our Paws & Pathways Scholarship Program, teens have the opportunity to earn their National Pet Care Certification.

This self-paced online course helps students build real-world skills in pet care, safety, animal behavior, and professional responsibility. It’s a great next step if you’re interested in working with animals or growing your confidence as a caregiver.

The certification course typically costs $395, but through a generous grant from the Latham Foundation, this cost is fully covered for selected participants.

To help ensure participant commitment, we require a $50 deposit to reserve your spot in the program. This deposit will be fully refunded upon successful completion of the course.

Before applying, please take time to explore the certification and do your own research on the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) website:
https://petsitters.org/page/NAPPSUniversity

What Happens After You Apply?
Applications are reviewed in batches twice each month. Once your application is submitted, you can typically expect to receive an update by the 1st or the 15th with next steps and instructions for getting started.

Applicants must be between the ages of 13–19 for the full duration of the program. You must be at least 13 years old by May 17, 2026, and not turn 20 before September 26, 2026 (the course completion deadline).
Are you currently between the ages of 13 and 19 and will you remain in that age range for the full duration of the course
Please write around 300 words. Be thoughtful, honest, and tell us about your goals, interests, and what working with animals means to you.
Pet First Aid Course Status
Paws and Pathways meetings attended
Price: $50.00
To hold your spot in this scholarship-funded program, a $50 deposit is required upon acceptance. This deposit is fully refundable once all program requirements are completed.
Please read and confirm the following