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.

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Full Name *

Email Address *

Please you you

Date of Birth *

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 *

• Yes
• No

Why do you want to earn your National Pet Care Certification and how do you plan to use it in the future *

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 *

• I have already completed the Pet First Aid course offered February 22nd
• I will be attending the May 17th Pet First Aid and CPCR Course.

Paws and Pathways meetings attended

• November 12, 2025
• December 10, 2025
• January 14, 2026
• February 11, 2026
• March 11, 202
• April 8, 2026
• May 13, 2026

Program Deposit

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.

Stripe Credit Card *

Please read and confirm the following *

• I understand that a 50 deposit is required if I am accepted into the program and that it will be fully refunded after I complete the certification course.
• I understand that I must complete the Pet First Aid course and attend at least one Paws and Pathways meeting to receive my refund.
• I am committed to completing this course and all scholarship requirements.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about your interest in this opportunity

Apply for Scholarship