iPET Network
iPET Network is a UK-based Awarding Organisation and End-Point Assessment Organisation regulated by Ofqual, developing 40+ Ofqual-regulated qualifications in animal care and veterinary science. It serves UK training centres, learners, and apprenticeship employers through an approved-centre network and online ePortfolio platform.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2020
- HeadquartersMarket Drayton, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What iPET Network does
iPET Network is a UK-based Awarding Organisation (AO) and End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) regulated by Ofqual, CCEA Regulation, and Qualifications Wales. Founded circa 2020 as a subsidiary of Fizz Star Group Ltd, the company is the first sector-specific AO recognised by Ofqual for Animal Care and Veterinary Science qualifications. It develops, owns, and awards a portfolio of more than 40 regulated qualifications spanning Entry 3 through Level 6 across categories including dog grooming, cat grooming, animal behaviour and training, animal care and welfare, hydrotherapy, animal physiotherapy, equine, and veterinary receptionist roles. The company also provides independent end-point assessment for apprenticeships including Dog Groomer, Animal Care and Welfare Assistant, and Animal Care and Welfare Manager standards.
The core technology stack comprises an online ePortfolio platform for learners and centres to manage qualifications, assessment evidence, and certification, alongside a QR-code certificate verification system that allows third parties to authenticate learner credentials. Qualifications are delivered not directly to learners but through an approved-centre network of training providers, grooming schools, and apprenticeship providers across the UK, each of which undergoes an approval process including audit and qualification training. The proprietary content library, developed by industry professionals, and the regulated status represent the company's principal assets; it has exclusive co-developed qualifications with Pets at Home (Level 3 Diploma in Professional Dog Grooming) and AFG Ltd (Level 3 Award in Wool Coat Asian Fusion Teddy Style), and an integration with the ACE360 apprenticeship management platform.
The business model combines a one-time Centre Recognition Application Fee (£2,050 excluding VAT) with per-candidate registration and certification fees that vary by qualification level and size, supplemented by fees for additional audits, training, observations, and new qualification approvals beyond the initial package. Go-to-market is channel-led: the company recruits new centres via its website, direct outreach, and industry events including eight consecutive years exhibiting at Crufts, alongside speaking engagements at Natural Dog Expo 2026 and presence at Pet Pro Expo and PATS. Each approved centre is supported by a dedicated account manager. Customers are primarily SMB training providers and individual learners, with secondary demand from employers and apprenticeship training providers; the company is privately held with no disclosed external institutional investment and a small team of 1-10 employees based in Market Drayton, Shropshire.
iPET Network firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- iPET Network
- Legal name
- iPET Network: International Pet Education and Training Network
- Website
- https://ipetnetwork.co.uk
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2020
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- iPET Network is a UK-based Awarding Organisation and End-Point Assessment Organisation regulated by Ofqual, developing 40+ Ofqual-regulated qualifications in animal care and veterinary science. It serves UK training centres, learners, and apprenticeship employers through an approved-centre network and online ePortfolio platform.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
iPET Network industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Animal Care Qualifications and End-Point Assessment
- NAICS
- All Other Schools and Instruction (61169)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Awarding Organizations & Credentialing Bodies (Certificates/Diplomas) (EDADAFAC)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- National/State Examination Boards & Testing Agencies (EDADAFAA)
Keywords
Where iPET Network is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Market Drayton
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
iPET Network business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Centre Recognition Application Fee: One-time non-refundable joining fee for centres to become approved. Includes initial recognition, audit, qualification approvals, training, and first year's support.
- Candidate Registration and Certification: Fees charged per candidate for registration and certification on qualifications. Pricing varies by qualification level and size. Competitive pricing with no hidden annual or auditing fees.
- Supplementary Services: Additional charges for extra audits, training, direct observations, systems training, and qualification approvals beyond initial package. Additional charges may apply for mandatory training.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Centre Recognition Application Fee - one-time joining charge |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Candidate Registration and Certification - per learner charges |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
iPET Network product offering
Product offeringCore offering
iPET Network is a sector-specific Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual, CCEA Regulation, and Qualifications Wales that designs and awards regulated animal care and veterinary science qualifications. The company also operates as an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), independently assessing apprentices against national apprenticeship standards. Qualifications are delivered through a UK-wide network of Approved Centres and Training Providers using an online ePortfolio platform.
Product overview
iPET Network is a sector-specific Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual, CCEA Regulation, and Qualifications Wales, and an apprenticeship End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO). The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of Ofqual-regulated qualifications in Animal Care and Veterinary Science, delivered through a network of Approved Centres across the UK. The qualification portfolio includes dog and cat grooming qualifications (Level 2-4), canine behaviour and training programmes (Level 4-5), animal hydrotherapy and physiotherapy specializations (Level 4-6), veterinary receptionist qualifications (Level 3), and various animal care and welfare awards and certificates. The company also provides apprenticeship end-point assessment services as an EPAO, independently assessing apprentices against national apprenticeship standards. Qualifications are structured across multiple levels (Entry 3 through Level 6) and are delivered by approved training providers, with assessment methods including practical observations, professional discussions, portfolios, and knowledge testing.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- iPET Network Level 2 Award for Dog Grooming Assistants Ofqual-regulated qualification that builds essential knowledge and practical skills for working in a dog grooming salon, covering key responsibilities, legislation, basic anatomy, first aid, risk assessment, and safe use of tools, with hands-on experience in bathing, drying, clipping, de-shedding, handling, and nail trimming.
- iPET Network Level 2 Award in Dog Grooming Support Ofqual-regulated qualification building essential knowledge and practical skills for working in a grooming salon, covering bathing, drying and brushing, with no prior experience required.
- iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Dog Grooming and Introduction to Styling Ofqual-regulated certificate building on the introductory award with more in-depth styling and grooming practice, covering a wider range of breeds and coat types for confident salon work.
- iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Dog Grooming and Salon Management Ofqual-regulated comprehensive diploma covering health and safety, grooming various breeds and coats, canine behaviour, first aid and business operations, with most trainees grooming a minimum of 20 dogs across at least 10 breeds and six coat types.
- iPET Network Level 3 Certificate in Cat Grooming and an Introduction to Styling Ofqual-regulated certificate providing specialist feline grooming training with in-depth knowledge of feline behaviour and welfare-led handling.
- iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Cat Grooming and Salon Management Ofqual-regulated comprehensive diploma for cat grooming professionals covering styling, salon management, and feline welfare.
- iPET Network Level 4 Higher Professional Diploma in Dog Grooming Ofqual-regulated advanced qualification for established groomers covering advanced styling, breed-standard work, behavioural management and business leadership.
- iPET Network Level 4 Diploma in Dog Training and Instruction Ofqual-regulated diploma covering animal training instruction techniques and professional development for trainers.
- iPET Network Level 4 End-Point Assessment – Animal Training Instructor Ofqual-regulated EPAO-approved end point assessment evaluating practical grooming skills, animal welfare knowledge, client communication, and professionalism for apprentices.
- iPET Network Level 5 Diploma for Canine Behaviour Practitioners Ofqual-regulated comprehensive, science-led education in canine behaviour, welfare, and training designed for those working under guidance of a Clinical Animal or Veterinary Behaviourist, supporting progression towards Animal Behaviour Technician (ABT) Standard roles.
- iPET Network Level 5 Diploma in Animal Sports Massage and Rehabilitation Ofqual-regulated diploma covering animal sports massage techniques and rehabilitation methods for animal care professionals.
- iPET Network Level 6 Diploma in Veterinary Physiotherapy Ofqual-regulated advanced diploma for veterinary physiotherapy practice at the highest professional level.
- iPET Network Level 6 Diploma in Applied Advanced Equine Hydrotherapy Ofqual-regulated advanced diploma covering applied equine hydrotherapy techniques for equine care professionals.
- iPET Network Level 4 Diploma in Canine Clinical Hydrotherapy Ofqual-regulated diploma covering canine clinical hydrotherapy techniques for treating animals with various conditions.
- iPET Network Level 3 Award for Veterinary Receptionists Ofqual-regulated award covering skills for veterinary receptionists including communication and client relations in the animal care and veterinary science sector.
- iPET Network Level 3 Certificate for Veterinary Receptionists Ofqual-regulated certificate for veterinary receptionists covering comprehensive skills for veterinary practice administration.
- iPET Network Level 3 Award in Canine First Aid Ofqual-regulated award covering emergency first aid skills for canine care professionals.
- iPET Network Level 4 Award in Canine Emergency First Aid in the Workplace Ofqual-regulated advanced award covering emergency first aid procedures for dogs in professional workplace settings.
- iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Canine Nutrition Ofqual-regulated diploma covering scientific knowledge of canine nutrition and dietary management.
- iPET Network Apprenticeship End-Point Assessments iPET Network acts as an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), independently assessing apprentices at the end of their programme to confirm they meet national Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) set out in apprenticeship standards including Dog Groomer, Animal Care and Welfare Assistant, and Animal Care and Welfare Manager apprenticeships.
- iPET Network Approved Centre Network Membership A network membership service for training providers, schools, and centres that delivers iPET Network's regulated qualifications across the UK, providing practical and theory training to learners. Includes a one-time Centre Recognition Application Fee.
- iPET Network Professional Development Recognition Professional development recognition courses and resources for continuing education in the animal care sector.
Quantifiable outcome
- Rated 5.0 with thousands of happy customers
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use iPET Network
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
iPET Network technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
iPET Network partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Three partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Pets at HomeminorExclusive partnership for iPET Network Level 3 Diploma in Professional Dog Grooming. This qualification is exclusive to Pets at Home, developed to meet their specific training needs for employees.
- AFG LtdminorExclusive partnership for iPET Network Level 3 Award in Wool Coat Asian Fusion Teddy Style. This qualification is exclusive to AFG Ltd, a specialist in Asian fusion teddy styling.
- ACE360coreACE360 is an apprenticeship management platform used by iPET Network for apprenticeship delivery. Referenced in the apprenticeships section as a platform for apprentices.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
iPET Network competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- AIM Qualifications: UK Awarding Organisation offering vocational qualifications and end-point assessment services. Comparable as a mid-sized regulated AO and EPAO operating through approved centres in niche sectors.
- Open College Network (OCN London / OCN West Midlands): Network of UK Access Validating Agencies and awarding bodies offering regulated vocational qualifications. Comparable as an Ofqual-regulated awarding body operating centre-based delivery across niche vocational sectors.
- VTCT: Awarding Organisation specialising in hair, beauty, complementary therapies, and related vocational sectors. Comparable in size and niche specialisation strategy to iPET Network, both being focused sector-specific awarding bodies regulated by Ofqual.
- Highfield Qualifications: UK-based Awarding Organisation and EPAO providing regulated vocational qualifications and apprenticeship end-point assessment. Comparable mid-sized regulated AO operating centre-based delivery across multiple sectors.
- TQUK (Training Qualifications UK): Mid-sized UK Awarding Organisation offering regulated qualifications and EPAO services across vocational sectors including animal care. Directly comparable as an Ofqual-regulated AO with EPAO status and centre-based delivery model.
Broad incumbents
- City & Guilds: One of the UK's largest Awarding Organisations with a broad portfolio including animal care and veterinary science qualifications. Directly competes with iPET Network in animal care qualifications but offers them as part of a much wider portfolio across all sectors.
- NOCN: UK Awarding Organisation and EPAO with broad vocational portfolio including construction, health, and animal care pathways. Competes for apprenticeship EPA business and offers animal-related qualifications.
- Pearsons (Edexcel): Global education company operating the Edexcel Awarding Organisation, one of the UK's largest AOs with qualifications across all levels and sectors including BTEC animal care pathways. Broad incumbent and indirect competitor for animal care qualification market share.
- NCFE: Large UK Awarding Organisation (merged with CACHE and ABC Awards) offering vocational qualifications across multiple sectors including health, care, and animal care. A broad incumbent competing for the same animal care and apprenticeship EPAO business.
Emerging players
- Innovate Awarding: Smaller, newer UK Awarding Organisation and EPAO focused on niche vocational sectors with a centre network model. Comparable as an emerging regulated AO competing for the same apprenticeship EPAO space as iPET Network.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
iPET Network social profiles
Digital presenceiPET Network compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
iPET Network financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
iPET Network leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
iPET Network funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
iPET Network M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about iPET Network
What does iPET Network do?
iPET Network is a sector-specific Awarding Organisation regulated by Ofqual, CCEA Regulation, and Qualifications Wales that designs and awards regulated animal care and veterinary science qualifications. The company also operates as an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), independently assessing apprentices against national apprenticeship standards. Qualifications are delivered through a UK-wide network of Approved Centres and Training Providers using an online ePortfolio platform.
Is iPET Network a public or private company?
iPET Network is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was iPET Network founded?
iPET Network was founded in 2020. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is iPET Network based?
iPET Network is headquartered in Market Drayton, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does iPET Network make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Centre Recognition Application Fee is the primary driver. The others are candidate Registration and Certification and supplementary Services.
Who are iPET Network's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are AIM Qualifications, Open College Network (OCN London / OCN West Midlands), VTCT, Highfield Qualifications and TQUK (Training Qualifications UK). Broad incumbents are City & Guilds, NOCN, Pearsons (Edexcel) and NCFE. Innovate Awarding is listed as an emerging player.
Does iPET Network have an API?
No public API is recorded for iPET Network.
What industry is iPET Network in?
iPET Network's product category is Animal Care Qualifications and End-Point Assessment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDADAFAC, Awarding Organizations & Credentialing Bodies (Certificates/Diplomas), with a secondary code of EDADAFAA, National/State Examination Boards & Testing Agencies. Its NAICS code is 61169 and its SIC code is 8200.