Don’t wait to create your holiday pet-care plan, Pet Sitters International advises
The association advises pet owners to start searching now for professional pet sitters for their holiday pet-care needs.
KING, N.C. (November 11, 2020) — Now is the time to start searching for a professional pet sitter for your holiday pet-care needs, whether you hope to travel or simply need someone to check on pets while you run holiday errands, advises Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s leading educational association for professional pet sitters.
While the COVID-19 pandemic may have thrown some uncertainty into holiday planning, PSI warns pet owners not to wait until the last minute to search for a professional pet-sitting service.
“As many plan alternate holiday celebrations this year—ranging from socially-distanced getaways to safely delivering food and gifts to friends and family within driving distance—professional pet sitters are available to ensure pets stay healthy and happy at home,” advised PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston. “But, it takes time to find the right pet sitter—time for phone interviews, an initial consultation and a check of references—so start your search now.”
According to a 2019 PSI survey of pet sitters, 75 percent of respondents said they typically begin accepting holiday pet-sitting reservations at least 2-3 months in advance for holidays taking place from mid-November through early January. Nearly 42 percent said they accept last-minute holiday requests (reservations less than one week before the holiday); however, booking early, if possible, is strongly recommended, as many pet sitters’ holiday schedules quickly fill up.
This holiday season, PSI advises pet owners to specifically inquire about a pet-sitting company’s COVID-19 safety protocols and confirm the pet sitter has implemented policies and procedures that address the pandemic.
“Unlike individuals who are just pet sitting for extra cash or as a side gig, professional pet sitters will have taken the time to put health and safety policies in place for their businesses,” Stultz-Hairston explained. “Professional pet sitters have long prioritized the health and safety of pets and clients, and they will be happy to share about the specific safety protocols they have in place due to COVID-19.”
In addition to safety protocols, business credentials and training should also be top considerations when selecting a pet sitter.
“Knowing that a beloved pet can enjoy the stress-free environment of its own home during the holiday season can provide great peace of mind for pet owners,” said PSI Founder and CEO Patti J. Moran. “But, it’s important that pet owners understand what to look for and what questions to ask when selecting a professional pet sitter.”
PSI offers a free pet-sitter interview checklist at www.petsit.com/locate, detailing the questions pet owners should ask a potential pet sitter. PSI recommends pet owners schedule an initial consultation with a potential pet sitter prior to booking services.
To learn more about PSI or to locate a professional pet sitter in your area, visit www.petsit.com/locate.
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About Pet Sitters International
Founded in 1994 by Patti J. Moran, author of Pet Sitting for Profit, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, with member pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and more than 15 other countries. PSI members have access to the widest array of business services and educational resources available in the professional pet-sitting industry. PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator is the largest online directory of professional pet sitters, and pet owners can visit petsit.com/locate to find local professional pet sitters.
