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More than 80 percent of the professional pet-sitting businesses surveyed have already been accepting holiday pet-sitting reservations.

KING, N.C. (October 7, 2021) — Now is the time to book a professional pet sitter for your holiday pet-care needs, Pet Sitters International (PSI) advises, after its latest survey revealed that more than 80 percent of the pet sitters surveyed have already been accepting holiday pet-sitting reservations.

PSI, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, recently surveyed nearly 500 member businesses and found that 44 percent of respondents said they began accepting holiday pet-sitting reservations at least six months in advance for the 2021 holiday season (mid-November through early January). Only 16.7 percent said reservations had not started yet, as of the last week of September.

“Last year many families were unable to celebrate the holidays together due to the pandemic, but with the potential for holiday travel to increase this year, pet parents should book pet care early to avoid unnecessary stress,” said PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston. “Finding the right pet sitter for your family allows you to truly enjoy your holiday, but it takes time—time for phone interviews, an in-home meeting and a check of references.”

Still, there’s good news for pet owners who have unexpected holiday obligations that come up at the last minute—35 percent of survey respondents said they accept last-minute holiday requests (reservations less than one week before the holiday). However, booking early if at all possible is strongly recommended, as remaining spots often go to established clients.

“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 recommends pet owners schedule an initial consultation with a potential pet sitter prior to booking their services. This is an opportunity for the pet owner to ask questions to properly vet the sitter, and it allows the pet sitter to assess the pet-care needs to ensure they are the best fit. In addition to inquiring about business credentials and training, pet parents should also ask about a company’s COVID-19 safety protocols.

During this initial consultation (often called a “meet and greet”), the pet sitter is also able to meet the pets in the home, become familiar with their routines and make recommendations for how to best prepare pets for the owner’s upcoming absence.

To search for a professional pet sitter in your area and to download PSI’s free Pet-Sitter Interview Checklist, visit www.petsit.com/locate. For more information about PSI, visit www.petsit.com.

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