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The association urges pet owners to ensure they select professional pet sitters to care for their pets this summer and throughout the year.

KING, N.C. (July 10, 2019) — Nearly 100 million Americans planned to take a family vacation this year, according to a AAA Travel survey. For those families making preparations for impromptu summer trips, Pet Sitters International (PSI) offers a word of caution: don’t jeopardize pets’ safety when selecting pet-care providers.

PSI, the world’s leading educational association for professional pet sitters, advises pet owners to make time for research to ensure they are selecting a professional pet sitter to care for their pets.

“When it comes to finding pet care, don’t prioritize convenience over quality,” explained PSI Vice-President Beth Stultz-Hairston. “Just because you can quickly find and book the services of a pet lover with a profile on a pet-sitting or dog-walking app doesn’t mean you are choosing a qualified pet-care provider.”

PSI advises pet owners to take the following steps to ensure they are leaving their pets in good hands this summer and throughout the year:

Schedule an in-person meeting with any potential pet sitter. Last-minute flights and hotel rooms can be booked in a snap, but pet owners need to take time to schedule an in-person meeting at their home—with pets present—before booking pet-care services. This “meet and greet” or “initial consultation” will give you an opportunity to meet the pet sitter; see him or her interact with your pets in your home; and review the sitter’s services, credentials and business practices.

Make sure you ask the right questions. Pet owners can download a free pet-sitter interview checklist from the PSI website, which provides details about the seven important questions pet owners should ask any potential pet sitter—from questions about the pet sitter’s insurance and bonding to their credentials and training.

Ask a professional pet sitter for a recommendation. Many professional pet sitters’ schedules get booked up quickly, so pet owners should start the search for pet care as soon as possible. But if the professional pet sitter you initially contact is already booked, be sure to ask them for a referral to another reputable pet-sitting company.

PSI’s site also offers a free ZIP/postal code search for U.S. and Canadian pet sitters, as well as an international pet sitter search, at www.petsit.com/locate.

“The peace of mind that comes from using a local professional pet-sitting business that has insurance tailored for their business, is bonded and can offer proof of a clear criminal history allows you to truly enjoy your vacation,” Stultz-Hairston said.

To learn about PSI or becoming a professional pet sitter, visit www.petsit.com.

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