Pet Sitters International offers tips for pet owners planning last-minute vacations
PSI advises travelers to do their research before selecting pet-care providers.
With help from sites like Priceline and booking apps such as HotelTonight, would-be travelers have more options than ever before for booking last-minute, affordable summer trips. For many, however, these impromptu travel plans will also include a mad dash to secure reliable pet care while they are away.
Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, offers these procrastinating pet owners this word of advice: While vacations can be booked with one click, finding a quality pet-care option can take time. To simplify the selection process, PSI encourages pet owners to visit its Pet Sitter Locator, the largest online directory of professional pet sitters.
“With so many pet-care directory sites popping up in the last couple of years, anyone can post a profile advertising pet-sitting services, even with no experience or credentials,” explains PSI President Patti Moran. “PSI offers pet owners a free search for local professional pet-sitting businesses and provides resources to help pet owners select a qualified, professional pet sitter.”
Professional pet sitters provide care for pets in the home. Pets are happier and experience less stress at home, and their diet and exercise routines are uninterrupted. Pet exposure to illness is minimized, among other benefits.
“Professional pet sitting can offer peace of mind that many other pet-care options cannot,” says Moran. “But, pet owners need to be prudent when selecting a pet sitter.”
PSI’s summer 2016 Get A Real Pet Sitter® campaign encourages pet owners to ask seven important questions when interviewing potential pet sitters:
- Does the pet sitter have the proper business license for your city or state, if required?
- Is the pet sitter insured and bonded?
- Can the pet sitter provide proof of clear criminal history?
- Does the pet sitter provide client references?
- Will the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract?
- Is the pet sitter a PSI Certified Professional Pet Sitter and/or has he or she participated in pet-care training, such as pet first aid?
- Is the pet sitter a member of a professional and educational association, such as Pet Sitters International?
PSI’s 2015 Pet Sitter of the Year Gerry Arner, co-owner of Pet ‘n Nanny LLC in Wake Forest, N.C., encourages pet owners to book as early as possible.
“Because the summer months are traditionally very busy times for professional pet sitters, it’s important to begin making your pet-sitting arrangements as soon as you begin planning your summer vacation,” he says.
To search for local professional pet sitters, visit http://www.getarealpetsitter.com. To learn more about PSI or becoming a professional pet sitter, visit http://www.petsit.com.
