Leading pet-sitting organization responds to story of puppy thrown to floor by pet sitter
Pet Sitters International offers tips for pet parents anxious about using pet-care services.
KING, N.C. (August 26, 2019) — Viewers of the Aug. 22 episode of Inside Edition saw—and likely watched in horror—the video of a Rover.com pet sitter throwing a puppy to the floor, captured by the owner’s home security camera.
Considering this segment, many pet parents across the country may feel trepidation about using a pet sitter the next time they’re away from home. However, Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s leading educational organization for professional pet sitters, offers this advice: Pet-sitting businesses can offer reliable, high-quality care for your pet, but pet parents must do their homework.
“The abhorrent situation these pet owners and their beloved dog Lucy experienced at the hands of this ‘pet sitter’ is inexcusable,” said Patti Moran, PSI president and founder. “It’s important for pet owners to understand, however, that this situation is not reflective of professional pet-sitting businesses. When you hire a pet-care provider who does this as a career, chances are you are getting someone who has been trained in pet first aid and best pet-care practices.”
“Unlike someone pet sitting as a hobby or for extra cash, professional pet sitters know their reputation will make or break their businesses,” continued Moran. “For them, pet sitting is not a side hustle or way to make holiday spending money. It’s a passion that is also a credible and valued community business.”
PSI encourages pet parents to carefully screen any potential pet sitter to ensure they are operating a legitimate, professional pet-sitting service. This includes asking about insurance and bonding, the use of a service contract and proof of background check, as well as training and pet-care experience. The association offers a free pet-sitter interview checklist on its website, www.petsit.com.
Moran founded PSI in 1994 on the principle—and her own past experience operating a pet sitting service for 10 years when the at-home service was almost unheard of—that professionally provided at-home pet care was a needed service. In the 25 years since, she has spearheaded an industry that prides itself on professionalism. This professionalism includes a knowledge-assessed certification program, comprehensive pet sitter liability insurance, ongoing educational opportunities from live and online conferences and webinars, as well as an industry magazine.
“Unfortunately, incidents like the one shown on Inside Edition reflect poorly upon the pet-sitting profession,” added Moran. “Fortunately, most professional pet-sitting assignments result in happy pets and satisfied pet owners.”
To learn more about PSI and questions to ask potential pet sitters or to find a local professional pet-sitting business, 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.
