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

KING, N.C. (May 15, 2019) — Following on the heels of National Small Business Week, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is encouraging pet owners to choose a local professional pet-sitting service to care for their pets this summer and throughout the year.

PSI, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, encourages pet owners to do their research and book a professional pet sitter now.

“With more pet-care options than ever before, it’s more important than ever that pet owners devote time to finding the perfect professional pet sitter for their pets,” said PSI Vice-President Beth Stultz-Hairston. “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 is priceless.”

“Plus, seeking out the services of a local professional pet-sitting business ensures you are utilizing the services of a local professional that is rooted in your community, involved in local pet-related efforts and is contributing to your local economy,” Stultz-Hairston added.

The growing need for pet-care services has prompted many tech companies and venture capitalists to enter the industry in recent years and launch large pet-sitter directories, while articles have touted the opportunities to earn extra cash in the gig economy as an occasional pet sitter or dog walker.

“Just because you’ve seen a pet sitter in an online directory—or even on a nationally-publicized site—doesn’t ensure he or she operates a legitimate, qualified pet-sitting business,” warned PSI President and Founder Patti Moran. “Anyone can post a profile advertising pet-sitting services, so it’s important for pet owners to take a closer look to ensure they are hiring a legitimate, professional pet-sitting business to care for their pets.”

PSI recommends pet owners schedule an initial consultation with a potential pet sitter prior to booking services and ask seven important questions. Pet owners can view the questions in this free Pet Sitter Interview Checklist on the PSI website. 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.

PSI’s 2019 Pet Sitter of the Year Liz Hyde, owner of Pet Charmers, LLC, in Gastonia, N.C., adds this final piece of advice for summer travelers: “Book as soon as possible. The summer months are typically very busy times for professional pet sitters, so it’s important to start making your pet-sitting arrangements as soon as you know your potential vacation dates.”

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

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