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The association encourages pet parents to begin the search now for professional pet care and offers tips for selecting the right pet sitter for your family.

KING, N.C. (February 24, 2025) — With employers across the country requiring workers to return to the office at least a few days a week, pet parents may be scrambling to determine what to do with their pets. Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet-sitting and dog-walking business owners, encourages pet parents to begin the search now for professional pet care providers.

The benefits of using a professional pet sitter or dog walker go beyond just ensuring pets get potty breaks and walks.

“Professional pet sitters and dog walkers are available to make the transition back to the office less stressful for pet parents and their pets,” said PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston. “Many pets have gotten used to the constant presence of their owners at home, so these professional pet-care providers can ensure that pets get the playtime and enrichment they need each day to alleviate stress and prevent destructive behaviors.”

“Pet sitters are in high demand and finding the right pet sitter for your family takes time,” Stultz-Hairston added. “It’s important pet parents start the search for professional pet-sitting services as soon as possible and lining up services now will better position you for a smooth transition back to the office.”

PSI offers the following tips for pet parents looking for a professional pet-sitting or dog-walking service:

1. Be specific about your needs. Professional pet sitters and dog walkers typically offer a variety of service options, so specify your needs up front, whether those include daily dog walks, visits to administer medication, enrichment activities for your cat, potty breaks for a new puppy, or occasional visits due to a hybrid-work schedule.

2. Prioritize quality. Pet parents should not let click-and-select convenience of online sites overshadow the importance of doing their due diligence when selecting a pet sitter. Any pet lover can post their services online for a cheap price, but professional pet-care providers will have the training, credentials and insurance coverage needed to provide excellent pet care and protect clients and their homes.

3. Meet the sitter in person. PSI always recommends pet parents schedule an initial consultation or “meet and greet” at their home—with pets present—before booking pet-care services. This allows the pet parent to meet the pet sitter, review their policies and credentials, and make sure they are the best fit for their family.

4. Ask the right questions. Pet parents can download a free pet-sitter interview checklist from PSI at www.petsit.com/locate. This checklist includes seven important questions you should ask any pet sitter or dog walker you are considering hiring. You can also search by ZIP code for a PSI member business in your area.

“The good news for pet parents is that they do not have to rely on untrained or unwilling friends, family members or neighbors when work keeps them from their pets,” said PSI Founder and CEO Patti J. Moran. “Knowing that a beloved pet can get expert care in the stress-free environment of its own home can provide great peace of mind for pet parents.”

To learn more about PSI or to locate a professional pet sitter in your area, visit www.petsit.com.

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