PSI Salutes Its Professional Pet-Sitting Members during National Small Business Week
This week, May 4 through May 8, is National Small Business Week, organized by the Small Business Administration. 2015 marks the 52nd year the president of the United States has declared one week in the year to celebrate small businesses. Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, is celebrating the week by launching its new #IamPSI campaign to highlight its nearly 7,000 member businesses and invite pet-loving entrepreneurs to learn more about pet sitting as a career.
In 2014, $58.04 billion was spent on pets in the United States. Of that amount, $4.84 billion was spent on pet services, such as pet sitting. The American Pet Products Association estimates $5.24 billion will be spent on pet services in 2015.
“Pet sitting is an ever-growing industry,” said PSI President and Founder Patti Moran. “Professional pet-care services are in high demand and pet sitting is a viable career option with significant earning potential for those with an entrepreneurial spirit, a love for pets and commitment to professionalism and hard work. At PSI, we are dedicated to ensuring our members have the tools they need to succeed in the industry”
To participate in the #IamPSI campaign, PSI members are encouraged to share why they have chosen to be a PSI member pet sitter on their social media sites, using the hashtag #IamPSI. PSI will share member posts throughout the month of May.
“PSI members come from all walks of life—from former engineers and teachers to corporate executives and veterinary professionals,” explained Beth Stultz, PSI marketing and communications manager. “While their backgrounds vary, PSI pet sitters have a significant commonality—the desire to promote excellence in the pet-sitting industry. This online campaign offers a unique way for PSI members to share their stories and for others to learn more about what it means to be a member of PSI.”
To help its member pet sitters succeed, PSI offers access to group rate pet-sitter insurance and bonding, free pet-sitters forms and marketing materials and access to industry credentials, such as the PSI Certified Professional Pet Sitter designation and the PSI Locator Designation Program, the only third-party verification of pet sitters’ clear criminal histories in the pet-sitting industry.
To learn more about PSI, the #IamPSI campaign or how to start a professional pet-sitting business, visit www.petsit.com. To find a local PSI member pet sitter in your area, search PSI’s Official Pet Sitter Locator at www.petsit.com/locate.
