Pet Sitters International offers tips for booking a pet sitter for your summer and fall plans
With professional pet sitters in high demand, the association is advising pet parents to move “finding a professional pet sitter” to the top of their travel checklist.
KING, N.C. (July 13, 2022) — With pet-care providers in high demand this summer due to the rise in travel and pet ownership, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is offering pet parents a few tips for securing a true professional to watch their pets while they travel.
PSI, the world’s leading educational organization for professional pet sitters, advises pet parents that professional pet sitters are available to meet their summer and fall pet-care needs—but they should begin the search as soon as possible.
“Professional pet sitters have welcomed an increase in demand as more people begin traveling again, so pet parents should make finding a professional pet sitter one of the first items on their travel checklist,” said PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston. “But if they find that their preferred pet sitter isn’t available, pet parents shouldn’t panic—many professional pet sitters are happy to provide referrals to other local businesses who may have availability for the travelers’ preferred dates.”
Pet parents can also visit www.petsit.com/locate to search for local PSI member pet sitters in their area.
PSI advises pet parents to schedule a “meet and greet” or “initial consultation” at their home before booking pet-care services, which gives them an opportunity to meet the pet sitter in person, see the sitter interact with their pets, and review their services and credentials.
“You may be in a rush to finalize your travel plans, but we advise pet parents to never ‘cut corners’ when it comes to booking pet care,” said PSI Founder and CEO Patti Moran. “Not everyone who lists their services on a website or app is a true professional, and you owe it to yourself—and your pets—to select a local professional pet sitter with the business credentials and pet-care training to provide exceptional care.”
Pet parents can download a free Pet-Sitter Interview Checklist on the PSI website, which includes seven important questions every pet parent should ask:
- Does the company have the proper business license/permit, if required by your state/city/province?
- Is the company insured and bonded?
- Can the pet sitter provide proof of a recent background check demonstrating their clear criminal history?
- Will the pet sitter provide client references?
- Does the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract?
- Is the pet sitter a Certified Professional Pet Sitter® and/or what type of training—such as pet first aid—have they had?
- Is the pet sitter a member of a professional organization or educational association such as PSI?
To learn more about PSI or to locate a professional pet sitter in your area, visit www.petsit.com.
###
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 12 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.
