Professional pet sitters can help combat separation anxiety in pets, Pet Sitters International advises
The association is encouraging pet owners to begin the search now for professional pet sitters to watch their pets when they return to the office and resume travel.
KING, N.C. (August 25, 2020) — With experts warning pet owners that their return to the office after COVID-19 quarantines and remote work intervals may result in separation anxiety for their pets, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is encouraging pet owners to search now for professional pet-sitting services.
PSI, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, is reminding pet owners that professional pet sitters are available to check in on their pets during the day, whether they need dog walks, kitty enrichment visits, potty breaks for new puppies, or other pet-care services.
“Many pets have gotten used to the constant presence of their owners at home during this pandemic and may have trouble adjusting when their parents return to the office or begin traveling again,” said Beth Stultz-Hairston, president of PSI. “Fortunately, professional pet-sitting services are available to ensure that pets get the playtime and enrichment they need to alleviate stress and prevent destructive behaviors.”
Pet owners should not delay the search for professional pet-sitting services, PSI advises. Finding the right pet sitter for your family takes time, and lining up services now will better position pet parents for a smooth transition when they return to work or begin traveling again.
“With so many pet-care options in the market now, it’s more important than ever that pet owners devote time to finding the perfect local professional pet-sitting business for their pet-care needs,” Stultz-Hairston said. “The peace of mind that comes from using a local professional pet sitter that is well-trained, has insurance tailored for their business, and can offer proof of a clear criminal history is priceless.”
“Plus, professional pet sitters will have taken the time to put health and safety policies in place for their businesses and will be happy to discuss the additional protocols they have instituted due to COVID-19,” Stultz-Hairston added.
PSI offers a COVID-19 Certification Course for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers to walk pet professionals through the basic safety protocols they should consider to keep pets and people safe. Members of PSI also have access to an on-demand training, Post COVID Stress: Understanding and Helping Dogs, taught by Katenna Jones, ScM, ACAAB, CCBC, CDBC, CPDT-KA, Certified Fear Free Trainer.
In addition to inquiring about safety protocols, PSI recommends pet owners ask seven important questions when interviewing a potential pet sitter prior to booking services. PSI offers a free Pet-Sitter Interview Checklist on its website.
To learn more about PSI or to locate a professional pet sitter in your area, 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.
