Pet Sitters International announces finalists for its 2016 Pet Sitter of the Year™ award
Five professional pet sitters vie for the pet-sitting industry’s highest honor.
Pet Sitters International (PSI) has selected its top-five finalists for the 2016 Pet Sitter of the Year™ Award. First awarded by PSI in 1995, the Pet Sitter of the Year designation is the industry’s highest honor and recognizes excellence in the professional pet-sitting field.
PSI congratulates the following top-five finalists who will move forward to the next round of judging for the 2016 award:
- Carrie Feinberg, Safe Haven Advocate Pet Care, Elgin, Ill.
- Julie Gajewski, Fuzzy Friends Pet Care, LLC, Brandon, Fla.
- Martha Gonzalez, There Fur You Professional Pet Sitting, San Antonio, Texas
- Liz Hyde, Pet Charmers Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC, Gastonia, N.C.
- Belinda Peeks, Sit-N-Stay, LLC, Smyrna, Ga.
PSI, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, received more than 400 nominations for the 2016 award. Nominations are submitted by professional pet-sitters’ clients, pet-care peers and pet professionals such as veterinarians.
A judging panel evaluates nominees on an extensive set of criteria including client recommendations, variety of pets cared for, variety of clients served and services offered, as well as the quantity and quality of nominations. PSI’s Pet Sitter of the Year serves as an example to the industry and pet-owning public and embodies the qualities of passion and professionalism.
“The hundreds of nominations submitted for the 2016 award are a testament to the important role professional pet sitters play in the lives of their clients,” says Patti Moran, PSI founder and president. “These finalists are shining examples of the professionalism, pet-care knowledge, business-savvy and strong work ethic required in this industry.”
The five finalists submit additional documentation regarding their business practices, community involvement, pet-care training, marketing efforts and proof of clear criminal history as they move on to the next phase of the judging process. The winner will be announced during PSI’s 23rd annual Professional Pet Sitters Week™, March 5-11.
The winner, along with the other four finalists, will also be recognized at PSI’s 2017 Pet Sitter World Educational Conference & Expo this September in New Orleans, La.
For more information about PSI or to locate a PSI pet sitter in your area, visit www.petsit.com.
