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Pet Sitters International uses its annual observance to highlight the importance of using professional pet-care services and promote the viability of pet sitting as a career.

KING, N.C. (March 2, 2018) — The 2018 Pet Owners Survey, recently conducted by Pet Sitters International (PSI), found that two-thirds of the pet owners surveyed had used a professional pet-sitting or dog-walking service in the past year. This is promising news for professional pet-care business owners, those interested in entering the industry and PSI as the association prepares to celebrate the 24^th annual Professional Pet Sitters Week™, March 4-10.

PSI, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, introduced Professional Pet Sitters Week in 1995.

“This week provides an opportunity to celebrate the value of professional pet sitters who work year round to offer the highest quality pet care and to also highlight what a rewarding—and profitable—career pet sitting can be,” said Patti J. Moran, PSI’s founder and president.

With the growing number of pet-sitter and dog-walker apps and sites, more and more people are deciding to cash in on the growing need for pet care. But, as the industry grows, PSI sees an even greater need for education—for both pet-care providers and pet owners.

“While pet lovers may find it ‘easy’ to enter this industry by posting an online profile on an app or website to offer their services, ongoing education of best business practices and the latest in pet care, health and behavior information is vital. Simply loving pets isn’t enough,” explained Moran.

Moran added that professional pet sitters’ commitment to excellent pet care also includes maintaining pet-sitter insurance and bonding, having any necessary local business licenses or permits, using a pet-sitting service contract, offering proof of clear criminal history and demonstrating their knowledge through industry certifications, such as the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® designation.

PSI has always used Professional Pet Sitters Week as a time to stress to pet owners the importance of using only professional pet sitters, and Moran feels this message is more important than ever before.

 “Using a professional provides pet owners with a peace of mind that other pet-care options cannot,” Moran said. “Pet owners must understand that just because they’ve seen pet sitters in an online directory—or even on a nationally-publicized site—doesn’t ensure they are legitimate, qualified pet-sitting businesses.”

“Anyone can post a profile advertising pet-sitting services, so pet owners should educate themselves on the credentials to look for and questions to ask when selecting a pet-care provider,” she added.

Pet owners can download a free pet-sitter interview checklist from the PSI website, which lists seven important questions pet owners should ask any potential pet sitter or dog walker. The site also offers a free ZIP/postal code search for U.S. and Canadian pet sitters, as well as an international pet sitter search, at www.petsit.com/locate.

PSI's 2018 Professional Pet Sitters Week is sponsored by Business Insurers of the Carolinas and Petsitter 365. PSI has planned special prize giveaways throughout the week and will be hosting a Facebook Live interview series with pet-industry professionals on its Facebook page. Petsitter 365 is offering pet sitters an opportunity to enter to win a Digital Marketing Overhaul valued at $21,000.

PSI represents approximately 6,000 member businesses in the United States, Canada and more than 20 other countries. The association encourages professional pet sitters to celebrate Professional Pet Sitters Week with activities such as pet-sitter networking dinners, special offers for clients, donations to local pet organizations and local media promotions. PSI will be offering free resources and giveaways throughout the week.

To learn more about Professional Pet Sitters Week or pet sitting as a career, or to locate a professional pet sitter in your area, visit www.petsit.com.

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