PSI History
One woman's passion for pets shaped a new industry.
PSI member pet sitters are affiliated with the most widely respected association in the industry—an association established by Patti J. Moran. Patti wrote the first book on the topic—Pet Sitting for Profit—and is considered the pioneer of the pet-sitting industry.
Disillusioned by the corporate world and inspired by a good friend who was a huge animal lover like herself, Patti Moran started her own pet-sitting business in North Carolina in 1983.
Caring for other peoples’ pets just like they were her own wasn’t just a business idea for Patti—it was a passion.
She found several resources about starting a small business, but there were no resources on pet sitting or in-home pet care. She seriously contemplated the risks of launching an "unheard of" business. The uncertainty of venturing into an unestablished industry was frightening. And, as she searched for business insurance coverage, many doors were shut in her face. No one had heard of—or understood—professional pet sitting.
After word of her business spread to other parts of the United States, Patti was prompted to put her how-to advice on paper. In 1987 she wrote the first book and premier reference on the topic—Pet Sitting for Profit.
Through the years, it has been considered by many to be the “bible” of professional pet sitting.
"When I started my own pet-sitting business in 1983, I didn't have a guidebook or association to turn to for advice and support.
It was my desire for others to not have to 'go it alone' that prompted me to start PSI."
-Patti J. Moran
In 1989, she unified pet sitters for the first time through a non-profit association, and in 1992, she partnered with Business Insurers of the Carolinas to offer pet sitters the first ever business insurance for professional pet sitters.
In 1994, after 10 years of giving care to thousands of felines, canines, fish and fowl, she set out to help other pet lovers turn their passion for pets into profit and founded Pet Sitters International (PSI).
Throughout her career, Patti has received many awards and accolades recognizing her contributions to the pet-sitting industry, including being named the 2013 Pet Industry Woman of the Year (Corporate) and a 2015 Pet Age ICON award recipient.
Pet Sitters International Vision Statement
Pet Sitters International is the most highly recognized advocate for and the most respected authority on pet sitting throughout the world. This is made possible through our dedicated employees, our superior educational resources and our passion and respect for the pet-sitting profession.
PSI achieves its vision by practicing an honest and ethical business model in order to best serve its membership and with dedicated and motivated employees who:
- take pride in knowing their talents and day-to-day efforts make a difference in the lives of pets and the people who care for them
- believe every pet should be a wanted pet with a qualified and capable pet sitter
- commit to fostering a welcoming, inclusive community for all in the professional pet-sitting industry
- have a passion for helping pet sitters succeed at their passion
- enjoy being part of an ethical and progressive company that is serving a growing and uncharted industry
PSI has been leading the pet-sitting industry since 1994.
For more than two decades, PSI has been a pioneer in the pet-sitting industry and a trusted educational resource for pet sitters and pet owners alike.
It is the world’s largest and most respected authority on pet sitting. PSI has led the industry to initiate a myriad of campaigns, events, tools, services and products to benefit pets, pet owners and professional pet sitters.
The association’s commitment to industry excellence is reflected in its continually evolving resources and programs.
Their contributions to the industry include:
- partnering to provide the first-ever business insurance for professional pet sitters
- publishing the first magazine for professional pet sitters, now called Pet Sitter's World
- establishing Professional Pet Sitters Week™, a recognized, annual observance
- hosting the industry's first international conference, now called Pet Sitter World Educational Conference
- recognizing a Pet Sitter of the Year™, the industry's highest honor
- introducing the first educational program tailored exclusively for professional pet sitters (PSI members can now earn the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® designation.)
- creating Take Your Dog To Work Day® to promote pet adoptions
- launching the PSIStoreOnline, the largest specialty retailer of products for professional pet sitters (products are now available at petsit.com/shop)
PSI's milestones do not stop here. Together with its more than 4,000 member businesses, PSI is continually shaping the standards of the professional pet-sitting industry and offering pet sitters in the United States and abroad the business tools and resources to succeed in the ever-changing profession.
