Let the Force-Free be with You - Commemorating 18 Years of Professional Pet Sitters

March 5, 2012 - PRLog -- Oxford, MS – The week of March 4-10 has been designated by Pet Sitters International (PSI) as Professional Pet Sitters Week (PPSW).  PSI is the world’s largest educational association for professional in-home pet-care providers and established PPSW to recognize the growing contribution of professional pet sitters to the pet care industry and the great service they provide their clients.

In addition to recognizing the contribution of professional pet sitters, PPSW also provides a platform to educate the pet-owning public about the advantages of professional in-home pet care and as a member organization for pet-loving entrepreneurs wanting to pursue pet sitting as a business.  According to their website, PSI has more than 7,000 independent members and its member businesses performed more than 18.5 million pet-sitting visits last year.

Niki Tudge, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and Founder of The Pet Professional Guild (PPG), a member organization that advocates for force-free dog training and pet care professionals, explains the growth in the in-home pet care industry; “Pets are most comfortable either with their owners, wherever they go, or in their own home so if you can’t take them with you, pets are happiest at home.  I think as our pet population rises and their place in our families becomes more important, pet owners have realized the great value, convenience, safety and overall benefits to in-home pet care.”

According to the US Humane Society there are approximately 78.2 million owned dogs in the US with 39% of US households with at least one dog.  Outnumbering dogs, there are approximately 86.4 million cats owned in the US with 33% of US households having at least one.  The most recent census shows that there are now more households with pets than children in the US.  Pet ownership numbers continue to rise as well as what people are spending on their pets.  This all adds up to increasing demand for professional pet related services.  

“A commitment to professionalism, sound business practices and continuing education differentiates professional pet sitters from other pet-care options, such as relying on neighbors or friends,” PSI President Patti Moran said. “PSI pet sitters have access to insurance, bonding, certification and a host of business and educational tools to help provide the best care possible to the more than 740,000 pet-owning households they service.”

Many in-home pet care customers cite convenience, peace of mind and good value as their reasons for using professional pet sitting services.  Tudge says, “Since our members are committed to force-free training and pet care methods and must adhere to our strict code of conduct our clients can always be assured that their beloved pets are receiving the absolute best care possible.  That gives them the peace of mind and confidence to be away from their pets without worry.  Our customers also recognize the value in having professionals who understand animal behavior care for their pets.”

To find a local PPG pet sitter, visit http://www.petindustryportal.com.  To find a PSI pet sitter, go to petsit.com/locate.

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The Pet Professional Guild stands alone as the only single point of access to a variety of information and tools provided by pet care professionals that adhere to a strict code of conduct. The Pet Professional Guild affiliates & members offer a selection of force-free, learning-theory based dog training services and professional pet-sitting and dog-walking services. Whether you’re a dog owner looking to solve a specific behavioral problem, a dog lover simply wanting to gain more control and clarity in your relationship with your dog, or a family burdened by the question of how to take care of your pets while you’re away from home, the Guild Members can help you.