Leave pets in good hands this summer, Pet Sitters International advises

KING, N.C. - May 22, 2018 - PRLog -- This year 88 million Americans plan to take family vacations, according to a AAA survey. And just like savvy travelers do their research before selecting hotels and tourist attractions, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is reminding pet owners to take a closer look before selecting someone to watch their pets while they're away.

PSI, the world's largest educational association for professional pet sitters, advises pet owners to do their research to ensure they are hiring professional pet sitters for their pet-care needs.

"When it comes to finding pet care, don't prioritize convenience over quality," explained PSI Vice-President Beth Stultz. "Just because you can quickly find and book the services of a pet lover with a profile on a pet-sitting or dog-walking app doesn't mean you are choosing a qualified pet-care provider."

"Pet owners should take a closer look to ensure they are hiring not just a pet lover, but a pet lover who is also a true pet-care professional," Stultz added.

With the growth of the professional pet-sitting industry, pet owners don't have to rely on untrained or unwilling friends, family members or neighbors—or "pet sitters" who have listed their services online but lack the experience, education and insurance needed should a pet emergency or other situation occur.

"It is important pet owners understand that pet sitting is a professional career and professional pet sitters offer peace of mind that other pet-care options cannot," said PSI President Patti Moran.

PSI encourages pet owners to ask seven important questions when interviewing potential pet sitters:

1. Does the pet sitter have the proper business license for your city or state, if required?
2. Is the pet sitter insured and bonded?
3. Can the pet sitter provide proof of clear criminal history?
4. Does the pet sitter provide client references?
5. Will the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract?
6. Is the pet sitter a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS®) and/or has he or she participated in other pet-care training, such as pet first aid?
7. Is the pet sitter a member of a professional and educational association, such as Pet Sitters International?

PSI advises pet owners to schedule an initial consultation with a potential pet sitter prior to booking services and offers a free Pet Sitter Interview checklist (https://www.petsit.com/stuff/contentmgr/files/0/29c7765bd...) on its website.

Professional pet sitters come to clients' homes, ensuring that pets' routines are uninterrupted, exposure to illness is minimized and they don't experience the stress of a new environment. Many professional pet sitters also provide a much-needed service for those who plan to travel with their pets—offering pet-care services at hotels and bed and breakfasts for travelers who need to leave their pets for an afternoon or day to participate in activities or events that may not be pet friendly.

"Finding a pet sitter you trust allows you to truly enjoy your vacation," Moran added.

Pet owners in need of pet-sitting services can visit PSI's Pet Sitter Locator at www.petsit.com/locate to find pet sitters and download the Pet Sitter Interview checklist. To learn about PSI or becoming a professional pet sitter, visit www.petsit.com.

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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 20 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.