“Often times, pet owners, and even news outlets, use the term ‘pet sitter’ carelessly, referring to anyone—from a family friend to the neighborhood teenager asked to walk a dog—as a ‘pet sitter,’” explained PSI President Patti J. Moran. “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.” 

Even for pet owners committed to using professional pet sitters instead of friends or family, the search can be confusing. 

Moran notes that with the influx of pet-care directory sites popping up in the last couple of years and news stories touting pet sitting as an easy way to earn extra cash, more and more people are deciding to cash in on the growing need for pet care. 

““Just because you’ve seen a pet sitter in an online directory—or even on a nationally-publicized site—doesn’t ensure they are a legitimate, qualified pet-sitting business,” explains Moran. “Anyone can post a profile advertising pet-sitting services, so it’s important for pet owners to take a closer look to ensure they are hiring a ‘real pet sitter’ to care for their pets.”

PSI advises pet owners to ask seven important questions when interviewing a potential pet sitter:

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. Has the pet sitter completed PSI’s CPPS Program and/or has he or she participated in 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 also recommends pet owners schedule an initial consultation with a potential pet sitter prior to booking services.

-from Pet Sitters International