-from Pet Sitters International president Patti Moran

“Just because you’ve seen pet sitters in an online directory—or even on a nationally-publicized site—that doesn’t ensure they are legitimate, qualified pet-sitting businesses,” 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.”

“It’s also important for prospective pet sitters and dog walkers to realize that this is a fun, fulfilling and profitable career, but it takes more than simply loving pets and creating an online profile—steps must be taken to ensure you are establishing a professional, legal pet-sitting or dog-walking service,” adds Moran.