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Pet Sitters International Celebrates Excellence in the IndustryMarch 4, 2010Contact: Beth Stultz, Pet Sitters International Phone: (336) 983-7747 E-mail: beth@petsit.com Pet Sitters International Celebrates Excellence in the Industry Professional Pet Sitters Week, March 7-13, salutes pet-care providers’ contributions King, NC (PSI)—Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest association for professional pet sitters, recognizes the professionalism of its member businesses during Professional Pet Sitters Week, March 7 – 13. During this time the association also encourages pet owners to learn about the benefits of using a professional pet sitter and the value of in-home pet care. Introduced by PSI in 1995, Professional Pet Sitters Week (PPSW) is an effort to educate pet owners about the advantages of professional in-home pet care and encourage pet-loving entrepreneurs to explore professional pet sitting as career. “In the last two decades, the demand for professional pet sitting has greatly increased,” said Patti Moran, PSI president. “In turn, we have seen pet-loving entrepreneurs from a variety of backgrounds transition to a rewarding pet-sitting career.” Margaret Miller of “The rewards of pet sitting are many and varied,” Miller said. “I have flexible work hours, get exercise, wear comfortable clothes and become like a family member to my customers. It’s so gratifying to receive unconditional love every day.” According to PSI’s State of the Industry Survey, 89 percent of its member pet-sitting business owners have at least some college-level training. More than 40 percent hold a bachelor’s level degree or higher. These members come from varied career backgrounds, including management, sales, medical and veterinary fields. More than half of PSI members report their love of animals as the primary reason they pursue professional pet sitting. Nearly 30 percent list the desire to be their own boss or leave the corporate world as the reason for entering the industry. The industry continues to grow as in-home pet care becomes a unique and preferred alternative to boarding facilities or relying on family members or neighbors. With 62percent of PSI members serve more than 1.5 million pet owners and perform approximately 17.4 million pet-sitting engagements annually. Among the services offered are: basic pet care, dog walking, care of special needs pets, transportation and overnight pet care. A commitment to professionalism and continuing education is what differentiates pet sitters from family members and neighbors. Ninety-seven percent of PSI members carry pet-sitter liability insurance and 84 percent carry both insurance and bonding. PSI members also take advantage of a diverse selection of continuing education opportunities, including a member magazine and a rigorous pet-sitter accreditation program. To locate a PSI member pet sitter in your area or for more information about pet sitting as a profession, visit PSI’s Web site at www.petsit or call (336) 983-922, ext. 1. ### About Established in 1994, |
