Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, reminds pet owners to plan ahead for potential natural disasters, especially during summer travel and vacation times.
As tornado season gives way to hurricane season, PSI reminds pet owners to understand the possibilities for disaster in their particular area and to plan ahead accordingly. This includes those times when owners are at home with pets as well as when they’re away and pets are under the care of a qualified pet sitter.
“Make sure your pet wears current identification at all times. This includes adding your current cell phone number to your pet’s tag,” says Patti Moran, founder and president of Pet Sitters International. “Also, know where you can take your pet in the event of an emergency. Look into pet-friendly evacuation shelters and hotels outside a 60-mile radius of your home ahead of time.”
When pets are left in the care of a pet sitter, communicate your emergency plan to them and stock needed supplies (extra leashes, bowls, accessories, and a minimum of a five-day supply of pet food and water).
“Professional pet sitters are trained to ask all the right questions and remain passionate about caring for animals, especially in times of danger,” adds Moran. “We hear story after story of pet sitters who come through for the pets and the pet owners in those trying times.”
PSI members are offered continuing education on subjects such as pet first aid, disaster planning and spotting potential dangers within a client’s home. The industry association also supports and promotes its Official Pet Sitter Locator on the Internet (www.petsit.com). Pet owners can search for pet sitters in their area by ZIP code.
