Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, has published results from its State of the Industry Survey and Research Report.
The group polls its 8,000-plus member businesses every three years on topics such as pet-sitter demographics, pricing, income, length of pet-sitting visits, size of business, and services provided to clients. PSI uses results from the survey to assess the level of satisfaction among members of the professional group, to develop a member profile and to examine pet and industry-related trends. Nearly 24 percent of the PSI membership responded to the 2008 survey. Access to this rare industry information is just one reason why PSI is the most highly recognized and respected authority on professional pet sitting.
“We look forward to receiving so much in-depth information from our membership base,” says Patti Moran, president of the 14-year old organization. “These passionate, dedicated professionals spend a lot of time with pets and pet owners, most likely more than any other professional in the pet industry. Their insight, especially on trends regarding products and services in demand, is invaluable to us and to others in the pet products and services industries.”
Who are these professional pet-sitters? By far, they work for independently operated (98%), women-owned businesses (84%), and make an estimated 17.4 million visits per year to clients’ homes.
What made them choose this line of business? Overwhelmingly, the response was a love of animals (55%), followed by the opportunity to be one’s own boss (15%) and the desire to leave the corporate job world (12%).
What are they doing for customers on these home visits? The trend is much more than feeding and caring for animals, according to the survey. The top eight services performed for clients include basic pet care, dog walking, care of special needs pets, pet transportation service, overnight pet-sitting, house-sitting with no pets, errand services and pooper-scooper services. Some pet-sitting specialists offer behavior, obedience and grooming services as well.
Who is buying pet sitting and related services? Couples without children lead the list at 40.5 percent followed by couples with children (28.9%) and single females (24.6%). Pet owners are purchasing these services for a variety of reasons, including pet care during vacations, midday walks and visits, pet care needs that arise because of work schedules and puppy and geriatric pet care.
“Pet owners love their pets, obviously, but life gets complicated sometimes,” adds Moran. “Work and travel schedules drive the need for them to find reliable sources for pet care. Once the client reaches a level of trust with their pet sitter, the relationship bond among client, pet and pet owner can become very strong and long-lasting.”
The trust gained by the pet-sitter often extends to recommendations for specific products. Pet sitters report a rising rate of requests for specific product recommendations and also say they’re getting more comfortable making those recommendations.
“Our members understand pets, period,” notes Moran. “If you think about it, they are in contact with your pet more, perhaps, than your vet if you use a pet sitter with regular frequency. And, by far, most PSI members are glad to impart pet advice to clients.”
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 at www.petsit.com. Pet owners can search for pet sitters in their area by ZIP code.
