Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, has launched its Accreditation Recertification Program.
The recertification program requires all accredited members to recertify every three years by accumulating 30 Approved Credit Units (ACUs). ACUs can be earned through PSI-designated continuing education, pet first aid courses, publishing, events, seminars and community service.
PSI created the country’s first accreditation program for pet sitters in 1995, which was revised in 2005. There is no other course of study available that compares to the content of PSI’s accreditation curriculum. The coursework covers caring for various species of pets, business and office procedures, health and nutrition for the most common companion animals and additional services that many pet-sitting services offer to their clients.
Christie Joy, owner of Treasured Pets in Texas, feels the PSI Accreditation Program is very thorough and covers the spectrum of pet sitting and small business topics, as well as complementing the pet-sitting industry.
Being an accredited pet sitter has been extremely beneficial to Joy’s pet-sitting business. She is not the only pet sitter in her area, but she is the only accredited one. Joy says this not only gives her a competitive advantage, but it also gives her clients confidence in her abilities.
“Right away, people take notice of my accredited status,” said Joy. “Many of my clients have told me that it shows that I am truly committed to my profession and to continually furthering my education.”
The Accreditation and Recertification Program has also been well received by PSI’s international members.
Julia Love, owner of Doggies & Moggies Pet Servicesin the United Kingdom, is an accredited PSI member who plans on recertifying because it enables her to provide the best care for her client’s pets.
“Being accredited gives customers an extra degree of confidence that they are choosing the right sitter to care for their pets,” said Love. “In an industry that has so many ‘fly by nights’ I think it’s important to set yourself above the competition by showing you are willing to go the extra mile to prove yourself as a professional.”
PSI is dedicated to educating professional pet sitters and promoting, supporting and recognizing excellence in pet sitting. More information on PSI and its accreditation program can be found at petsit.com.
