PSI Contributes to Disaster Recovery Efforts during National Small Business Week

In honor of National Small Business Week, the pet-sitting business owners of Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, are making a donation in the amount of $3,066 to the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH).

ARCH, which is jointly led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is committed to improving animal welfare conditions in post-earthquake Haiti and to repairing the country’s damaged veterinary capacity. To date, ARCH has treated more than 4,500 animals in Haiti.

“The joint, long-term operation will help an untold number of animals, as well as countless people, recover from the disaster. It will also build resilience to better protect them against future disasters.” said James Sawyer, WSPA’s head of disaster management.

The donated funds were raised at PSI’s annual charity auction during its 2010 Quest for Excellence convention. Annually, the association donates auction proceeds to a charitable organization and has raised more than $82,000 for a variety of animal-related charities since the first auction in 1995.

“The pet-sitting industry saw a dramatic growth during the last decade and the generous members of PSI continually look for ways to give back to the animal community,” said PSI President Patti Moran. “National Small Business Week was the perfect opportunity for PSI to make this donation to ARCH on behalf of the pet-loving, small-business owner members of Pet Sitters International.”

Since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week as a way to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America.

Though relatively unheard of until the last few years, professional pet sitting has witnessed tremendous growth as pet-loving entrepreneurs capitalize on this small business opportunity that combines a passion for pets with a viable career option.

PSI members serve more than 1.5 million pet owners and perform 17.4 million pet-sitting engagements annually. Services offered by professional pet sitters include basic pet care and dog walking, as well as the care of special needs pets, transportation and overnight pet care.

“Professional pet sitters strive to benefit the pet community daily by providing excellent service and care to clients and their pets,“ said Cara Armour, owner of Active Paws and 2010 Pet Sitter of the Year. “I’m proud that through our collective efforts, the members of PSI are able to have an impact on animal welfare worldwide through PSI’s donation to the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti.”

Those interested in making a donation to ARCH or learning more about the ongoing animal relief efforts in Haiti can visit www.wspausa.org for additional information.

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.com or call (336) 983-922, ext. 1.