Majority of pet sitters booking now for the holidays, Pet Sitters International survey reveals
The association advises pet owners to start searching now for professional pet sitters for their holiday pet-care needs.
KING, N.C. (September 12, 2019) — Now is the time to start searching for a professional pet sitter for your holiday pet-care needs, Pet Sitters International (PSI) advises, after its latest survey revealed that three-fourths of pet sitters are already accepting holiday pet-sitting reservations.
PSI, the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, recently surveyed nearly 900 members and found that 75 percent of respondents said they typically begin accepting holiday pet-sitting reservations at least 2-3 months in advance for holidays taking place from mid-November through early January.
That means three-fourths of pet sitters will be taking reservations for holidays like Thanksgiving and possibly even Christmas and Hanukkah this month. Over 30 percent of pet sitters said they begin accepting holiday pet-sitting reservations at least six months in advance.
“With so many people planning to travel this holiday season, pet owners should book pet care early to avoid unnecessary stress,” said Beth Stultz-Hairston, PSI vice president. “Finding the right pet sitter for your family allows you to truly enjoy your holiday, but it takes time—time for phone interviews, an in-home meeting and a check of references.”
Still, there’s good news for pet owners who have unexpected holiday obligations that come up at the last minute—41.5 percent of survey respondents said they accept last-minute holiday requests (reservations less than one week before the holiday). It’s important to note, however, that pet sitters indicate they are willing to accept last-minute requests if their calendars aren’t full, but these remaining spots often go to already-established clients. So booking early, if at all possible, is strongly recommended.
“Knowing that a beloved pet can enjoy the stress-free environment of its own home during the holiday season can provide great peace of mind for pet owners,” said PSI President Patti J. Moran. “But, it’s important that pet owners understand what to look for and what questions to ask when selecting a professional pet sitter.”
PSI recommends pet owners schedule an initial consultation with a potential pet sitter prior to booking services and ask seven important questions:
- Does the pet sitter have the proper business license for your city or state, if required?
- Is the pet sitter insured and bonded?
- Can the pet sitter provide proof of clear criminal history?
- Does the pet sitter provide client references?
- Will the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract?
- Is the pet sitter a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS®) and/or has he or she participated in other pet-care training, such as pet first aid?
- Is the pet sitter a member of a professional and educational association, such as Pet Sitters International?
To search for a professional pet sitter in your area and to download PSI’s free Pet-Sitter Interview Checklist, visit www.petsit.com/locate. For more information about PSI, visit www.petsit.com.
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About Pet Sitters International
Founded in 1994 by Patti J. Moran, author of Pet Sitting for Profit, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, with member pet-sitting businesses in the United States, Canada and more than 15 other countries. PSI members have access to the widest array of business services and educational resources available in the professional pet-sitting industry. PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator is the largest online directory of professional pet sitters, and pet owners can visit petsit.com/locate to find local professional pet sitters.
