Pet Sitters International Assists with Japan Relief Efforts through Donation to World Vets

In light of disaster, Association reallocates 2011 charity auction funds to support much-needed pet services in tsunami aftermath

King, NC (PSI)—The Associated Press reports that thousands of cats and dogs across Japan are foraging for food and searching for their owners since the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that left the country in shambles. In response, the pet-sitting business owner members of Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest association for professional pet sitters, are donating $3,800 to World Vets to assist with disaster relief efforts in Japan.

World Vets is a non-government organization (NGO) that provides veterinary aid around the globe. Working in collaboration with Japanese animal welfare organizations and international aid groups, World Vets has already assembled and sent a first responder assessment team to Japan. Ongoing efforts include the shipment of large quantities of pet food, as well as veterinary and shelter supplies.

“The response from the communities aware of World Vets’ mission has been overwhelming and we are very thankful to those who have already contributed to our efforts. More help is needed,” says Dr. Cathy King, CEO of World Vets.

The donated funds were raised at PSI’s annual charity auction during its 2011 Quest for Excellence convention in New Orleans, Louisiana. In light of the disaster in Japan, half of the auction proceeds originally allotted for PSI’s Early Education Program, which provides age-appropriate pet-related books for elementary school libraries, was reallocated for World Vets.

Since 1995, PSI’s annual charity auction has raised nearly $90,000 to assist a variety of animal-related charities.

PSI’s membership exceeds 7,300 member businesses and its members serve more than 1.5 million pet owners annually. PSI pet-sitting businesses perform an estimated 17.4 million pet-sitting engagements each year with services that include basic pet care and dog walking, as well as the care of special needs pets, overnight pet care and other specialized offerings to meet clients’ needs.

“As a leader in the pet-sitting industry, PSI and its members continually seek to give back to the animal communities from which we earn our living,” said PSI President Patti Moran. “The devastation and plight of people and pets witnessed in Japan has been heart wrenching. PSI and its members are proud to support World Vet’s ongoing animal welfare efforts there.”

Those interested in making a donation to World Vets or learning more about the organization’s ongoing animal relief efforts in Japan can visit www.worldvets.org. To learn more about PSI or find a professional pet sitter in your area, visit PSI’s Web site at www.petsit.com or call (336) 983-9222, option 1.