Each year, several special members are recognized at PSI's annual Quest for Excellence. During the opening session awards ceremony on September 13, 2012, recipients of the following scholarships and awards will be honored.
Dotty Shantz Quest Scholarship
This special PSI scholarship was established in honor of Dotty Shantz, who served PSI members in several positions from the day PSI opened its doors on March 17, 1994, until her retirement in September, 2005. Dotty’s commitment to PSI’s goal of excellence in pet sitting was evident in the caring advice and support she provided to PSI members. Believing wholeheartedly that the education and networking opportunities available to members were keys to success,
Dotty always encouraged attendance at PSI’s annual Quest for Excellence convention. To honor her legacy, the Dotty Shantz Quest Scholarship will allow one (1) PSI member to attend the annual convention with scholarship proceeds paying up to $1,000 in registration fees, travel costs and lodging.
The scholarship rules require that the applicant be an active professional pet sitter and PSI member in good standing for the period of at least one (1) year. The applicant should have worthy professional goals and show evidence of contribution to the profession.
Completed applications may be submitted to PSI Headquarters between November 15, 2011, and July 15, 2012, to be considered for this year’s scholarship.
Pet Sitter of the Year™
First awarded by Pet Sitters International (PSI) in 1995, the Pet Sitter of the Year™ designation is the pet-sitting industry's highest honor. PSI members are nominated for this prestigious title by pet-owning clients, pet-sitting peers and other industry professionals, such as veterinarians.
Nominations for the 2011 Pet Sitter of the Year™ closed October 14, 2011. The 2011 Pet Sitter of the Year will announced in January 2012 and will be crowned at Quest 2012.
The 2011 Pet Sitter of the Year award is sponsored by Business Insurers of the Carolinas.
Platinum PAW Award
The Platinum PAW Award recognizes outstanding work for promoting professionalism in the pet-sitting industry. The winning individual and network will receive one free Quest 2012 registration, an engraved award, $500 cash prize and a prize pack courtesy of Comfort Zone®, sponsor of the 2011 award.
This honor will be presented to the individual and pet-sitting network that: Conducts the best industry event/promotion between Dec. 1, 2010 and Nov. 30, 2011. Shows support of excellence in professional pet sitting. Is a current PSI member in good standing. The winning individual and network will be honored at PSI's 2012 Quest for Excellence Convention in Austin, Texas.
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