Finding the right pet sitter for you & your pets
What You Should Know Before Hiring a Pet Sitter
Just as some people are “dog people” and others are “cat” or “bird” people, there’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to finding the right pet sitter to meet the specific needs of you and your pet.
The pet-sitting industry has grown in recent years. This has provided pet owners with many options for choosing a professional pet sitter, whether you are looking for cat care, dog sitting, exotic bird care, pet fish care or anything else in the way of in-home pet-care services.
With more pet-sitting options and numerous online pet-sitter directories, you will need to be more prudent in your search for reliable pet care. Practice due diligence to ensure that you are using the services of a pet-care provider committed to PSI's Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Businesses.
Print out this handy Pet Sitter Interview Checklist that will provide you with all the questions you need to ask to ensure you are getting the right pet sitter for your pets.
Finding a pet sitter to provide the right pet-care services requires an investment of time—time to do phone interviews, conduct an in-your-home meeting and thoroughly check references on those you’re considering hiring.
Find your local PSI member professional pet sitter.
We advise you to do your due diligence to ensure your are hiring true professionals. Here are a few tips:
1. Schedule an in-person meeting. Schedule an in-person meeting with any potential pet sitter you are considering. This “meet and greet” or “initial consultation” gives you an opportunity to meet the pet sitter, see them interact with your pets, and review their services as well as their credentials and policies.
2. Ask the right questions. PSI’s free Pet Sitter Interview Checklist includes important questions every pet parent should ask—from whether the pet-sitting company is bonded and insured to whether they use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract.
3. Ask for recommendations if needed. Many professional pet sitters and dog walkers get booked up quickly, especially during holiday and summer seasons. If the professional pet-sitting service you contact is booked, be sure to ask them for a recommendation, as most are happy to provide referrals to other reputable pet-sitting companies in your area.
Using a Certified Professional Pet Sitter
When you engage the services of a pet sitter who has obtained the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® designation, you are gaining access to someone who has demonstrated the in-depth knowledge and skills necessary for providing superior in-home pet care.
When you see the CPPS logo, you can rest assured your pet sitter has successfully passed rigorous testing on companion animal care and business practices.
To select a Certified Professional Pet Sitter, look for the special icon when viewing member profiles on PSI's Pet Sitter Locator.
Finding the perfect pet sitter may take time.
Remember, it may take a little time up front to determine the pet-sitting services best suited for your situation. Once you’ve made this match, we hope you’ll agree with the hundreds of thousands of pet owners who say, “My pet sitter is worth their weight in gold!”
