Pet Sitters International advises summer travelers to prioritize pets’ well-being, too
The association offers tips for selecting a professional, qualified pet sitter to care for pets while owners are away.
KING, N.C. (May 21, 2025) — With recent survey data reflecting how respondents view travel as a boost to their physical and mental health, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is reminding pet parents to prioritize their pets’ well-being, too, when making summer vacation plans.
PSI, the world’s leading educational organization for professional pet sitters and dog walkers, offers a free Pet Sitter Interview Checklist that pet parents can use to ensure they’re selecting a true professional to care for their pets—this summer and beyond. PSI also offers a free online search tool where pet parents can search by ZIP or postal code for PSI member pet sitters in their area.
“As pet parents invest in their own wellness this summer, we encourage them to prioritize their pets’ as well by seeking out the services of a professional, qualified pet-care business,” said PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston. “Trained professionals are available to ensure pets receive the quality care and pampering they deserve—in the comfort of their own homes—while owners are away. Think of it as a ‘staycation’ for pets!”
A record number of travelers are expected to hit the road this Memorial Day weekend and projected travel by U.S. consumers throughout 2025 remains high despite economic concerns, though some travelers may opt for destinations closer to home. Fortunately, professional pet sitters are available to tailor services to the specific needs of their clients.
“Professional pet sitters are happy to meet with pet parents to discuss their specific pet-care needs, whether the clients will be traveling out of the country, taking a weekend trip, or just planning to be away from home several hours for a local excursion,” Stultz-Hairston said. “With professional pet-sitting services widely available, pet parents should never have to worry about their pet’s care.”
PSI offers some quick tips for pet parents looking to secure pet care:
- Don’t delay your search. Many professional pet sitters’ summer schedules fill up quickly.
- Ask for a recommendation, if needed. If your preferred pet sitter is already booked, ask if they can provide a recommendation to another local professional pet-care service.
- Be specific about your needs. Professional pet sitters and dog walkers typically offer a variety of service options, so specify your needs up front, whether those include visits to administer medication, enrichment activities for your cat, or more.
- Schedule an in-person meeting. This “meet and greet” or “initial consultation” at your home gives you an opportunity to meet the pet sitter; see them interact with your pets; and review their services, credentials and policies. And don’t forget to use PSI’s free Pet Sitter Interview Checklist.
“When planning for their pets’ care, pet owners do not have to rely on untrained friends, family members, neighbors, or inexperienced pet lovers looking to earn some extra cash,” explained PSI Founder & CEO Patti Moran. “Local professional pet sitting services are available to ensure pet parents can travel with peace of mind, knowing their pets are receiving top-notch care.”
To learn more about PSI or to locate a professional pet sitter in your area, 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.
