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The association encourages pet parents to work with professional pet sitters and dog walkers to protect pets when temperatures rise.

KING, N.C. (July 2, 2025) — With many regions in North America and beyond experiencing the dangers of summer heat waves, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is advising pet parents to work with professional pet sitters and dog walkers to keep their pets safe during the “dog days” of summer.

PSI, the world’s leading educational organization for professional pet sitters and dog walkers, advises pet owners to only use the services of professional pet sitters and dog walkers for their pet-care needs and to discuss hot weather preparations and policies with their pet sitters, if they haven’t already.

“Professional pet sitters and dog walkers have the knowledge and credentials to provide quality care for pets, regardless of season,” said PSI Founder & CEO Patti J. Moran. “Still, it’s important that pet owners and their pet sitters discuss protocols for pet care when temperatures or outside conditions become dangerous, to ensure all are on the same page.”

Jessica Milam, PSI’s 2025 Pet Sitter of the Year and owner of Fur Services Fur Pets in Aubrey, Texas, shares about her company’s practices: “Texas summers demand exceptional vigilance when caring for pets, requiring our team to monitor both temperature and humidity levels that impact pets’ wellbeing.”

“Our staff is extensively trained to first take steps to prevent, and second to recognize and respond to heat-related conditions, from mild dehydration to life-threatening heat stroke,” Milam continued. “We partner with pet parents through education to ensure your beloved companions stay safe during even the most challenging summer conditions."

PSI advises pet owners to follow these tips:

Discuss exercise options with your pet sitter. When temperatures rise, your pet sitter or dog walker may need to shorten your pet’s walk or engage your pet in an alternate activity such as indoor playtime—or they may need to rearrange your pet’s exercise schedule to avoid the hottest part of the day.

Watch that thermostat. Some pet parents leave the thermostat up or turn the A/C off altogether while they will be away from home, whether for long work hours or vacation; however, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for pets. Be sure to keep the thermostat at a healthy level for pets within the home.

Discuss emergency care with your pet sitter. Experienced and trained pet sitters will know important precautions to take to protect your pets in the summer, but still ask any potential pet sitter if they have been trained in pet first aid and provide them with signed authorization to take your pet to the veterinarian in the case of any emergency—and notify your veterinarian of the arrangement.

Don’t just hire a “pet lover.” “We encourage pet parents to prioritize their pets’ well-being 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 safe, quality care they deserve—in the comfort of their own homes—while owners are away.”

PSI advises pet owners to ask seven important questions of any potential pet sitter, outlined in PSI's free Pet-Sitter Interview Checklist. 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.

To learn more about PSI or to find a local PSI member pet sitter in your area, visit www.petsit.com/locate.

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