Pet Sitters International urges summer travelers: Don’t cut corners on your pet’s care
The association shares tips to help pet owners select qualified, professional pet sitters.
KING, N.C. (May 11, 2026) — As rising costs prompt travelers to look for ways to save on summer vacations, Pet Sitters International (PSI) urges pet parents not to cut corners when selecting pet care.
“Vacations should be a time to relax and enjoy time away, but failing to choose a qualified pet sitter can steal your peace of mind and jeopardize your pets’ wellbeing,” advises PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston. “Qualified, professional pet sitters have the business credentials and training needed to provide quality pet care that is worth the cost.”
PSI, the world’s leading educational organization for professional pet sitters and dog walkers, offers pet parents a free Pet Sitter Interview Checklist as well as a free online search tool where pet parents can search by ZIP or postal code for PSI member pet sitters in their area.
With summer being one of the busiest seasons for pet-care providers, PSI encourages pet owners to begin their search as soon as possible.
“Demand for professional pet sitters increases significantly during the summer months, so it’s important to book early,” Stultz-Hairston said. “Whether you’ll be traveling out of the country or taking day trips closer to home, it’s important to secure a professional pet sitter so your pet can stick to their regular routine in their familiar home environment.”
PSI advises pet parents to schedule an initial consultation, sometimes called a “meet and greet,” with any pet sitter they are considering hiring and to ask these important questions:
- Does the pet sitter have a business license/permit, if required in your area?
- Do they have proof of general liability insurance that covers all services provided?
- Can they provide proof of a background check/clear criminal history?
- Do they use a pet-sitting contract/service agreement (to document terms of service and establish clear expectations)?
- What is their new client onboarding process, and have they clearly explained all policies and procedures?
- What type of training have they completed, and how do they stay current on best practices?
- What emergency, safety and security policies do they have in place?
- Are you able to access reviews from current or past clients?
- Are they a member of a professional organization or educational association such as PSI?
“Pet parents don’t have to rely on untrained friends, family, neighbors or app-based pet sitters with limited experience,” Stultz-Hairston explained. “Local professional pet-sitting services are available to provide reliable, high-quality care and prevent costly or potentially dangerous mistakes.”
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, Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the world’s leading educational association for professional pet sitters and dog walkers. For more than three decades, PSI has set the benchmark for excellence in the pet-sitting profession and is the creator of the first publicly available Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Businesses. With members across the United States, Canada, and more than 15 other countries, PSI continues to elevate the industry and provide members with access to the educational resources and business tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving field.
