Professional Pet Sitters Week is an annual celebration honoring the individuals who safeguard the health and happiness of our furry, feathered, and scaly friends. According to the American Pet Products Association, nearly 70% of U.S. households own a pet, underscoring the vital role professional sitters play in our communities. By offering in-home visits, administering medication, and supplying companionship, these dedicated caregivers help reduce stress for both pets and owners alike. Studies show that consistent routines and familiar surroundings can decrease anxiety in animals, making professional pet sitters a preferred alternative to boarding facilities. During Professional Pet Sitters Week, we highlight not just the dedication of these experts, but also their unwavering commitment to ongoing education, safety protocols, and the latest pet-care practices. This annual tribute reminds us that entrusting our pets to competent, compassionate sitters ensures they receive the best possible care and comfort, even when we’re away from home.
International
Professional Pet Sitters Week is celebrated the first week of March! This event was founded by PSI, the world’s largest professional pet sitters organization. As you may know, pet sitting is on the rise in many places. While your canine buddy would love to go everywhere with you, that just isn’t always possible. There will always be times that people need to leave their dogs in the care of others. A local vet discusses petsitting below.
Benefits of A Sitter
When should you use a sitter or dog walker? These professional pet caretakers can be a perfect solution for times when you are working long hours, busy, or even ill. Fido is usually pretty good about holding it, but he can only go so long without a walk. The fresh air, exercise, stimulation, and company a dog walker provides with those daily strolls will definitely benefit him, and just help break up his day a bit. If you can’t always have a sitter or walker available, it’s important to know how to keep your pet safe when they’re alone. Check out our article on Generic 4 Pet Safety Tips for “Home Alone” Dogs for some helpful advice.
Sitter Or Boarding?
Which should you use: a pet sitter, a dog walker, or a kennel? While every circumstance is different, we would generally advise boarding when you’re going to be gone for a day or longer. It’s also worth noting that many kennels have reduced their hours or capacity, or even paused services, during the pandemic, which may make pet sitting the obvious choice for some.
Friends And Family
Many people ask friends or family members to watch their dogs when they go away. There are some obvious benefits here: it’s often much cheaper, and people are comfortable leaving their beloved pups in friendly, familiar hands. However, if something were to go wrong, that could strain—or even ruin—your relationship. You also won’t have the protection that a licensed petsitter, dog walker, or kennel would offer.
Choosing Fido’s Sitter
During Professional Pet Sitters Week, if you’re considering a pet sitter, thorough screening is paramount. Professional organizations do carefully vet their applicants, but even this isn’t always foolproof. Ask for references, and look at some review sites. You may also want to ask your friends, family members, co-workers, and vet for recommendations. One thing that is very important is making sure that your canine companion’s sitter or kennel is properly licensed, bonded, and insured. Of course, Fido should also be able to weigh in!
Trial Run
Whether you choose boarding or pet sitting, we recommend starting out with a short trial run. In case of boarding, an overnight stay will help Fido get used to his home away from home. With pet sitters and dog walkers, it just allows you a chance to see how things go.
Innovative Pet Care Practices During Professional Pet Sitters Week 2025
What are the latest developments in professional pet sitting services?
Professional pet sitting services are expanding with convenient scheduling platforms, specialized dog walking options, and thorough screening processes. Many sitters stay licensed, bonded, and insured, ensuring a reliable standard of care. Virtual meet-and-greets provide an introduction, while short trial visits help gauge compatibility and reduce stress. During periods of limited boarding capacity, in-home care has gained traction, allowing pets to remain comfortable in familiar surroundings. Additionally, health requirements, such as up-to-date vaccinations, remain a common prerequisite for most reputable services, reflecting a growing focus on comprehensive wellbeing. This approach underscores the industry’s ongoing commitment to safe, dependable, and personalized care.
What training and qualifications are needed to become a pet sitter?
To become a professional pet sitter, obtaining licensing and insurance is essential for credibility and client trust. Many sitters pursue certification through reputable organizations like Pet Sitters International (PSI), which offer courses in pet care, first aid, and business practices. These programs emphasize proper handling, safety protocols, and emergency response. Additionally, background checks and references are common requirements to ensure reliability. Continual education on animal behavior and health care updates further enhances a sitter’s qualifications, making them well-equipped to handle various pet needs and situations effectively.
What ongoing education opportunities are available for professional pet sitters?
Professional pet sitters have access to a range of ongoing education opportunities that enhance their expertise and service quality. Certification programs offered by organizations like Pet Sitters International (PSI) provide comprehensive training in animal care, behavior, and emergency procedures. Additionally, many local and national pet care associations host annual conferences, workshops, and webinars that cover the latest in pet nutrition, health issues, and industry best practices. These educational resources ensure sitters are up-to-date on veterinary developments and equipped to provide high-quality care tailored to individual pet needs.
What professional organizations exist for pet sitters besides PSI?
Besides Pet Sitters International (PSI), other professional organizations for pet sitters include the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) and the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA). NAPPS offers its members certification, educational resources, and a code of ethics to uphold standards of care. IBPSA provides industry-specific training, certifications, and conferences focused on advancing pet care business practices and operational excellence. These organizations play a critical role in promoting professional development and ensuring high standards within the pet sitting and care industry.
What questions should be asked during the pet sitter interview process?
Professional pet sitting services are expanding with convenient scheduling platforms, specialized dog walking options, and thorough screening processes. Many sitters stay licensed, bonded, and insured, ensuring a reliable standard of care. Virtual meet-and-greets provide an introduction, while short trial visits help gauge compatibility and reduce stress. During periods of limited boarding capacity, in-home care has gained traction, allowing pets to remain comfortable in familiar surroundings. Additionally, health requirements, such as up-to-date vaccinations, remain a common prerequisite for most reputable services, reflecting a growing focus on comprehensive wellbeing. This approach underscores the industry’s ongoing commitment to safe, dependable, and personalized care.
Is your pet due for vaccinations or an exam? Our Vet Wellness and Pet Vaccinations service ensures your pet is up-to-date on all necessary preventative care. This is especially important if you’re planning to use a pet sitter or boarding facility, as many require proof of current vaccinations. Contact us, your local veterinary clinic in Carlisle, ON, today!
!Social Media Icons