PET SITTERS

Many are unaware there are people that take care of pets full time for a living. That's right, they have dedicated their lives to taking care of our animal families. If work or travel will keep you away from your pets, you've likely considered various pet-care options, from asking for help from a family member or friend to securing the services of a professional pet sitter.  For pet owners who want the best care for their pets and who want the peace of mind that comes from using an educated, responsible pet-care provider, professional pet sitters are a great choice!  

We are committed to providing pet owners with the information you need to select the best possible pet-care option for your pets. In addition to offering pet owners free access to PSI's Pet Sitter Locator, we also want to ensure you have the information you need to choose a professional pet sitter that is right for you and your pets. Also with checklists to interview potential pet sitters, after asking around and getting referrals. 

What does a pet sitter do? “Pet sitting” is defined as “the act of caring for a pet in its own home while the owner is away.” Dog walking is also a form of pet sitting since it involves coming to the pet’s home to provide exercise and companionship.  As the definition above indicates, pet sitters care for your pets in your home. Pet owners often use pet sitters when they go on a vacation, travel for business or are working long hours.  Pet sitters often offer more than one pet-sitting visit per day, and some pet sitters offer overnight stays as well.

SERVICES MOST PET SITTERS OFFER: 

• Feeding the pets and changing their water bowls.
• Providing exercise and play time and may include walking the dogs.
• Cleaning litter boxes and cleaning up any other pet messes. 
• Administering pet medications, if needed. 
• Providing lots of TLC!   

Pet sitters also often bring in mail or newspapers and alternate blinds and lights to give the home a “lived-in look” if the owners are away. Pet sitters may also perform other tasks as requested by the pet owners.    

There are many benefits of using a professional pet sitter!  More and more pet owners are using the services of professional pet sitters to take advantage of the benefits in-home pet care provides.  

BENEFITS OF A PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER:

• Pets are happier and experience less stressed at home.  

• Diet and exercise routines are uninterrupted.  

• Travel trauma for both owner and pet is eliminated.  

• Pet's exposure to illness is minimized.  

• Untrained or unwilling friends/family/neighbors need not be called.  

• In-home professional pet care provides added peace of mind.

*Article courtesy of Pet Sitters International website.