What is Pet Sitter International?

Pet Sitters International is a a group in which has set standards, training, and affiliates that provides a type of credential for pet sitting services. While, nothing is required to run a pet sitting business other than the appropriate licenses and insurance per your state's laws, this is another option to consider when looking to build that well known and successful pet sitting business.

Some of the elements that this association instills and requires of its members are:

• The sitter exhibits courtesy and professionalism in all dealings with customers, staff and industry colleagues to positively represent the pet sitter and the pet-sitting industry
• The sitter visits the client’s home before the first pet-sitting assignment to meet the pets and get detailed information about their care.
• The sitter displays a positive attitude during the initial meeting and is comfortable and competent in dealing with the animals.
• The sitter is courteous, interested and well informed.
• The sitter wants to learn as much as possible about the animals in his or her care.
• The sitter has adequate knowledge and experience in caring for pets and is clearly mindful of their safety and well being.
• The sitter takes precautions to make sure a client’s absence from home is not detectable because of any careless actions or disclosures by the sitter.
• The sitter phones to confirm, or has the client phone to confirm, that the client has returned home.
• The sitter provides a service rating form for clients.
• The sitter conducts business with honesty and integrity and observes all federal, state and local laws pertaining to business operations and animal care.
• The sitter has a veterinarian on call for emergency service.
• The sitter has a contingency plan for pet care in case of inclement weather or personal illness.
• The sitter refrains from criticizing competitors.
• The sitting service screens applicants for employment carefully.
• The sitting service provides initial and ongoing training for its sitters.

These are only a few of the many listed items that the Pet Sitter International has to help increase business, guarantee well trained and courteous pet sitters, and provide each member with a seal of approval.

If you would like to look into Pet Sitter International further, simply click here.