Finding a Pet Sitter

When long hours at work—or out-of-town work trips—keep you from your pet, finding reliable pet care can be a daunting task. Family members, friends or neighbors may seem like good options, but likely lack the know-how to respond to potential pet emergencies and are not insured should something happen to your home or pet while you are away.

Whether you need daily dog walks or pet sitting while you are out of town, your local professional pet sitter is your best option. Professional pet sitters offer peace of mind that other pet-care options cannot.

Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, recommends that pet owners ask these seven important questions when considering any potential pet sitter:
1. Does the pet sitter have the proper business license for your city or state, if required?
2. Is the pet sitter insured and bonded?
3. Can the pet sitter provide proof of clear criminal history?
4. Does the pet sitter provide client references?
5. Will the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract?
6. Is the pet sitter a Certified Professional Pet Sitter™ and/or trained in pet first aid?
7. Is the pet sitter a member of a professional and educational association, such as Pet Sitters International?
Pet owners should also be aware that all online pet-sitter directories are not created equal and may allow anyone to post a profile and advertise their services. So, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure any potential pet sitter is a true professional before giving him or her access to your home and beloved pet.

To search PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator free of charge to find your local professional pet sitter, or for information on starting a pet-sitting business, visit petsit.com/md.