http://www.baxtersbandb.com http://www.baxtersbandb.com/don-t-entrust-your-pet-s-care-to-pet-lovers-advises-pet-sitters-international <h3> As the busy vacation season approaches, the association encourages pet owners to do their research and hire not just a “pet lover,” but a pet lover who is also a true pet-care professional for their pet-care needs. </h3> <div data-rss-type="text"> KING, N.C. (May 17, 2017) — According to a AAA survey, this could be a busy year for travel, with nearly one-third of American adults saying they are more likely to take a vacation in 2017 compared to 2016. With 68 percent of U.S. households owning a pet, many of these travelers’ to-do lists will include searching for someone to watch the pets while they’re away. <div> <br/> </div> <div> Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters, encourages pet owners to only use the services of professional pet sitters for their pet-care needs this summer and throughout the year. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> “With so many new websites and apps advertising pet sitters and dog walkers, it can be difficult for pet owners to know who they can trust,” explained PSI Vice-President Beth Stultz. “It’s important that pet owners understand that there are professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses that offer peace of mind that other pet-care options cannot.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> PSI encourages pet owners to do their due diligence when selecting pet-care providers. News stories of tragedies caused by pet lovers looking to earn extra cash and calling themselves “pet sitters” have become more common as the number of pet-care directory sites has grown and articles have touted pet sitting as an easy side job. While these pet lovers are likely well-intentioned, they often lack the experience, education and insurance coverage needed should a pet emergency or other unfortunate situation occur. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> “Just because someone is a pet lover and has a profile on an online directory—or even on a nationally-publicized site—doesn’t ensure he or she is a qualified pet sitter operating a legitimate business,” added Stultz. “In today’s sharing economy anyone can offer their services online, so it’s important for pet owners to take a closer look to ensure they are hiring not just a pet lover, but a pet lover who is also a true pet-care professional.” </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> PSI encourages pet owners to ask any potential pet sitter seven important questions: </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Does the pet sitter have the proper business license for your city or state, if required? </div> <div> Is the pet sitter insured and bonded? </div> <div> Can the pet sitter provide proof of clear criminal history? </div> <div> Does the pet sitter provide client references? </div> <div> Will the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract? </div> <div> Is the pet sitter a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS™) and/or has he or she participated in other pet-care training, such as pet first aid? </div> <div> Is the pet sitter a member of a professional and educational association, such as Pet Sitters International? </div> <div> PSI advises pet owners to schedule an initial consultation with a potential pet sitter prior to booking services and offers a free Pet Sitter Interview checklist on its website. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Because professional pet sitters come to clients’ homes, pets’ routines are uninterrupted, exposure to illness is minimized, and they don’t experience the stress of a new environment. Pet owners have peace-of-mind that their pets are well cared for while they are away. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> “Finding a pet sitter you trust allows you to truly enjoy your vacation,” Stultz said. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> PSI provides this final piece of advice: Book early. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> PSI’s 2016 Pet Sitter of the Year Carrie Feinberg, owner of Safe Haven Advocate Pet Care &amp; Photography in Elgin, Illinois, said: "I am always recommending that clients schedule as far in advance as possible due to our high demand during not only the summer months and holidays, but also in September and October." </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Feinberg said her summer schedule fills up quickly with pet-sitting requests from vacationers and weekend travelers, as well as from a spike in wedding-accommodation inquiries. </div> <div> <br/> </div> <div> Pet owners in need of pet-sitting services can visit PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator™ at www.petsit.com/locate to find pet sitters in their areas and download the Pet Sitter Interview checklist.  </div> </div> Thu, 03 Sep 2020 16:41:47 GMT http://www.baxtersbandb.com/don-t-entrust-your-pet-s-care-to-pet-lovers-advises-pet-sitters-international