If you’ve been on Facebook recently, you’ve probably seen several friends posting that their very responsible college-age daughter is home for the summer and looking to earn money by being a pet sitter. The Comments section fills quickly with pet owners wanting to help the eager student earn summer spending money and, at the same time, save themselves a few dollars. While well-intentioned, many things could go wrong- from door-dashing pets getting lost, bites and scratches, and possibly much worse.
Many blogs have already been written listing reasons why pet parents should hire a Professional Pet Sitter over a hobby/summer pet sitter. In all seriousness, there’s only one reason to hire a Professional Pet Sitter. There is only one reason you would allow a stranger into your home when you’re not there. One reason to let a stranger walk your dog. One reason to allow a stranger to feed, water, and play with your pet. One reason to allow a stranger to have a key to your home or know the access code.
It’s not what you think.
In those blogs that have already been written as to why you should hire a Professional Pet Sitter, the reasons given were: more experienced, trained in pet CPR and First Aid, knowledgeable and experienced with multiple breeds, received pet behavioral training, and is licensed, bonded, and insured—all very legitimate reasons to hire a Professional versus a hobby/summer pet sitter. These are also some of the reasons why a Professional costs more than a hobby/summer pet sitter.
When the pet sit gets bumpy…
Here it is—the one reason to hire a Pro. A pet parent should hire a Professional Pet Sitter not because they expect the pet sit to go smoothly but for the unexpected bumps and potholes. Professionals have the skills, knowledge, and experience to manage those unexpected bumps and potholes quickly and efficiently.
For example, our pet CPR and First Aid training is utilized if your pet starts to choke on a toy or a dog’s paw gets injured during a walk. Our animal handling skills are used when medicating a cat or a loose dog is encountered on a dog walk. Our animal behavioral skills are utilized when coaxing a cat from under the bed or why the dog is scooting his rear end across the floor.
Most pet sits go smoothly, but what if something happens to your pet or home while you’re away? Do you want the inexperienced hobby/summer pet sitter, or peace of mind knowing a Professional has everything under control? You have professionals cleaning your home, swimming pool, and landscaping your yard. Why not have professional care for your pets?
What makes a Pet Sitter a Professional?
Beyond being in business for themselves, having the experience, and being licensed, insured, and bonded, most pet sitters go the extra mile, showing a commitment to pets by becoming certified. Becoming a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) requires demonstrating pet behavior knowledge, animal handling skills, and basic pet care knowledge by taking a competency examination through a professional organization like Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. Both organizations require their members to maintain continuing education to remain certified.
Locating a Professional Pet Sitter
Pet Sitters International allows you to locate a Professional within the United States and other countries. Pet Sitters International Certified Professional Pet Sitters can be found at https://www.petsit.com/locate. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters lists only Professional Pet Sitters within the United States. Those Professional Pet Sitters can be found at https://pro.petsitters.org/.
The Sterling Pooch Pet Services offers 24-Hour, In Your Home Pet Care Services and In-Room Hotel/AirBNB/VRBO Pet Sitting Services. More information can be found at https://www.thesterlingpooch.com/24-hour-pet-care/.
Renee is the owner of The Sterling Pooch Pet Services and believes in the importance of continuing her education to offer the best of care to your loved pets.
As an avid animal lover and former Vet Tech, Renee not only gives her heart to your pets, but also keeps a clinical eye on their physical and behavior health.
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