As vaccination numbers increase and more countries relax lockdown and travel restrictions across the world, many pet owners are exploring their travel options, and professional pet-sitting and dog walking companies are gearing up to fulfill a surge in requests for their services.
Don’t wait too long to select a professional pet sitter
Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s leading educational organization for professional pet sitters since 1994, said in a media release that pet owners shouldn’t wait too long to select a professional sitter.
“While we know that some pet parents may wait longer than usual to plan their trips, due to the pandemic or vaccine waiting lists, we urge them to begin the search now for a professional pet sitter or dog walker for their families,” says Beth Stultz-Hairston, president of PSI.
And for those looking for a new career—or perhaps a rewarding way to earn some extra income—there has never been a better time to consider pet sitting and / or dog walking.
For all you need to know about pet sitting, there are many good resources online, while signing up as a member of PSI will set you up ideally as a professional pet sitter or dog walker, many of whom have been expanding their service offerings during the pandemic to meet a variety of needs—from deep litter box cleaning packages to transportation to the vet or groomer.
2021 Pet Sitter World Educational Conference scheduled for October 8 to 10
Conscientious pet parents will want to ensure they have time to find a true professional to care for their pets, whether they hope to take a quick day trip or travel out of state. “While we’ve seen pet sitting companies hit hard by the pandemic and the decrease in travel, we’ve also seen a wave of innovation and a renewed focus on education, as professional pet sitters continue to demonstrate why they stand out from the pack,” said Patti Moran, founder and CEO of PSI.
Professional pet sitting companies have the insurance, credentials, and training to provide peace of mind that hobbyists can’t, and professional pet sitters and dog walkers have also adopted additional safety protocols, from contactless dog walking to paperless payment and forms, and taken part in the latest pet-care training.
PSI has meanwhile announced that its 2021 Pet Sitter World Educational Conference, scheduled for October 8 to 10, will now be hosted virtually. “After closely following the latest pandemic updates and speaking directly with PSI members, we knew that hosting an online event would be the safest, most accessible option for our international audience,” explains Stultz-Hairston.