Pet Sitter Qualifications

According to the 2009/2010 Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, an estimated 62 percent of American households have some sort of pet. Finding good care for a pet whose owners are on vacation or working long hours can be stressful to both people and animals. But there is a solution that has become increasingly popular: pet sitting. Pet sitters come to the client̵7;s home to perform tasks like feeding and walking, allowing the animal to stay in familiar surroundings.

  1. Certification

    • A pet sitter can be certified through Pet Sitters International. PSI is recognized worldwide as the most respected authority on pet sitters. It boasts over 8,000 members and offers an accreditation program for professional pet sitters, which includes educational instruction that covers all kinds of pets from farm animals to exotic animals. Also covered are first aid, training methods and grooming.

      Certification is also offered through NAAPS. The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters is an organization formed by pet sitters for pet sitters and pet owners. In early 2009 NAAPS introduced a new certification program, which includes in-depth studies of pet health, care, behavior and nutrition. The program is online and culminates in an exam which the student must pass to obtain certification.

    Insurance and Bonding

    • A professional pet sitter should carry liability insurance in the event that something unforeseen happens when your pet is under the sitter̵7;s care, such as injury to another animal or person or property damage.

      A pet sitter should be bonded. Keep in mind that they have a key to your home. If the pet sitter performs a criminal act, such as stealing from you, bonding assures that you will be reimbursed by the company that holds the bond.

    Professional Standards

    • A certified pet sitter is held to certain professional standards. She will provide references from previous clients. She has a service contract that spells out exactly what services she will provide as well as her fees and how long her visits to your pet will be. A pet sitter will arrange to have a veterinarian on call at all times. A good pet sitter will take the time to get to know both you and your pets before she takes responsibility for them. She will have contingency plans for inclement weather care and she will call to confirm that you are home. A professional pet sitter will keep up with ongoing education in her field by taking courses and attending conferences and seminars offered through professional pet sitting organizations.