Pet Sitting... All About Pet Sitter Services.

Pet sitting services have really taken its place as an excellent way to have your pets taken care of right in their... 'er, YOUR own home. If you do not have a certified pet sitter near you, it may not be long and you will. There is a Pet Sitters Forum and many websites introducing individual pet sitters' businesses. The information below will introduce you to just what this Pet Sitting concept is all about. It is taken from their website with permission.

Patti Moran is considered the "guru" of pet sitting and some credit her with the creation of an industry. For over 10 years she was the owner and operator of Crazy 'Bout Critters, a pet sitting firm in Winston-Salem, NC. Patti grew her company from 2 to 41 sitters over those years.

She is the author of Pet Sitting For Profit, considered by many to be the "bible" of the pet sitting industry. Pet Sitting For Profit was first published in 1987, revised in 1991 and 1997. Today there are more than 50,000 copies in print.

Patti is the founder and president of Pet Sitters International, an educational organization "Run BY Pet Sitters, FOR Pet Sitters." Through PSI, Patti is a tireless promoter of excellence in pet sitting. Today Pet Sitters International has 2700+ members.

What's involved in becoming a certified PetSitter?

Working with International Correspondence Schools (ICS), Pet Sitters International has created voluntary accreditation standards at four levels:
* Pet Sitting Technician
* Advanced Pet Sitting Technician
* Master Professional Pet Sitter *Accredited Pet Sitting Service

Through accreditation you can:
*Raise awareness among your customers about what it takes to be a qualified professional pet sitter
*Distinguish yourself as a true professional
*Sharpen your knowledge, skills and competitive edge
*Earn formal recognition for your commitment to excellence

The PSI accreditation programs are designed expressly for professional pet sitters, with self-paced home study courses to fit into your busy schedules. Depending upon the accreditation sought, subjects covered include:
Pet Sitting Office Procedures
Staff Management
Company Expansion
Animal First Aid
Care of Older Pets
Animal Nutrition
And Many, Many More

Recommended Quality Standards for Excellence in Pet Sitting

The sitter has a veterinarian on call for emergency services.

All dealings with staff members, customers and industry colleagues are conducted so as to present the pet sitter and the pet sitting industry favorably and positively.

The sitter keeps regular office hours and answers
clients inquiries and complaints promptly. The sitter provides references.

The sitter has experience in caring for pets and is clearly mindful of their safety and well-being.

The sitter provides written literature describing services and stating fees.

The sitter visits the client's home before the first pet sitting assignment to meet the pets and get detailed information about their care.

The sitter is courteous, interested and well
informed.

The sitter takes precautions to make sure a client's absence from home is not detected
because of any careless actions or disclosures by
the sitter.

The sitter conducts business with honesty and integrity and observes all federal, state and local
laws pertaining to business operations and animal care.

The sitter has a contingency plan for pet care in case of inclement weather or personal illness.

The sitting services provides initial and ongoing
training for it's sitters.

The sitter provides a service contract which
specifies services and fees.

The sitter provides a service rating form for clients.

The sitter refrains from criticizing competitors.

The sitter calls to confirm or has the client call to
confirm the client has returned home as scheduled.

The sitter wants to learn as much as possible about the animals in his or her care.

The sitter shows a positive attitude during the initial meeting and seems comfortable and
competent dealing with animals.

The sitting service screens applicants for
employment carefully.

Why Use a Professional Pet Sitter?

Advantages for your pet:

Reduced stress because of remaining in a familiar, secure environment where all the sights, smells and sounds are familiar.

Following a customary diet and exercise routine.

Not being traumatized by travel to the boarding destination.

Minimal exposure to illnesses of other animals.

Most important, the pet receives love and personal attention while the owner is away.

Advantages for you:

You won’t be inconvenienced or upset by transporting your pet.

You don’t have to impose on a friend, neighbor or relative who may forget to care for your pet.

Your home is made more secure by the crime-deterrent measures provided by most pet sitting services.

While you are away, you can feel confident your pet is in capable, caring hands.

You can use other special services, such as watering plants and bringing in mail.