Pet sitting is described as "the act of caring for a pet in its own house while the owner is away." Dog walking is also a type of pet sitting because it entails visiting the pet's house to give exercise and company.
While some pet sitters and dog walkers provide additional services, such as restricted in-home boarding (fewer than 30% offer this service, according to PSI's 2020 State of the Industry Survey), these are distinct from "pet sitting."
Pet sitters differ from boarders and doggy daycares in that they care for pets at their customers' homes.
What are the benefits of pet sitting (in comparison to other pet-care options)?
• Pets are happier and less stressed at home in their usual surroundings.
• Diet and exercise regimens are not disrupted.
• Travel stress is avoided for both the owner and the pet.
• The pet's exposure to sickness is reduced.
Extenuating circumstances (for example, a pet with special health issues or severe separation anxiety, or repairs taking place in the pet's home) may require a pet sitter to care for a client's pet in his or her own home, and the group-rate pet-sitter insurance coverage available to PSI members includes a limited "in the pet sitter's home" pet-care coverage option.
PSI membership necessitates pet sitting.
PSI's goal and identity necessitate limiting regular membership to people who perform pet-sitting services.
PSI realises that many pet-sitting companies are expanding and diversifying significantly. PSI membership is available to pet sitters who provide additional services (grooming, training, trash management, etc.) in addition to pet sitting. PSI has the right to conduct random audits of member companies to assess whether or not pet-sitting services are provided. Links to listings on other pet-sitting/pet-care directories, as well as links irrelevant to pet sitting, are not authorised on the PSI locator.
Pet sitters do a number of responsibilities during pet-sitting sessions, including:
• Feeding and replacing the water bowls of the pets
• Providing opportunities for physical activity and play (may include walking the dog)
• Taking care of litter boxes and other pet messes
• If necessary, administering pet medicines
• Loads of tender loving care!
Pet sitters frequently bring in mail or newspapers and change the curtains and lighting to give the home a "lived-in" appearance while the owners are away. Pet sitters may sometimes be asked to do additional duties by the pet owners.