Professional Pet Sitters – Growing to meet the needs of today’s pet owners

For many of us, a “welcome home” from a pet is just another reminder of why we work hard and lead busy lives. In fact, 62% of American households own pets. That’s more U.S. homes with pets than with children.

Professional pet sitting is one of the fastest growing careers in the world today. Organizations such as Pet Sitters International (www.petsit.com)

and the National Organization of Professional Pet Sitters (www.petsitters.org) boast well over 5000 members in all 50 states, 8 Canadian provinces, and 12 other countries. These organizations provide educational services as well as a community for pet sitters to communicate ideas, experiences, questions, and standards. Home based certification programs have recently been developed to further increase the quality of home pet care services. Lynn Palmer, owner and cat sitter at EZ Days and Nights, Alexandria, VA, notes that “When I prepare to care for an animal, I want the owners to be worry free while they are away from home – I know that’s what I look for in pet care.

People today are taking better care of their pets then ever before. 94% of pet owners have a photo of their pet on display. Another 87% give their pets holiday or birthday gifts, while 84% refer to themselves as “Mom” or “Dad”. Pets are a part of the family, and we expect them to be equally cared for. Caring pet owners love the extra security and attention pets receive from professional in-home care. “When a pet owner hires a pet sitter, they know that the stress on their pet will be minimal – the pet won’t have to be transferred, exposed to many other animals, or kept in surroundings that aren’t like home. And at the same time the pet sitter will take care of the home by closing blinds, watering plants, putting out the trash, retrieving the mail, and applying other crime-deterrence tricks learned.” explains Palmer. “…And many pet sitters today charge by time, and accept multiple pets at no extra charge. Everyone gets to stay together at home.”

So if you are one of the 72% of married pet owners who greet their pet first when you return home from work, or are one of the 65% that have sung or danced with your pet, consider contacting me to set up an “initial consultation” (free). You’ll be glad you did the next time you find yourself stuck late at work imagining your pet waiting patiently by the door.

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