09/10/2024
HOW TO CHOOSE A PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
1. Before securing the services of a professional pet-sitting or dog-walking company, an initial meeting (often called a “Greet & Meet” or “initial consultation”) should be scheduled. This interview allows the pet sitter to meet with you in your home, interact with your pet(s), and discuss needed services and their business policies. Some companies offer this initial consultation at no charge, while others may charge a nominal fee.1 Questions You Should Ask Any Potential Pet Sitter or Dog Walker
2. Is the company insured and bonded? Ask for proof of coverage. PSI members have access to group rates on policies for pet-care businesses from PSI’s Preferred Provider and are provided insurance cards. If a pet sitter is insured by another provider, confirm their policy has adequate coverage and is customized for pet-care businesses.
3. Can the pet sitter provide proof of a recent background check demonstrating their clear
criminal history? PSI encourages pet sitters to have current background checks (within one year) on themselves and any staff sitters. Please note that, depending upon where you are located, there may be regulations that prohibit the sharing of background checks (particularly for staff), but pet sitters will be able to provide details on the type of background check and
screening company used.
4. Does the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract? A well-written contract outlines the details of the services that will be provided, including dates and amount of time that will be spent with pets, to ensure both you and the pet sitter understand and have agreed upon the services that will be provided. The contract will also document important contact information, company policies, and note the specific care needs of the pets in your household.
5. Is the pet sitter a Certified Professional Pet Sitter® and/or what type of training—such as pet first aid— have they had? It’s important that the pet sitter or dog walker you choose has up to date pet-care knowledge, including pet first aid training. Many pet sitters also pursue earning the Certified Professional Pet Sitter® designation from PSI, which is a federally trademarked certification mark awarded to pet-care professionals who have successfully passed the certification exam, created exclusively for the pet-sitting industry
6. Is the pet sitter a member of a professional organization or educational association such as PSI? Membership and active participation in an educational/professional association is another sign of a pet care provider’s commitment to their profession—and membership provides them with access to the most up-to-date educational resources and business tools to help them provide the best possible pet-care services. Searching for a local professional pet sitter or dog walker? Visit www.petsit.com/locate
Searching for a local professional pet sitter or dog walker? Visit www.petsit.com/locate to enter your Postal code and view the profiles of professional pet-care companies serving your area. For more tips on selecting a pet sitter, visit the PSI website.
Pet Sitting/Boarding and Greet & Meets by appointment only. Services: Meaford, Georgian Bay: Boarding, Daycare, House Visits, Dog Walking, Pet Taxi
