As a pet owner, ensuring the safety, well-being, and consistent care of your beloved companions is paramount, especially when you’re away. Professional pet-sitting and dog-walking services offer a vital solution, but not all services are created equal. Pet Sitters International (PSI) has established “Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Businesses” to provide a clear benchmark for best practices. These standards, developed from PSI’s foundational “Recommended Quality Standards for Excellence” first introduced in 1994, were updated and announced in October 2025, offering a comprehensive framework to elevate the industry worldwide and provide peace of mind to pet owners.
The Purpose and Importance of Industry Standards
Pet Sitters International (PSI), a leading educational organization since 1994, has always been at the forefront of promoting excellence in the pet-sitting industry. The PSI’s Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Businesses serve as a public declaration of baseline best practices. Their primary purpose is to ensure consistent, safe, and ethical care for pets while reassuring owners that their pets are in capable and trustworthy hands. Adhering to these standards not only benefits pets and their owners but also elevates the professionalism and credibility of the entire pet-care industry.
Key Pillars of Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Standards
The Global Standards encompass a wide range of critical areas, ensuring that businesses operate with integrity, competence, and a genuine commitment to animal welfare. These pillars include:
Business Legitimacy and Operational Integrity
Professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses must operate legally and ethically. This includes being registered, insured, and holding all necessary local licenses and permits. Maintaining clear financial separation for business accounts, accurately reporting income, and filing taxes are crucial for compliance. Furthermore, active membership in professional organizations like PSI demonstrates a commitment to staying informed about best practices and continuing education opportunities.
Contracts, Compliance, and Fair Labor Practices
A legally sound contract, or services agreement, is essential for documenting agreed-upon terms and setting clear expectations between the business and its clients. Businesses must also comply with labor classification laws, ensuring correct categorization of independent contractors versus employees. Adherence to payment card industry data security standards, fair recruitment and hiring practices free from discrimination, and compliance with advertising and communication regulations are also vital. Understanding and upholding local animal ordinances, including those related to animal abuse and neglect, is non-negotiable.
Insurance, Risk Management, and Security
Adequate insurance is fundamental for professional pet care. This includes general liability insurance specific to pet sitting and dog walking, covering all services and including care, custody, or control (CCC) coverage for both pets and clients’ property. Bonding or theft coverage, and workers’ compensation insurance where required, are also important. Businesses should seek professional advice on additional coverage options and develop protocols to mitigate risks and common insurance claims. Documenting incidents, reporting claims promptly, and reviewing insurance policies annually ensure continued protection. A clear criminal history for the owner and any team members entering clients’ homes is also a crucial aspect of client trust and safety.
Animal Care and Stewardship
The cornerstone of any pet-sitting service is the well-being of the animals. This involves a deep understanding of each pet’s routines, behaviors, and needs, meticulously documented in a pet profile. Professionals must possess adequate experience and training in pet behavior, first aid, and general care. Adhering to humane, evidence-based care practices minimizes pet stress and fosters trust. Close monitoring for signs of illness or injury, with prompt and appropriate response, including contacting owners or veterinarians, is essential. A commitment to continuous education ensures that skills and knowledge remain current with industry advancements.
Health, Sanitation, and Safety Protocols
Competency in pet handling, including safe leash skills and understanding animal body language, is critical for both the business owner and their team. Up-to-date training in pet first aid and CPR is mandatory. Implementing biosecurity protocols, such as handwashing and sanitation, helps reduce disease spread between households. Clear protocols for ensuring the safety of both staff and clients, addressing potential animal-related injuries, zoonotic diseases, chemical hazards, and ergonomic strains, are vital components of a safe operation.
Emergency Preparedness and Contingency Planning
Professional services must have documented contingency plans for various scenarios, including pet illness or injury, sitter illness or injury, inclement weather, natural disasters, or lost keys. Obtaining veterinary notification and emergency pet-care authorization forms from clients is crucial for making critical decisions in the owner’s absence. Establishing an emergency backup and client communication plan ensures continuity of care even when unforeseen personal circumstances arise. Notifying clients and team members of these plans and any updates is key.
Client Security and Privacy
Protecting client information is paramount. This includes securely storing keys, alarm codes, and sensitive client data. Unauthorized disclosure of personal information, travel details, or home security access is strictly prohibited. All client information should be stored securely, whether in a password-protected online portal, a locked physical location, or a combination of both. Reasonable precautions must be taken to ensure a client’s absence from home is not detectable, and that local authorities are notified as needed regarding sitter access. Educating team members on confidentiality and data protection is also essential.
Professional and Ethical Conduct
Professionalism, courtesy, and respect are expected in all dealings with clients, staff, and industry colleagues. Conducting business with honesty and integrity, and adhering to all relevant laws, are fundamental. Setting healthy professional boundaries regarding availability, scope of services, and communication expectations is important for sustainable business practices. Protecting one’s own mental health through workload management and self-care is also recognized. Fostering an inclusive work environment with clear anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, and refraining from slandering competitors, are vital for a positive industry reputation.
Client Communication and Reputation Management
A crucial part of professional pet sitting is thorough client communication. This begins with an initial in-home visit before accepting an assignment to meet pets, gather detailed information, and complete the contract. Comprehensive client onboarding, including detailed pet information and medical history, is necessary. Clear service descriptions, pricing, and company policies should be provided upfront. Timely updates during services, professional management of client feedback and online reviews, and prompt responses to inquiries and complaints are essential for building and maintaining trust. Ethical marketing practices, avoiding false claims or disparaging competitors, are also critical.
Sustainability and Community Responsibility
Forward-thinking pet-care businesses embrace sustainability by implementing environmentally responsible practices, such as proper waste disposal, efficient route planning, and sustainable product choices. Building positive relationships with local veterinarians and other industry professionals strengthens the pet-care network. Actively supporting and promoting local animal welfare initiatives demonstrates a commitment to the broader community and encourages engagement from clients and staff.
By adhering to these comprehensive Global Standards, professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses can ensure they are providing the highest level of care, safety, and ethical service to pets and their owners.
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