Pet Sitter's World Magazine Apr-Jun 2023, a publication of Pet Sitters International

Spring is in the air! And while I’m actively avoiding spring cleaning, I am looking forward to more sunshine, blossoming flowers and trees, and watching my garden grow.

We’re focusing a lot on growth in this issue too, and in a variety of ways…

• Growing your clientele

• Growing your services

• Growing your network

• Growing your pet-care knowledge

Depending upon where you are in your career and what your specific business goals are, this season of growth may look different for you than other pet-care professionals you know—and that’s okay!

Whether your idea of growth this year involves increasing your number of clients, adding more staff sitters, deepening your pet-care and business knowledge, or even adding more vacation days to your calendar, PSI has resources and advice to help you reach your business goals.

Please take advantage of your PSI member benefits, your PSI network and the PSI team. If you haven’t already, be sure to join PSI’s private, members-only Facebook group and sign up for our upcoming free member webinars, and we’d love to see you at our in-person Pet Sitter World Educational Conference this fall. Also make sure you are receiving your weekly member emails (sent each Monday) and that you are accessing your free toolkits each month.

We are here to help—and we can’t wait to look at you grow…in 2023 and beyond!

Patti Moran, Publisher

Beth Stultz-Hairston, Editor

Michelle Boles, Layout and Design

ADVERTISING

PSI Advertising

P.O. Box 457, Pfafftown, NC 27040 advertising@petsit.com

HOW TO REACH US

P.O. Box 457 Pfafftown, NC 27040

Phone: (336) 983-9222, Press 1 for Member Services

Email: info@petsit.com

Website: www.petsit.com

OFFICE HOURS

Monday—Thursday, 9:30 a.m.—5:00 p.m., Eastern Time

STAFF

Patti Moran, Founder & CEO

Beth Stultz-Hairston, President

Debbie Leonard, Systems Operations Manager

Michelle Boles, Graphic Design Manager

Meghann Evans, Education & Outreach Manager

©Copyright 2023 by Pet Sitters International Inc. All rights reserved. Pet Sitter’s World is the official publication of Pet Sitters International, Inc. (PSI). Printed in the USA.

Pet Sitter’s World is published by PSI and is available exclusively through PSI membership. No portion of this publication may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of PSI and all authorized reproductions must cite Pet Sitter’s World, published by Pet Sitters International, as the source. Requests for reprint permission should be addressed to Editor, Pet Sitter’s World, P.O. Box 457 Pfafftown, NC 27040.

PSI President

p.s.—If you have gardening tips, send them my way (at the rate I’m going, I won’t be watching anything grow this year)!

Publication of any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of the opinions expressed or products advertised. Pet Sitter’s World is a trademark of PSI.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR PSI MEMBERSHIP

Whether you’ve just joined PSI or are a long-time member, these resources will help you take full advantage of your PSI membership.

GET INSTANT ACCESS

Information is right at your fingertips 24/7, 365 days a year in the Members Area of petsit.com. Log in to access:

• Free Monthly Member Toolkit

• Free custom business profile on PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator

• PSI member logos

• Customizable, downloadable pet-sitter forms

• Customizable, downloadable promotional materials

• Ready-to-use social-media images

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DISCOUNTED OFFERINGS

Access the business tools you need—at special discounts—through PSI’s Preferred Providers:

• Pet-sitter liability insurance and bonding at a group rate

• Discounted background checks for you and staff

• Assistance with health and supplemental insurance

• Discounted digital products and courses available through PSI

PARTICIPATE IN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

As a member you can increase and demonstrate your knowledge as a pet-care business owner. Resources and opportunities include:

• Pet Sitter’s World magazine

• Free live and on-demand webinars

• The PSI Blog

• Discounted rates on PSI’s online courses

• Discounted rate on PETSIT PRO

• Opportunity to earn the Certified Professional Pet Sitter-CPPS® designation

CONNECT WITH FELLOW PSI MEMBERS

PSI membership also offers strength in numbers. You can take advantage of a variety of opportunities to share your lessons learned and learn from fellow PSI members. Opportunities include:

• Professional Pet Sitters Chat, PSI’s private, members-only Facebook group

• Pet Sitter World, PSI’s annual in-person conference

• FOCUS, PSI’s one-day online summit for pet sitters and dog walkers

• PSI-Registered Networks

• PSI’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

Visit petsit.com/member-tools-resources to download your PSI membership benefits overview.

Attention CPPSs!

Take the Pet Sitter’s World Quiz to earn renewal CEUs.

You can get a maximum of 10 CEUs per three-year renewal cycle with these quizzes. Look for a new one in each issue of Pet Sitter’s World!

If you are a CPPS, you can now earn one (1) CEU for answering all five of these questions correctly. The answers can all be found in the pages of this issue of Pet Sitter’s World.

Important: To submit your quiz answers, please visit petsit.com/ceu-request to fill out and submit PSI’s CEU Request Form. Quiz answers should be submitted through this form and not emailed directly to PSI.

1. Fill in the blank: When interacting with a cat that is showing aggression, Laura Cassiday advises that you try to stay calm, avoid _____ eye contact as it can be perceived as threatening, and do not attempt to touch the cat unless he initiates touch first.

2. According to Mikaela Vargas’ article in this issue, what is the first step you should take to create an automated client onboarding process?

3. Fill in the blank: A distended abdomen, dry unproductive retching (other than saliva) and distress, especially in large-chested breeds, is life-threatening bloat which can be fatal as quickly as _____ after onset.

4. What is the one foolproof measure, explained in this issue, that will prevent you from falling victim to pet-sitter scams?

Renew Your CPPS ® !

View the complete list of CPPS renewal CEU options. In the Members area of petsit.com, use the Certification Program drop-down link to Certification Renewal > Certification Renewal Options.

The Foolproof Way to Avoid Getting

SCAMMED

Scammers target every industry, including pet sitting, and we’ve heard from many members this year who have received scam inquiries by email and text.

Fortunately, it's typically easy to spot a scam—and there's always one foolproof measure to ensure you don't get scammed:

NEVER accept a pet-sitting assignment or payment until you've met a potential client in person at the initial consultation.

To better help you understand how to spot potential scams and what to do if you receive one, let’s discuss some of the most common questions PSI receives:

I think I received a scam email. Am I in danger?

The short answer is likely “no.” While we cannot speak to every scam, we can tell you that all of the scam emails we have seen pet sitters receive are intended to ultimately get the scammer money—not to cause any physical harm to the recipient. These scammers ask for your address to send you a fraudulent check (not to come to your home).

If you receive an email that you know is a scam, simply delete it. If you receive an email you are not sure about, there’s no harm in replying for more information. If the “pet owner” responds back and asks for your address, it’s very likely a scammer (unless he or she may think that you board or are a doggie daycare where the pet will be dropped off).

Again, most scammers are trying to obtain your mailing address to send you a fraudulent check. However, if you ever feel threatened or in danger by a communication you receive from a potential client/scammer, notify your local law enforcement.

What is the purpose of these scam emails?

As mentioned above, most scammers want to obtain your mailing address so they can mail you a fraudulent check.

We find that most of the scammers follow the same steps: after making initial contact (if you respond), they ultimately want to send you a check (often a cashier's check) for their payment in advance (and often inform you that they will need to send a check for over the amount they owe you and ask that you send the remaining money to another company/service provider for them). The checks are forgeries (although they often look legitimate) and some pet sitters have deposited the checks before they realized they were being scammed.

To learn more about scams and to see examples of common scams, visit petsit.com/scams —PSI Staff 

Things to post about on social media: April, May, and June 2023

Below is a list of pet-related observances (and a few other interesting celebrations) you can highlight on your

May 2023

PSI’s Pet Sitter Safety Month™

National Pet Month

Chip Your Pet Month

Responsible Animal Guardian Month

• April 30-May 6: National Small Business Week

June 2023

National Pet Preparedness Month

American Humane’s Adopt-A-Cat Month®

Adopt a Shelter Cat Month

National Foster a Pet Month National Microchipping Month

Pet First Aid Awareness Month

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month

National Heartworm Awareness Month

National Frog Month

Canine Fitness Month

• April 1-7: International Pooper Scooper Week

• April 2: National Ferret Day

• April 4: World Rat Day

• April 9-15: National Dog Bite Prevention Week

• April 10: National Siblings Day; National Hug Your Dog Day

• April 11: National Pet Day

• April 18: Tax Day (U.S.)

• April 20: Get to Know Your Customers Day

• April 23: National Lost Dog Awareness Day

• April 26: National Kids and Pets Day

• April 28: Hairball Awareness Day

• April 29: World Veterinary Day

• April 30: National Pet Parents Day; National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day; National Therapy Animal Day

• May 3: National SpeciallyAbled Pets Day

• May 7: Mayday for Mutts

• May 7-13: National Pet Week®; Be Kind to Animals Week®

• May 8: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day

• May 13: National Dog Mom’s Day

• May 14: International Chihuahua Appreciation Day

• May 20: National Rescue Dog Day

• May 23: World Turtle Day

• June 4: Hug Your Cat Day

• June 4-10: Pet Appreciation Week

• June 8: National Best Friends Day

• June 13: World Pet Memorial Day

• June 19-23: PSI’s Take Your Pet To Work Week®

PSI’s Take Your PSI’s Take Your

includes free social-media

download to share in each Monthly Member Toolkit

Handling Aggressive Behavior During Cat Sitting

By Laura Cassiday, Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior and Training

Any experienced cat sitter has been there. You show up for your first visit and kitty is standing there in the doorway, back arched, tail curved straight down, ears back, giving you a big hiss to welcome you in. Maybe kitty was a perfect angel during your meet and greet and this behavior is a surprise, or maybe you’ve been warned in advance. Either way, if you are regularly pet sitting cats, you’ll need to be prepared and have a plan in place should things get dangerous.

Why Are Some Cats Aggressive with Pet Sitters?

Cats love routine, structure, and predictability. Any little thing can upset a more sensitive kitty—a new piece of furniture, their favorite human starting a new work schedule, or changing the type of food they eat, to name a few. Most cats in the U.S. are indoor-only, so their world is ex tremely limited. Things that don’t seem like a big deal to us can be catastrophic to our kitties, who only know of life within their four walls. So when mom or dad leave and are replaced with a stranger, some cats feel out of control and even frightened, simply because their routine has been disrupted and they aren’t sure what to expect.

What’s the Best Plan of Action for a Cat Sitter?

Your safety is the number one priority. If you feel unsafe, and especially if this behavior is unexpected, turn right around and step back outside. If the cat misses one meal, it won’t be the end of the

world. You can always come back later armed with the right tools and a plan of action. Be sure to contact the cat’s owner, staying honest, factual, and solution-oriented. Language matters. Don’t say, “Your jerk cat Fluffy attacked me!” Instead, try, “Unfortunately Fluffy was very nervous when I came by this morning and swatted at my legs when I tried to walk by. I was not comfortable feeding her, but I plan to come back soon with some special treats and toys to see if I can make her feel safer.” Remember this may also be coming as a complete surprise to the owner. You don’t want them to worry, and you also want them to feel confident in your ability as a pet sitter.

If the cat won’t let you access his

If you can get the cat to focus on a wand toy or laser pointer, it may be enough to distract him and let you slip by. You can also try tossing treats away from you. Use the treats or toy to lure kitty into a room and close the door behind him while you complete your tasks. If all else fails, I recommend making yourself a “shield” out of a blanket. Hold it down in front of your legs and gently “push” the cat into a room where you can close the door.

Learn Feline Body Language (and Pay Attention to Your Own!)

with her husband and their eight cats. She brings to the table many years of experience working with cats in shelter and rescue settings, including time in the Behavior and Training department at Maryland SPCA. She owns and operates Pawsitive Vibes Cat Behavior and Training. Learn more at pawsitivevibescats. com.

The extreme situations are obvious. Most people can recognize when the cat is being loud and clear that they are not happy. But what about the gray areas? What about when you’re petting kitty and think you’re having a nice time together, and he suddenly bites? What if he runs up to the front door in an apparently friendly greeting, then appears to suddenly change his mind? This is where becoming an expert on feline body language comes in. You’ll need to be able to recognize warning signs and subtle changes that mean a bite or a swat is imminent.

Your own body language is just as important. Try to stay calm, avoid direct eye contact as it can be perceived as threatening, and do not attempt to touch the cat unless he initiates touch first. Most fearful cats do better when you are pretending not to even notice them. These are great rules even for friendly cats! When petting a cat you don’t know, always stick to the head and cheeks, and keep petting sessions short. And if you are attacked, stay completely still to the best of your ability. Movement can trigger aggressive cats to keep going, whereas they are unlikely to attack an unmoving target.

If any aggression occurs during your time cat sitting, have a writ ten plan for the next visit to share with the owner. If the owners are responsive and you feel comfortable returning next time, discuss stress-reducing measures the owner can start before you leave. Anxiety medication, Feliway®, soft classical music, cat TV, and/or extra playtime are all great things that can make a difference. It's also okay to say no and not rebook. 

It Takes a Village: Adding a Specialty Service to Assist Owners + Trainers

By Jackie Pekar, SouthPaw Pet Sitting

Throughout my 18 years as a profes sional pet sitter and dog walker, I’ve cared for a myriad of different types of pets: shy pups, reactive dogs, sassy cats, hide-a-kitty felines…there are probably as many different personalities as there are breeds!

I have always been fascinated by behavior, so I was a natural magnet for reactive dogs. I soon got the reputation as a sitter that would take on the “tricky” behaviorally challenged pets in my community. The more clients I got with behavior issues, the more I sought out informa tion on behavior in animals—traveling to various conferences (including many of PSI’s Pet Sitter World conferences), attending lectures, and watching webinars.

This eventually led me to the Karen Pryor Academy and in 2020 I graduated as a Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP #69770). Soon after, I earned certification as a Fear Free Certified Professional (Trainer) from Fear Free Pets and then mentored under Malena DeMartini and earned my CSAT (Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer) designation.

The more I worked as both a trainer and as a pet sitter/dog walker, the more I realized so many pet guardians needed extra help with their pets. We, as professionals, all go above and beyond what the kid-next-door offers already in our standard of pet care.

Adding a Niche Service to Your Business

If you’re as fascinated by behavior as I am, adding a niche service to your care options is a wonderful way to help a lot of struggling pet guardians.

drawn to:

• Dogs that have all the “big feelings” while out on a walk?

• The pup that may cry or destroy things when left alone?

• Bored cats that have no type of enrichment in their home?

• Birds that are testy about their cages?

Take a deep dive into whatever you find most fascinating and create services to cater to those clients.

a snuffle mat for an indoor option (I also call that “indoor recess”) is another way to use their brain power.

Dogs with separation anxiety

Did you know part of the training protocol for separation anxiety is never leaving the dog alone longer than what they can handle? Oftentimes, that can be only a minute or two, or even seconds! Pet guardians would LOVE some freedom and offering an extended visit with their pup could give them that option. Catch up on emails and enjoy some extra lounge time on the sofa with their dog, while they go out to dinner or catch a movie.

Reach out to your local positive reinforcement trainers and let them know your specialized services. You could get a great referral network going—you can recommend trainers to your clients in need of extra help, and trainers can recommend you as an extra layer to their training plans! 

Proven Pet Business Principles

If you are growing your business by adding staff, it’s important to have a plan in place to keep your staff sitters motivated. Experience has shown that most people who want to be pet sitters do so because they genuinely love animals and like the flexible hours and independent work. But, as in any profession, some inspiration is necessary to keep your team motivated and eager to do a good job for your company.

Here are some ways to motivate your pet sitters:

• Hold sitter contests. Give prizes or cash awards to the pet sitter who sits for the most clients each month, brings in the most new business each quarter, or receives the best evaluation forms from clients each month.

• Give annual holiday or “appreciation” bonuses to sitters who have done an outstanding job during the year. Sometimes the gesture and recognition means more to employees than the actual bonus amount.

• Remember employee birthdays and work anniversaries with a card and/or small gift.

• Use photos of employees in your advertising, with permission—they will love the publicity and recognition!

• Budget for continuing education and give your team an opportunity to participate in classes and workshops—or even attend PSI’s conference—to increase their knowledge and grow in their career.

from PSI Founder Patti J. Moran

Take Advantage of PSI’s Free Member Webinars!

Did you know that, as a PSI member, you get access to both live and on-demand FREE member webinars each year? Additionally, if you are a CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® you can earn up to 2 CEUs per webinar (whether you watch live or view the recording).

You can currently access more than 10 on-demand webinars in the Members Area of petsit.com and take advantage of more live webinars coming up this year.

to register for upcoming webinars. Webinars are free to members, but preregistration is required. All member webinars are recorded for on-demand viewing, and the on-demand recordings of PSI’s webinars include closed-captioning and/or transcripts.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming sessions:

How and Why to Write a Business

April 12 • 3 p.m. ET

Presenter: Doug Keeling, Bad to the Bone Pet Care

Running a busi ness without a plan would be like going on a road trip without a map, so why do so many pet sitters overlook this crucial step? In this session, Doug Keeling, owner of Bad to the Bone Pet Care and PSI’s 2023 Pet Sitter of the Year, will walk you through how to write a business plan guaranteed to help your business succeed!

In Case You Missed It…

What You Need to Know About

Home Safety as a Pro Pet Sitter, Bobbi Wilson

June 14 • 3 p.m. ET

Presenter: Bobbi Wilson, CPPS®, Peace Love Paws Pet Sitters, LLC

During this PSI member webinar, Bobbi Wilson—professional petsitting business owner and retired ASHI/AHIT Certified Professional Home Inspector—will walk through a condensed, but precise, checklist of “must know” items to help a pet sitter be prepared for anything they may encounter in the client’s home on a pet-sitting visit.

In this session which will focus on the safety of the home and the pet sitter, Bobbi will explain how to find the locations of need-to-know components of the home, share how and when to collect information regarding the home, and provide tips to help you know when to call in a third party. She’ll also suggest gadgets to have on hand to help you determine safety issues.

The on-demand recording for February’s free member webinar is now available in the Members Area of petsit.com.

How to Set up a Social Media Marketing Program That Fits Your Target Market and Your Schedule

Presenter: Mychelle Garrigan, Pet Pro Marketing

Social media can seem overwhelming to the small businessperson. You know you need to get your business out there and start posting, but how do you start? Where should you post, and how often? This webinar will walk you through how to create a social media marketing plan that speaks to your target market and fits into your busy schedule with a minimum of stress!

PSI’s 2023 free member webinar series is sponsored by Business Insurers of the Carolinas, www.psi-ins.com.

PSI MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Cristina Tutunaru, CPPS® , Tina’s Pet Paradise

By Meghann Evans, PSI Education & Outreach Manager

If you asked PSI member Cristina Tutunaru to share her secret to success in the professional pet-sitting industry, she’d tell you this: it’s “the passion you put in your work.”

It’s precisely that passion—including her dedication to exceptional pet care, customer service and continuing education— that has propelled Cristina forward in the industry. What began as a side business while Cristina pursued her accounting career has become a full-time passion. She is the owner of Tina’s Pet Paradise, located in the capital of Romania, Bucharest, and soon she will open the first private dog park in Romania.

Cristina’s clientele includes “pet owners that travel frequently for work or leisure, expats that visit their home country and can’t take their pets with them or dog owners that simply want to give their dogs the chance to socialize and exercise more.”

Cristina says when she started pet sitting in 2016, there were only two other pet sitters in Bucharest. Now, she estimates there are about a dozen professionals.

As the only Certified pet sitter and PSI member in Romania, also with a certification in pet first aid and Fear Free training, Cristina has always prioritized continuing education and professionalism. From the start she read any material she could find about dog training, dog psychology, body language, nutrition, and other pet-care topics.

“This is how I discovered Pet Sitters International and I’m so glad I registered, because I found all the information I needed to grow my business in one place,” Cristina shares.

“Even though I cared for my pets or my friends’ pets in the past, I didn’t want to start out as a dilettante in the field,” she continues. “I wanted to be able to help my future clients with advice, to guide them in giving their pet the best care possible, and to be able to identify their needs and address them.”

New career path

Prior to opening her pet-sitting business, Cristina worked as an accountant, and with her remote job providing a lot of free time in her daily schedule, she decided to become a part-time dog walker. She also missed having pets around, having just moved to Romania’s capital city.

Cristina loved her job as an accountant, but she soon found that her dog-walking side business was “much more rewarding and exciting.” In only six months, she took a brave step and began pet sitting full-time.

“I felt like I needed a change of career after being buried in accounting books and paperwork for eight years,” Cristina explains, “so when the dog-walking requests started to take more and more of my time I made the decision to stick only with that.”

Still, her prior experience as an accountant proved highly beneficial to her work as a business owner.

“I knew how to set my prices according to my expenses and estimated revenues and I was able to do my own books which saved me a lot of money as opposed to hiring an accountant,” Cristina says.

Tip for success: When it comes to keeping finances in order, Cristina says this: “The best way is to keep it simple. There are a lot of apps or accounting programs out there, but a simple spreadsheet, personalized to your needs, is basically enough.”

Cristina started out as a solo sitter, but with a growing client list, after a couple of years she began collaborating with other dog walkers in different areas of the city. She soon began hiring and training her own staff and now has a team of eight pet sitters, dog walkers, dog trainers and pet-taxi drivers. They service approximately 300 clients.

Like other pet-sitting businesses around the globe, Cristina has found that her biggest challenge is “finding and maintaining quality staff.”

Diverse, quality services

While Cristina paid for some online ads when first starting out, her clients quickly started spreading the word about her business and made the online advertising unnecessary. She does receive a few new clients each month from her website and Google searches, and she’s placed her business brochures at “veterinary offices, grooming salons and other establishments like local cafés.”

“Looking back, word of mouth, even if it’s the most basic [form of advertising], worked the best and it was free!” Cristina notes. “Of course, this only works when providing high-quality services.”

Cristina advises other pet sitters that in addition to providing quality pet care, they shouldn’t neglect customer care, saying “humans are the ones that call you and pay you, so treat them extra special.”

Tip for success: “Promise your client the best service, but deliver just a little bit more,” Tina recommends. “Put a special touch, leave a nice card/ flowers for your client, take a few extra pictures of the pet, spend a few extra minutes on the job. It makes all the difference.”

One factor that makes Cristina’s business stand out is the wide variety of services offered for all types of pets, “from the classic dog and cat, to rodents, birds, reptiles and the occasional arachnid.” In addition to offering standard pet-sitting and dog-walking visits, Tina’s Pet Paradise also offers pet boarding and doggy day care in Cristina’s home, pet taxi, event planning for puppy parties, dog training, wedding assistant services for dogs, pet photography, plus seminars and presentations on various pet-related topics.

The puppy parties started out as a fun gift for loyal boarding clients—part of that strategy of “surprising your client with that something extra.”

“I found it was so much fun baking pupcakes and decorating the birthday cake with the dog’s favorite treats, hanging balloons and birthday decorations around my living room, etc.,” Cristina shares.

The puppy parties were such a hit that clients started demanding them every year, then they caught the eye of others looking for a venue for their dogs’ parties.

“That is how we ended up charging for this and it includes everything from decorations, cake and goodies, presents, fun toys and activities, the venue with other doggy friends, photo and video collages,” Cristina shares. “During summer we can also organize puppy pool parties if the birthday dog is a water loving breed.”

Cristina says the service has a growing demand in her area, as there aren’t many puppy-friendly venues there, and “now every doggy wants a party at Tina’s Pet Paradise at least once a year.”

Educating the public

From the time of her start as a professional pet sitter, Cristina has been open to giving media interviews about her business and the pet-care market.

“This domain is fairly new in Romania, that’s why it is a very popular subject for the news and many TV shows,” Cristina says.

She found it helpful to prepare her speech or key answers ahead of time, asking the reporter to provide the questions prior to the interview. She says it was particularly helpful during live interviews.

“If I’m confident with what I’m about to say and the order of the topics, then I could focus more on smiling and I had a better control of my nerves,” Cristina says.

Tip for success: Cristina shares this piece of advice for other pet sitters who have upcoming media interviews: “A very helpful tip is to practice with a friend and have them interview them or filming yourself talking about the specific topic and reviewing the video afterwards.”

Cristina says she still gets anxious before each media appearance.

“But I think about the positive influence it will have on my business,” she says. “I remember that I am a professional and I know my job well, I have interesting things to say, my advice will help a lot of pet parents, and I’d say all of these things to myself like a mantra before every interview.”

As she was starting her pet-sitting business, she found that many people in Romania were reluctant to have a stranger enter their homes while they were away, so educating the public and potential clients has been critical to her success.

“Pet Sitters International helped me understand the importance of providing a background check and drawing up a contract, which made my clients feel more comfortable about that,” Cristina says. “They

immediately saw the difference between a professional and a hobbyist, so I received a lot of trust from the start this way.”

Big plans for the future

While the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic was an unexpected crisis, Cristina used that time to get some much-needed rest, and she says it also motivated her to become more creative with her services.

Cristina’s creativity with her services has continued long past that unexpected season in 2020. In fact, her biggest dream is currently “a plan in motion.” That dream is to open the first private dog park in Romania—“a true paradise for dogs and a place to relax for the owners.”

“It will have the first ever doggy pool exclusive for dogs, which will be the main attraction for the water loving canines, an agility course, lots of play areas and space to run around freely,” Cristina explains. “It will be a place to organize doggy parties, workshops and seminars, barbecues, and a safe and clean area for dogs to socialize and play.”

Construction is already underway, and Cristina expects the dog park to open this summer.

“I plan on the grand opening happening this summer,” Cristina says. “I consider this my baby and that’s why I wanted it to be my own project, built with my personal resources without any outside investors.”

For other pet sitters who are looking to grow their pet-care businesses, Cristina has an important tip, hearkening back to her years as an accountant: “Have your finances in order.”

Tips for success: Cristina offers these additional tips: “Try and find the one thing that makes you stand out, don’t copy others, be honest, don’t make compromises, identify your service area and their specific needs and always offer high quality service.”

While professional pet sitting wasn’t Cristina’s initial career path, it’s been a rewarding one, and she says what she loves most is “making new pet and human friends.”

“I’ve met some incredible pets along the way,” she says, “and have had the pleasure of knowing many really nice pet parents as well.” 

Go down in pet-sitting history…

Nominations open May 1 for PSI’s 2024 Pet Sitter of the Year™ award!

What will the 2024 Pet Sitter of the Year receive?

● $500 cash prize

● One-year free PSI membership

● International recognition via news releases, social media and promotion on petsit.com

● PSY logo to use on your website and other marketing materials

● An expenses-paid trip to PSI’s 2024 conference (includes registration, travel and hotel accommodations)

● Recognition at the awards ceremony during the 2024 conference

● Waived testing fee for PSI’s CPPS® Exam, if not already certified

Note: This award is open to all PSI members of at least three years regardless of location or business size.

professional pet-sitting industry:

● 2023—Doug Keeling, Bad to the Bone Pet Care, Jacksonville, Fla.

● 2022 — Morgan Andenas Weber, Lucky Pup Adventures, Sioux Falls, S.D.

● 2021 — Daniel Reitman, Dan’s Dog Walking and Pet Sitting, Port Washington, N.Y.

● 2020 — Jeanne Crockett, CPPS, Crockett’s Critter Care, New Bern, N.C.

● 2019 — Liz Hyde, CPPS, Pet Charmers, LLC, Gastonia, N.C.

● 2018 — Cathy Vaughan, CPPS, Cathy's Critter Care, Schertz, Texas

● 2016 — Carrie Feinberg, CPPS, Safe Haven Advocate Pet Care, LLC, Elgin, Ill.

● 2015 — Gerry Arner, CPPS, Pet 'n Nanny LLC, Wake Forest, N.C.

● 2014 — Michelle Miller, CPPS, At Home Comforts Pet Sitting, Panama City, Fla.

● 2013 — Sari Reis, CPPS, Mission Valley Pet Sitting Services, San Diego, Calif.

● 2012 — Vanessa Sorace, CPPS, Zoo Sitters LLC, Cape May Court House, N.J.

● 2011 — Jordan Di Marco, CPPS, Dogma Catma Pet Sitting, Boulder, Colo.

● 2010 — Scott Black, Personal Touch Pet Sitting, Kingwood, Texas

● 2009 — Cara Armour, Active Paws, Watertown, Mass.

● 2008 — Rob Nager, Decadent Dog Inc., Needham, Mass.

● 2007 — Jen Miler, Doggone Purrfect Pet Care, St. Petersburg, Fla.

● 2006 — Darlene Ehlers, Pampered Pets Home Care, Blue Jay, Ohio

● 2005 — Tammy Iseri, The Pet Sitter, Elk Grove, Calif.

● 2004 — Holly Cook, Special Pet Care Services, Marysville, Mich.

● 2003 — Dawn Secord, Fur, Feathers and Fins LLC, Chino Hills, Calif.

● 2002 — Rosary Bovello, Gaithersburg Pet Sitting Inc., Gaithersburg, Md.

● 2001 — Mark Gleckman, A Helping Hand, Acton, Calif.

● 2000 — Pat Love, Pets Are People Too! Hephzibah, Ga.

● 1999 — Heidi Kistler, The Pawsitively Pampered Pet, Berkeley, Calif.

● 1998 — Susan Baker, Pet’s Best Friend, Rocky Mount, N.C.

● 1997 — Sharon & Helene Jones, Sisters Sitting Service, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

● 1996 — Melanie Hocever, There’s No Place Like Home, Phoenix, Ariz.

● 1995 — Carol Proffitt, Paw Prints Pet Care, Knoxville, Tenn.

How to Use Your Website to Save Time and Get More Clients While Away From Your Desk

By Mikaela Vargas, Pet Marketing Unleashed

Did you know your website can act as your admin assistant and can initiate onboarding new

That’s right! Your website can help you free up time and make sure your pet business is thriving or heck,

Not only that but NOT having an automated result in missed clients. Ever had a potential client reach out and then didn’t hear back once you responded with

When you wait hours to get back to an inquiry, you’re allowing a competitor to save the day. When you don’t hear back, it’s not because they no longer need a sitter. It’s because they already moved forward with someone who

Steps to an automated onboarding process:

1. Write your ideal onboarding process,

What do you want potential clients to do first? What do you want them to know? What happens

Uncover what you’re doing that’s unnecessary.

Stop manually keeping track of every step in Most website platforms will allow you to set up

For example, if an inquiry fills out your contact form, instead of just showing a success message that says, “Thanks! We’ll get back to you within 24 hours,” consider an alternative. Can you redirect the form submission to a thank you page that allows them to schedule a call

If you want to impress clients and get them started, some platforms will also allow you to send an automatic email so they can get started all before you’re able to respond personally (Pet free masterclass on this topic of onboarding dreamy clients without

3. Revisit your copywriting. Your website should speak directly to your audience. It should build trust, answer their most important questions, and make them know that they want to work with you and only you That way you’re not left wasting time trying to convince them of your worth or having to explain why you charge $2 more per walk than your competitor.

Action step: Go to your website and see how many times you use the words “I” or “We.” See if you can replace it with the word “You.” Speak directly to your audience so they can feel heard and understood by you. Let them know how you can transform their life for the better. For example, instead of saying, “I’ve been a professional pet sitter for 10 years,” consider saying, “Helping you worry less while away from home.”

4. Quickly tell website visitors what you do, who you help, and how to get started. If it’s taking them too long to find out what it is that you do and how you can help them—in particular—they are likely to click off your page and head to the next site.

Action steps:

1. Update your headline to clearly state what you do, who you serve, and how you do it in a way that makes you unique.

2. Add a call-to-action button on every page. Ask someone unfamiliar with your website to go to your website and navigate how to get started. Is it straightforward?

Your website can be your biggest advocate and time-saver. Let it save you time and allow you to enjoy the business you built for yourself (vacays, self-care, hiring staff, date nights—whatever it is). You’ve got this!

Mikaela Vargas is the founder of Pet Marketing Unleashed, a company focused on helping pet business owners (petpreneurs) build optimized and stress-free pet businesses through branding VIP Days, web design, website templates, and education. She is all about creating systems and strategies that reduce stress and get pet businesses working while away from your desk or out with the dogs! Learn more at petmarketingunleashed.com

It’s Pet First Aid Awareness Month! Check your records to see if it’s been a couple of years since you took a class. If so, it’s time to sign up! PSI offers species-specific pet first aid courses online. Learn more at petsit.com/online-courses

April 24-28

posting online! Many pet sitters also find success sharing on social media or reaching out to clients who could be interested in parttime work.

May 15-19

Have you signed up for PSI’s annual Pet Sitter World Educational Conference? This year PSI is offering in-person and online options, so be sure to visit petsit.com/psw23 to view the list of speakers and sign up.

April 3-7

You can now access your April Monthly Member Toolkit at petsit.com/monthlytoolkit. Don’t forget to set aside time this week to review your Q1 progress toward your 2023 business goals. Fine-tune your strategies for Q2 if needed!

Free social-media images for May and June are now available in Professional Pet Sitters Chat. While you’re there, search to see if your peers have had any recent discussions about social media, then write down any new strategies you’d like to try.

May 1-5

Already filed taxes? Now’s a good time to make a list of any changes you’d like to make to your recordkeeping processes. Look for ways to reduce stress and increase efficiency (and include any recommendations from your accountant and/or tax professional).

April 17-21

It’s Pet Sitter Safety Month™! Be sure to view your Monthly Member Toolkit and visit petsit.com/ safety. If you have staff sitters, share any relevant tips with them to ensure your company is following safe practices.

May 8-12

Will you need any staff to help you manage your summer bookings? Don’t wait to publish your job

May 22-26

There’s just one month until PSI’s 25th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day® to support pet adoption! Visit petsit.com/toolkit for ideas on partnering with local businesses to highlight the importance of pet adoption (and quality pet care!).

May 29-June 2

to view your Monthly Member Toolkit.

June 5-9

The busy summer pet-sitting season is underway! Make preventing burnout a priority. Review your weekly schedule to see if you have relaxing activities incorporated and talk to any staff sitters about self-care.

June 12-16

Would you like to gain exposure in the industry and receive great prizes? Nominate yourself now for PSI’s Pet Sitter of the Year™ Award at petsit.com/pet-sitterof-the-year-nominations. It’s the industry’s highest honor!

June 19-23

If temperatures are rising in your service area, consider sharing safety tips on your social media pages and in your client newsletter. Visit www.petsit.com and search “hot weather” for important tips to “beat the heat.”

June 26-30

Your free social media images for July and August are now available in PSI’s private Facebook group. Also this month, go ahead and map out your marketing promotions for Q3 if you haven’t already.

New social-media images are available for June and July pet-related holidays and observances, so visit Professional Pet Sitters Chat this week to download them and also visit the Members Area

Insurance Issues

By David Pearsall, Business Insurers of the Carolinas

Answering Pet Sitters’ “What If” Questions… Question #1: Job Sharing

For this article, I thought it may be helpful to provide an answer to a question we commonly get asked by professional pet sitters. As most of you who have been in the industry for a couple of years or more are likely aware, it’s almost impossible to anticipate every type of situation you may face while taking care of clients’ pets or every type of request you may receive from prospective clients.

Even those that have been in business 20 years or more, and feel like they have seen it, done it, and know it all, will tell you (unless they only work with a few clients and never take on new ones) that they still encounter “things that make them go hmmm.”

And about that time our phone rings or another email comes through with the headline “I have a few questions…” or “Am I covered for this?”

So, for this article and for those to follow for the rest of 2023, let’s take a look at some examples of questions that almost every professional pet sitter will come across at some point in their career. I have learned over the years that if one member is asking a question, other members are likely pondering it as well, or asking the same question to other sitters in their local area or online (which may or may not always bring the right answer for your individual business).

Let’s begin with a routine question that my fellow team members and I at BIC receive each and every week, if not each and every day: What should I do if a client wants me to job share?

Please be aware that many similar questions may be answered differently by professional pet-care providers and “fly by night” pet sitters or dog walkers out there that have

David Pearsall is the vice president of Business Insurers of the Carolinas (BIC) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, which provides the Pet Sitters Liability Protection Policy and other insurance products to PSI members in the U.S. Visit www.psi-ins.com to learn more or contact BIC by phone at 1-800-962-4611.

encountered similar situations and have their minds made up that their approach (whatever the situation may entail) is the way they will handle it, regardless of the risk of an insurance claim or any liability issues that may come into play.

This is simply because we all have varying tolerances when it comes to risk and management of risk. While one professional member may be frightened to death of something going wrong in a given scenario and therefore ask a hundred “what if?” questions upfront, another professional member may say “no problem,” determine it’s worth the risk and they’re not concerned about it, and yet another member may tell you “that’s why I have insurance!”

Here’s our first example situation: A new client has a son or daughter in high school or home from college for the summer, and they will be coming and going during the week the clients will be on vacation.

The young family member will be there to walk the dogs as well, and will share the duties with you. Per the client, “If you will do 3 visits a day Monday – Wednesday, Sally or Joe will be home on Thursday, so if you can just come by once a day or night on Thursday-Saturday, the dogs should be fine,” or “On Sunday, Sally or Joe will be there until around 4 p.m., but we’ll need you to come later that night to be sure everything is okay. Does that work?”

A very similar question is often asked in regard to a housekeeper, neighbor, or friend. For example, a client may say, “The housekeeper will be cleaning on Wednesday, so you don’t need to come by at all on that day.” Or you may have a client explain,

“Our neighbors will take our dogs out for walks at night as we usually walk our dogs together anyway, so you only need to come by in the mornings and the weekend, as they will be out of town as well,” or even, “My good friend will be coming in for the weekend and will be staying the night with Lucy (the dog). She’ll be coming and going all weekend, so you may run into her, and she may also take Lucy to the park on Saturday as well, so if Lucy’s not here, don’t worry, she’ll probably be with her.”

When these situations occur, our team at BIC typically gets the phone call or email. We can’t make a decision for you, although in many cases, we find that is what pet sitters are hoping we can do for them. Unfortunately, the best advice or answer we can give you on all of the above situations is to recognize your increased exposure, and if you have your mind made up and/ or have already said yes/no problem to your client, be sure to address it in your contract language and either point them to the language in your contract that addresses these types of situations, or add an addendum and request they sign it, PRIOR to beginning the job.

Before I go any further, please let me be clear, neither I, nor any one of the licensed insurance agents on the BIC team, is a licensed attorney. We do not practice law, or write legal contracts, or sell or give away sample contracts or legal addendums addressing specific situations like above.

I highly recommend you contact an attorney in your local area or state to review and sign off on any contract language you are currently using, or any contract changes you are con-

sidering adding to address a specific situation. Furthermore, I recommend it be an attorney that specializes in business contract law and is familiar with applicable local, state, and federal laws in your area, and not someone you find on the internet or that is referred to you by another sitter 2,000 miles away from you or in an online pet sitter chat group.

That said, if you want to address damages that may occur to a client’s home or injuries sustained by your client’s pets when you or your team members are sharing a job with a client’s relative, neighbor, neighbor’s kid, friend, housekeeper, Airbnb guest, etc., it is recommended that you do so before you begin the job— and do so in writing.

If adding an addendum or amending your contract to address a unique jobsharing situation such as presented above, be certain to include a hold harmless agreement/language that specifically states the client agrees to waive and hold you/your team/your business harmless against any and all claims (bodily injury or property damage to a third party, as well as theft of mysterious disappearance of property) sustained at the client’s address during the specified period in which other people, unaffiliated with your business, will be sharing responsibilities of caring for that client’s pets and/or home/personal residence. Be sure to specifically spell out that this release/hold harmless agreement includes, but is not limited to, all injuries sustained by the pets in your care, custody or control, regardless of fault or negligence; any and all property damages to the client’s residence; any and all theft or mysterious disappearance of the client’s personal property; and any and all bodily

injuries suffered by a third party at the client’s premises or elsewhere, regardless of fault or negligence on behalf of your business, during the dates listed you are contracted to pet sit or provide pet care or house sitting services for them.

Have your client sign and date the addendum/agreement prior to the start date, and be sure your client is clearly aware upfront that neither you, nor your team/business, will be held liable for any of the above that occurs while job sharing during the specified contract period.

Your competent business attorney can review your contract and determine precise hold harmless language and/or approve the addendum beforehand, or possibly be able to incorporate it in your primary contract (although I highly recommend you consider a special addendum which addresses the specific job sharing dates and requires an additional signature, as this way there is no doubt the client is aware upfront). If you simply incorporate in your initial agreement, and the client signed it one, three or five years ago, in a hurry, they will most certainly have forgotten about it and once the claim occurs their attorney will do anything and everything under their power to show their client was never made aware of this clause in your contract. Again, I am not a licensed attorney, but I do believe you should consult with one and discuss this, and not assume your contract will always hold up, regardless of when signed or depending upon the circumstances of a claim.

Please do not just write up a hold harmless agreement/ contract yourself or utilize a post from the internet, as not all local and state laws are the same. If you research related claims involving hold harmless agreements, you will find that some hold harmless agreements have been ruled too broad or unclear, and courts have dismissed them. Therefore, it is imperative that the language meet all local, state and federal laws. Even though your client may agree, sign, and date the hold harmless agreement/ addendum, it does not prevent them from filing a lawsuit against you/your business, once an incident occurs. As long as you carry adequate general liability insurance and bonding coverage, your insurance company (assuming your policy does not exclude defense) will defend you and answer any lawsuits made against your business, up and until they can determine any liability on your part as accordance to the insurance contract.

The hold harmless agreement in itself may or may not be sufficient and hold up depending on the circumstance of the alleged incident. However, it will most certainly add another layer of defense to protect you/your business. This can be especially useful when the college kid, family friend, neighbor or neighbor’s kid is denying fault, and/or pointing fingers at you/your team after the claim occurs.

Recent General Liability Claims:

• A dog was bitten on the nose by another dog that was in the care of the pet sitter. Total Paid $1,258.

• While on a walk, the dog slipped out of the collar and ran, tearing their ACL. Total Paid $2,256.

• The litter box did not have litter in it for the cats and the cat soaked the client’s bed in urine. The bed had to be replaced. Total Paid $1,246.

• A pet sitter opened the sliding glass door to let the dog outside but failed to open the screen. The dog ran into the screen, bending the frame. Total Paid $998.

• Two dogs in a pet sitter’s care got into a medicine bottle and ingested multiple pills. Both dogs were taken to the emergency vet. Total Paid $4,175.

• A pet sitter was walking a client’s dog when they came across another person walking on the sidewalk. The dog in the pet sitter’s care jumped on the person, biting the person, and causing multiple injuries.

Total Paid $24,736.

• A pet sitter went to a client’s home to walk their two dogs. As the sitter opened the door to the home, the dogs noticed someone walking on the street and ran out and attacked. Total Paid $551,522.

• A dog ran out of a client’s apartment, passing the pet sitter, and then attacked a dog that was being walked by their owner. Total Paid $1,030.

• While a pet sitter was walking a dog, a man came rushing around the corner and startled the dog. The dog then jumped on the man and bit his arm.

Total Paid $57,524.

• A client arrived home and discovered that their water was left on and running in the kitchen sink. The water had spilled on to the floor, warping the hardwood and damaging the basement ceiling. Total Paid $4,736.

Recent Workers’ Compensation Claims:

• A dog bumped the head of an employee, causing a contusion. Total Paid $384.

• A pet sitter was walking a dog on a leash. The dog was pulling the pet sitter to the right when the pet sitter was attempting to go to the left. This caused the pet sitter to slam their hand on a fire extinguisher, resulting in a cut on their finger and injury to their hand. Total Paid Medical and Indemnity $14,105.

• A dog suffered an injury, and when the pet sitter attempted to look over the dog to assess the injury, the dog bit the pet sitter on both hands.

Total Paid $659. 

From the Files

ORGANIZING YOUR VEHICLE FOR VISITS

Spring is in the air—and if you are focused on spring cleaning and organization, this may extend to your pet-care business as well. Depending on the services you offer and how your daily schedule is structured, you may find that that there are various supplies you need to take with you on your daily pet-sitting route. But how do you keep everything organized?

PSI member Cathy Flatley, Wags 2 Whiskers Pet Sitting, LLC, in St. Pete, Florida, recently posed this question in Professional Pet Sitters Chat, PSI’s private-members-only Facebook group:

I am still trying to figure out how to get my car organized with everything I need. What do you use?

Here are some of the responses from fellow members:

I use a curtain rod to hang leashes and collars. I use various size storage tubes to hold supplies. A reused plastic zip bag that a sheet set came in to store towels for paw cleanup. A mesh laundry basket to collect dirty towels. And airtight canisters to store treats.— Laura Heatwole, Red Waggin Pets, The Colony, Texas

I have a garden tote with pockets for leashes, bags, treats, etc., as well as a trunk organizer for less frequently used items. Every so often, I clean, vacuum and put everything back in its spot. But usually, the leashes just get tossed on top of the caddy, towels, rain gear, and paper towels get tossed in the back seat. I also have a bin for back up gloves, earmuffs, scarfs, sweatshirts, etc.— Sue Hayes, Great Woods Pet Sitting, Mansfield, Massachusetts

Reusable grocery tote bags. One for clothing, one for gear.— Morgan Andenas Weber, Lucky Pup Adventures, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

I use this [trunk car organizer] from Amazon.— Jennifer Saker, Ducky Paws, Framingham, Massachusetts

To read more responses or to post a question of your own, visit Professional Pet Sitters Chat at facebook.com/groups/PSIChat.

Another question that’s been previously posed in PSI’s Facebook group is, “What do you keep in your trunk?”

As you may imagine, the question yielded a long list of answers ranging from the expected (poop bags) to the potentially less expected (knee pads). Read through the list of items provided by pet sitters in PSI’s Facebook group and see which ones you are currently carrying around in your vehicle:

• Baby wipes

• Bags (plastic and paper)

• Black light

• Blankets

• Bowls

• Business cards & marketing materials

• Cat brush and toys

• Cleaning supplies

• Client leavebehinds

• Collars

• Dish soap

• Dog treats

• Extra clothes

• Face masks

• First aid kit (for humans and pets)

• Flashlight

• Garbage bags

• Gloves

• Hand soap

• Hydrogen peroxide

• Knee pads

• Leashes

• Lint roller

• Litterbox scoopers

• Muzzle

• Paper towels

• Pet carriers

• Pet shampoo

• Pet food (dry and canned)

• Plastic bags

• Poop bags

• Puppy pads

• Scissors

• Shoe covers

• Small dustpan and brush

• Smaller cooler with ice

• Snacks

• Spoon

• Sunblock

• Toilet paper

• Toilet plunger

• Toolbox

• Towels

• Water 

5 MISTAKES That Can Ruin Your Company’s Reputation

By Beth Stultz-Hairston, PSI President

A great website, highquality marketing materials and impressive credentials can go a long way in contributing to the success of your pet-sitting business. At the end of the day, however, your company’s reputation determines whether pet owners will pick up the phone to call you (or send you an email) to schedule a pet-sitting visit.

Each client interaction, pet-sitting assignment, networking event and media mention contributes to your company’s overall reputation. It can take a long time to establish yourself as THE pet sitter to use, but your pet-sitting reputation can be tarnished by a simple mistake.

While it’s easy to think “this would never happen to me,” even experienced pet sitters can slip up, particularly when they are overworked or burned out.

Whether you are new to the pet-sitting industry or a pet sitter veteran, take time to review your company’s policies and procedures to ensure you don’t fall victim to one of these five pet-sitting mistakes that can ruin your company’s reputation:

1. Not being insured/adequately insured. Perhaps you are just getting started and think you cannot afford pet-sitter liability insurance yet. Or, maybe you are a long-time pet sitter, and with paperwork piled high on your desk, you forget to renew your pet-sitter liability insurance policy. Whatever the case may be, not maintaining pet-sitter liability insurance is risky business. Not only is maintaining insurance coverage a hallmark of running a professional pet-sitting service, not having insurance can cripple your pet-sitting business. Imagine a running toilet or leaky faucet overflows and damages the flooring on the upper and lower levels of a client’s home—or a client’s dog dashes past you and is seriously injured when hit by a car.

Mistakes or accidents can happen to even the most experienced pet sitter—and mistakes like this have resulted in insurance claims exceeding $100K. Not having insurance coverage if a situation did arise would likely result in legal action by your client and could lead to financial ruin for your company—and both would lead to negative press and word of mouth that could quickly damage your pet-sitting company’s reputation.

Being underinsured can be equally damaging to your reputation. Consult with your insurance provider to make sure you have obtained an adequate amount of Care, Custody or Control (CCC) coverage. This is the component that is essential to pet sitters and covers the pets in your care, as well as the personal contents of your clients' homes. With veterinary costs steadily increasing, having the lowest CCC coverage available could prove to be a costly mistake for your pet-sitting business (and your reputation).

2. Missing a visit.

Over the years, we’ve heard from (and about) pet sitters who had missed a pet-sitting visit for a variety of reasons—accidentally writing down the wrong dates, forgetting to write down the assignment at all, overbooking, and being involved in an accident or emergency situation. At the very least, missing a visit will shake your client’s trust in your reliability. At the worst, missing a visit could result in danger—and even death—for the pets. Make sure your company has safeguards in place to prevent you from missing a visit for any reason.

Some ideas to consider:

• Using pet-sitter software and having clients book services through your reservation/client portal can ensure that all requested visits are officially in your system and included on your pet-sitting schedule, or the schedule of your pet-sitting team.

• If you don’t use software, only book new petsitting assignments during your office hours when you are at your computer or scheduling book. It’s too easy to answer a call and accept an assignment when you’re “on the go” and then forget to write it down.

• Have a policy in place that you will contact a client two to three days prior to the scheduled pet-sitting visit. Note that your client should contact you to confirm the assignment if they do not hear from you. This system of “checks and balances” is a standard policy for many pet sitters.

• Always have a backup plan. In the event that you are in an accident or become ill, have a back-up sitter than can complete your petsitting assignments for you and someone who is able to access your schedule and client information, if needed. Also, carry a Pet Sitter Emergency Card, or similar identification, that would alert law enforcement or medical professionals that your backup pet sitter should be contacted if you were in an accident and incapacitated.

3. Leaving a visit early (or arriving late). Make sure the expectations are clear. Your clients should know that while you may not guarantee specific times for pet-sitting visits, you will come during specific morning, midday and evening timeframes. If, for some reason, you cannot arrive at an assignment during the agreed upon time, use a backup sitter. Or, if you are only slightly late, be honest and note that in your pet-sitting visit notes.

Increasingly, clients are checking the times pet sitters arrive and depart by the tracking information provided by their home’s alarm system or by indoor or outdoor cameras. It’s also important to adhere to the visit length you’ve agreed to in your pet-sitting contract. Unless you’ve specifically discussed this with the client and they’ve agreed (for example, some pet sitters offer shorter check-in visiting on busy holidays or have specific policies regarding visits during extreme heat or other inclement weather), you should never shorten a visit. It’s unfair to the client and their pets. Clients who feel as if they‘ve

been “cheated” will be quick to share this information with fellow pet owners—and your company’s reputation will suffer.

4. Bringing visitors inside the home without permission.

It may seem harmless—you are staying at a client’s home for an overnight sit and a spouse, partner or friend wants to stop by. Perhaps a pet has made a big mess—or you are short for time—and ask a friend or boyfriend/girlfriend to stop by and help you. Allowing anyone into a client’s home without their permission violates a client’s trust and could do definite damage to your company’s reputation.

Also, if you use staff sitters, make sure clients understand that you—or anyone from your staff—may be assigned to their pet-sitting assignment. One time, PSI heard from a pet parent who was distraught to see a face she did not recognize on her home’s web cam while she was away. It ended up that the man was a staff sitter for the particular pet-sitting company she hired. While he was, in fact a credible, trained, background-checked pet sitter, the client still felt violated because she had not been made aware that a stranger would have access to her home and pets.

Your clients trust you with their most valuable possessions (and their pets!), so make sure you do not give them a reason to doubt your trustworthiness and criticize you to other local pet owners.

5. Badmouthing clients or competitors.

We’ve all had those days—a client asks what seems like an outrageous request or another local pet sitter does something you’d never do, and your first thought is to post a quick update on Facebook, tweet about it, or perhaps even mention it to another client or business associate. Think twice. While sharing pet-sitting experiences with fellow pet sitters in your local pet-sitting network or chatting about situations with other pet sitters online are great opportunities to learn from one another, you should always be careful about when and where you share sensitive information.

Be especially cautious on social media—while you may not have clients who can see your personal Facebook page or your posts in a pet-sitters-only group on Facebook, it’s never 100 percent private. With Facebook’s frequent security changes, what you think are private posts are sometimes accessible by the public. And even if not, you never know who someone else knows. A friend on your Facebook page could know a client and report back on your negative comments. Even if your client (or the fellow pet sitter) doesn’t find out, your negative posts could cause others to question your respect of privacy or business ethics. It’s not the reputation you want for your pet-sitting business. 

THE POWER OF Networking

By Doug Keeling, Owner & Founder of Bad to the Bone Pet Care

Do you want more clients? Do you want to become more of a resource to your clients and your community? Do you want to stay informed on the best (and worst) things to do within your business? Or maybe you just want a friend that understands the ins and outs of pet sitting? It’s time to network and build relationships with other pet businesses!

Building relationships with the other pet businesses in my area absolutely put my business on a path for success. I started reaching out to other pet sitters and dog walkers a couple of years into my business because I wanted to be able to send the clients we couldn’t accommodate to someone reputable. In the years since, we have all come together under the idea that a rising tide lifts all boats. These referral arrangements have made it possible for me to expand my business exponentially without spending a dime on marketing and have made it possible for many other businesses in our area to do the same.

More important than saving a buck on marketing, these relationships have made it possible for us to all learn from each other and grow together. When we come together and share our experiences, successes, and failures, we can only get better in the process. I have made huge changes to how my business operates—and my long-term goals—because of what I have learned from the other pet businesses in my area. These relationships have also led to some of the most significant friendships I have ever had. Sometimes, there is nothing more meaningful than just being able to share a beer or coffee with someone that knows what it’s like to get drug down the sidewalk by an untrained pooch or get poo under your fingernails.

The knowledge I have gained from spending time with the other pet business owners in my area has made me an infinitely better resource for our clients. I am the first call our clients make when they need a referral for

a groomer, dog trainer, pet boutique, or anything else pet related. Offering this level of expertise helps to build trust with our clients, which leads to them staying loyal and becoming true fans. Making fans and brand ambassadors out of your clients makes it much easier to raise your prices, make pivots with your business, and so many other things.

It’s easy to think of other businesses as competition, but we must remember that there will always be more families in need of pet care than there will be petcare providers. We should not view each other as competitors; we should think and act like a community. I started by reaching out to other pet sitters and dog walkers individually and asking if they would like to meet for coffee and get to know each other, and that grew into group get-togethers, and then eventually an official networking group for our area.

If you haven’t taken the time to build relationships with the other pet businesses in your area, be sure to do so this year. Start by following them on social media, and then introduce yourself and ask if they would like to meet up and get to know each other. This is about building meaningful long-lasting relationships. Don’t go into it asking for referrals right off the bat…the referrals will come as a side-effect of these relationships. Remember, there are more than enough pets to go around for everyone, and we truly are all in this together. 

Doug Keeling is the owner and founder of the award-winning Bad to the Bone Pet Care, and PSI’s 2023 Pet Sitter of the Year. Doug began pet sitting professionally in 2013 and has since grown a team of pet professionals servicing Northeast and Central Florida. Doug is also a traveling pet sitter offering his services across the country. Follow Doug on Instagram @DougtheDogGuyOffiand his YouTube channel @DougtheDogGuy

Are You Considering Using a Business Consultant or Coach?

Could you benefit from working with a pet-sitter consultant or business coach? Quite possibly, yes—but before you hire a consultant or coach, consider these three steps to help you maximize your return on investment:

1. Know your why—and be specific. Professional pet-sitting business owners decide to use consultants or coaches for a variety of reasons. While you are likely looking to a consultant for answers, you do need to know what you want to accomplish.

So, do your homework in advance, identifying what it is you need to change, as well as what you are hoping to achieve (e.g., do you want to increase midday dog-walking clients or need help adding staff sitters?). Knowing what your problem areas are and what you ultimately want to achieve will help you better select the right consultant for your situation.

2. Be prepared to try new things. Before you hire a pet-sitter consultant, do some introspection—are you willing to make serious changes to your business, if necessary? If you are at a point in your business—or in life—where you don’t feel you would be willing or able to invest time in making significant changes to your business processes, that’s okay, but it may not be the best time to invest in a consultant.

While you don’t have to blindly follow every suggestion a consultant makes, be sure you are ready and willing to make

3. Be prepared to go it alone. Have you seen the shows where contestants go to fitness boot camps, improve their physical fitness, and stick to rigorous exercise routines with amazing results—but then go home and let those healthy habits slide? Don’t let that happen to your pet-sitting business after working with a consultant.

To get the most from the experience, go into the relationship knowing that you’ll have to continue to implement business practices and maintain various policies and programs you have implemented on your own—and for the long haul—after you stop working with the consultant.

Before moving forward with a consultant or coach, make sure you understand the services they offer and what you are paying for. For example, are you paying for one-on-one consultations? If so, how many sessions are included, how long is each session and how will it be conducted (e.g., Zoom, etc.)? Also confirm that you understand the payment terms. Will you pay upfront for a package or is there a per-session fee? If you are purchasing a package, is there a cancellation policy? Just as you have a contract with your clients, you should also have an agreement with the consultant you use and make sure you understand their policies and procedures.

PSI members share their experiences…

Thank you to these members for answering questions for us about their

Why did you decide to hire a business consultant/coach?

I have built my solo business up for about 10 years. The processes that served me well when I started began to not work as well for me as business grew. Various aspects became more of a struggle. I was getting frustrated, tired and what used to be fun was feeling more like work. I said to myself, ‘I've got to implement some changes if I am going to have another 10 years.’

What factors did you use to determine which consultant or coach to use?

I was scrolling my Facebook feed and I saw Doug Keeling’s YouTube video about his 10 biggest mistakes. To say it resonated is an understatement. Not only did I like the way he spoke, but he was also addressing all the processes, feelings and tribulations I had been experiencing. I thought, ‘Well he's clearly come out on the other end. I need to talk to this guy asap!’

What are some of the main topics or issues that the consultant or coach helped you address? We have been addressing what is working, what used to work, and what is no longer working

at its optimum. From hiring employees and moving to petsitter software to reclaiming personal time/life, we are covering everything; in addition to making sure the aspects that are working well don't have some room for improvement.

What advice would you give to other PSI members considering using the services of a consultant or coach?

I can see how finding the right person is challenging. There are so many great resources. My business' success has been built a lot on my personality. Finding someone that you jive with can make for easier meetings and more fruitful results. Almost any meeting you have, be it an affordable one-time meet or a more ‘all-encompassing package,’ is going to have positive and valuable information you will use. If you take your time, research the coaches, interview prospective coaches, and ask questions of PSI members that have used those coaches, you'll put yourself in a position for success!

Karen Levy, Laughing Pets Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia

Why did you decide to hire a business consultant/coach?

I knew that my business would benefit from having a dedicated person looking at my business from ‘the outside’ and help me make decisions that would grow my business. It’s great to share ideas and experiences with peers but having an ‘expert’ is even more beneficial.

What factors did you use to determine which consultant or coach to use?

I wasn’t interested in hiring a coach that had built a successful pet-sitting company and started coaching with the mindset of ‘do what I did, and you will reach your goals.’ I wanted a broader perspective on my business. I wanted a higher level of coaching. Though our industry has nuances, it’s always been my belief that ‘small business is small business is small business’ and that the challenges of running a small business no matter the industry are the same. Bringing in someone beyond our industry with a strong business acumen was very

appealing to me. I wanted a person who had an MBA and experience in the corporate world including a high-level position in a small business. It was a bonus that I found someone also familiar with the pet-care industry.

What are some of the main topics or issues that the consultant or coach helped you address?

We took a deep dive into my numbers…Labor cost, pricing of services, operating budgets. Additionally, we examined my policies and infrastructure. I was way beyond the beginner phase. We fine-tuned things which included creating a stronger infrastructure and building the financial fortitude to take the business to the next level. Having employees adds a different layer to a pet-sitting business therefore I had an entirely different set of challenges than I did when we were a smaller business and with her guidance, I’ve been able to navigate the challenges that existed and the ones that manifest over time.

What advice would you give to other PSI members considering using the services of a consultant or coach?

If you are just starting out, there are many coaches that will help you grow but find one who really focuses on the financials because that drives many decisions and touches all facets of your business. ‘Master classes’ are valuable in their own way but having one-on-one coaching is so much more beneficial because you can focus on your goals, your business, and your challenges specifically. Also, you can learn at your own pace and private coaching can be ongoing. If your business has plateaued, like mine had, the right coach will help move your business over that hump. If you aspire to grow beyond a solopreneur, a coach will help you accelerate your growth projection.

Why did you decide to hire a business consultant/coach?

I decided to hire a business coach because I knew I could only take my business so far with the level of knowledge I had and needed the advice/perspective of someone who was more experienced. I also value the opinions of others who have a different way of viewing challenges or obstacles in ways that I am unable to do so.

What factors did you use to determine which consultant or coach to use?

I have utilized a few business coaches, and I first sought some of their more inexpensive or free modalities on social media, podcasts, websites, etc. When I felt I needed more in-depth and personalized coaching, I invested more in their online programs or one-to-one calls.

What are some of the main topics or issues that the consultant or coach helped you address?

Marketing ideas were a big help. Also, ideas on how to rest and recover from business burn out. Hiring has been a topic I’ve learned a lot from coaches about. Kim Ottone Tank has been a huge mentor/coach for me in this part of my business. Being in California, having employees and following all the intricate laws is a challenge.

What advice would you give to other PSI members considering using the services of a consultant or coach?

Do your homework and find someone you get along with. Some coaches are about tough love, and some are more compassionate and will hold your hand more. Go with someone who has a personality you can work with. There are many business coaches out there, and some are experts in the pet business field. I’d recommend a pet business coach who has been there, done that. There is something about a coach having been in the trenches that puts me at ease. 

Jennifer Hodge, Jenn’s Pet TLC, LLC, San Jose, California

Are You Considering Becoming a Business Consultant or Coach?

As the professional pet-sitting industry matures and grows—and as more experienced, long-time pet-care business owners look to share their knowledge and expand their business model—we anticipate more members will be interested in learning more about either offering consulting in addition to their pet-sitting services, or as a stand-alone business after retiring from pet sitting or dog walking.

PSI does not currently partner or have affiliate relationships with any business coach or consultant. However, we put a call out in our private Facebook group for PSI members who also offer coaching or consulting and would be willing to answer some questions about what motivated them to offer consulting services, and to provide more information on the services they offer.

Thank you to these members who replied and shared details about their services and how they got started.

Kim Ottone Tank

What prompted you/how did you decide you wanted to offer consulting services?

I have a passion for hiring issues and helping others. When others started telling me I should offer my services, I decided to do it!

As a consultant/coach, do you have a specific focus/ specialty that you work with clients on (for example, some focus specifically on hiring/growing your business)?

I have a specific focus which is helping sitters with the hiring process. I enjoy helping those hiring for the first time, and those wishing to convert from ICs to employees. In addition, I work with established employers hoping to revamp their pay structure and scheduling processes to maximize efficiency.

How are your services offered/what can clients take advantage of (e.g., one-on-one Zoom consultations, courses, in-person, etc.)?

I offer consults by phone, Zoom or email. I love working with others one-on-one. At some point in the future, I may offer courses, but for now, it is all on an individual basis.

Is there a general price structure for your services that you can share?

I charge $75 per hour.

Do you offer a free initial consultation for those interested in your consulting services?

I provide a free 20 minute to make sure what I offer is a good fit.

In addition to consulting, do you offer any additional services (e.g., document and website review, business forms, SEO assistance, etc.)?

I do not offer any additional services at this time.

To learn more about her services and offerings, visit www.facebook.com/PetSitterHiring or email kim@ staffingstrings.com.

What prompted you/how did you decide you wanted to offer consulting services?

I love marketing my own pet-sitting and dog-walking business and have had huge success doing so. And I wanted to share that with others. I enjoy helping people see the same success and I love the community I have built of like-minded people.

As a consultant/coach, do you have a specific focus/ specialty that you work with clients on?

I focus on helping pet business owners market their pet business so they are fully booked and can easily add new clients when they want/ need to.

What services do you offer?

I have my signature Get Fully Booked course which walks you through getting fully booked, plus my marketing membership group which consists of monthly trainings,

Kate McQuillan

a done for you marketing content kit each month and weekly group coaching calls.

I have a social media marketing planner for pet business owners and also a planner for creating stories. Each product gives you all your social media post/stories written for a year. I also offer 1 to 1 coaching.

Is there a general price structure for your services that you can share?

My 1 to 1 coaching rate is $200 per hour or 12 hours for $2,000. My membership is $399 for the year or $49 monthly. My Get Fully Booked Course is $697.

Do you offer a free initial consultation for those interested in your consulting services?

Yes, I do a free call with people who are interested in working 1 to 1 with me.

In addition to consulting, do you offer any additional services (e.g., document and website review, business forms, SEO assistance, etc.)?

No, everything is in my membership or course.

Anything else you’d like to share and/or any advice for other veteran sitters who may be considering offering consulting services?

I feel it’s important to have a strong success story of your own to show people what you have done and how you did it—rather than just theory. That’s what will make you stand out to potential clients.

To learn more about her services and offerings, visit www. PetBusinessOwners.com

cide you wanted to offer consulting services?

I had mentored local pet business owners for over a decade and had been told several times I should offer it on a broad scale. Like many things in life, it took a few key life triggers to put me in the correct mindset to step into that space.

As a consultant, do you have a specific focus/specialty that you work with clients on?

I am a high-level strategist and big-picture visionary. My sweet spot is pet business owners who have aggressive goals, need some education to shore up their base, and are willing to challenge limiting beliefs of what they can create, #7isthenew6.

What services do you offer?

I have free training series available about Hiring, Sales Funnel, and Growing into Management. The best free education I have is on the PetBizHIVE Podcast. I also have limited 1:1 strategy sessions available. I have a paid audio course PetBizMBA Foundations which prepares both new pet business owners and those ready to leave the app services for freedom. Other courses are being developed. I also run a business accelerator for highperforming pet business owners at the PetBizMBA Membership.

Is there a general price structure for your services that you can share?

I charge a simple $97 rate for a Strategy Session (minimum 50 minutes). I believe the best bang-for-your-buck is $97/month for the PetBizMBA business accelerator where you get me every

week. This year, [membership] opens in March and October unless I have a special event. There is a waitlist at www. PetBizMBA.com.

Do you offer a free initial consultation for those interested in your consulting services?

Of course! Sometimes that is what they need to change perspective. I like to make our time actionable, so they leave with something to work on to get a quick win in their business.

In addition to consulting, do you offer any additional services (e.g., document and website review, business forms, SEO assistance, etc.)?

I do have contracts and manuals available including a new staff training manual I specifically wrote for our in-home industry called Working With Dogs. I will be testing for my CEPA (Certified Exit Planning Advisor) certification in May to provide services to pet business owners who are proactive in the exit planning process.

Anything else you’d like to share and/ or any advice for other veteran sitters who may be considering offering consulting services?

If you truly are gifted in a particular area, whether it is tech, HR, marketing, social media, encouragement, accountability, or whatever – push past the impostor syndrome and realize you DO BELONG IN THAT ROOM! We are incredibly blessed to be in this maturing industry. We are gradually becoming unified cross-industry in a search for standardization of care for pets. There is room for others with the right mindset to contribute to the pet industry with their time and talents.

If there is anything I have learned in 25 years of business, it is to maintain a growth mindset and a belief in abundance. The transition from our old scarcity mindset to the collaborative environment we now have of cooperation has been a long time coming!

To learn more about her services and offerings, visit www.PetSitterGURU.com, www.petbizmba.com and the PetBizHIVE Podcast (Apple and Spotify). 

is PET SITTER SAFETY MONTH™

TIP: If an unexpected vehicle or person is in the driveway when you arrive for a visit, DO NOT stop. Continue driving and contact your client.

Educate yourself on dog body language and behavior.

Keep canine clients on a leash and stay alert.

TIP: Avoid walking dogs and playing outside with pets during the hottest hours of the day. Wear water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and reapply every two hours.

Mother’s Day Don’t Forget Pet Moms This

While summer vacations and winter holidays likely mean busy times for your pet-sitting business, don’t forget other holidays and observances can also offer a great opportunity to promote your services and go the extra mile to make your clients happy.

With spring in the air, one of the first holidays of the season is Mother’s Day. Whether you have open spots in your pet-sitting calendar that you’d like to fill, or you are simply looking for a new idea to wow your current clients, Mother’s Day is an often-overlooked time to promote your pet-sitting business.

In need of Mother’s Day marketing inspiration?

Check out these five ideas:

1. If you still have space for pet-sitting assignments Mother’s Day weekend, email is a good place to start. Do you send your clients an email newsletter? If so, consider sending an email with a subject line like “Planning a last-minute weekend getaway for Mom? Don't forget your pets!”

This type of email is an easy way let your clients know you still have a few spots available and to contact you to schedule their pet-sitting visits. You may even consider offering a Mother’s Day coupon.

2. If your pet-sitting schedule is full, an email promotion can still be beneficial. Consider sending a Happy Mother's Day email to your pet mom clients.

A possible subject line could be: “Mother's Day is for pet moms, too!” This email is also a perfect time to include a reminder about how quickly your summer pet-sitting calendar is filling up.

If you know any dates that you will not be available, include that information in the email as well. This type of email shows you value your clients and also keeps you top-of-mind with your clients who are likely busy making summer travel plans.

3. Want to put a smile on your clients’ faces? Consider making some simple Mother's Day cards from the pet that you could leave behind for your clients. If you forgot to purchase PSI’s 2023 Mother’s Day cards during this year’s pre-sale to mail to clients, there’s still time to make simple cards on your own. If possible, include a photo of their pet.

You can leave these behind at the homes of pet moms you will be visiting Mother’s Day weekend (or the week leading up to Mother’s Day). Happy clients are your best form of advertisement, and your clients are sure to spread the word about thoughtful gestures like this!

4. Contact your local media. Consider writing and sending a press release about what to give pet parents for Mother’s Day. This offers a unique twist on the typical articles with Mother’s Day gift ideas for moms. Send the release to your local newspaper and news stations. If you do not already have a relationship with your local media, the PSI website offers tips for getting your pet-sitting company’s name in the news. If you have a blog for your pet-sitting business, be sure to post the release there.

Share the love on social media sites. You can also use your pet-sitting company’s social media pages to wish your clients a Happy Mother's Day and share any special offers. Remember, photos, images and videos get more engagement on Facebook (compared to a text-only post), so consider posting a photo or video of pets with a “Happy Mother’s Day” message. PSI also makes Mother’s Day images available in your monthly toolkits.

You can also get your clients involved by asking your clients to share photos of themselves with their “pet children” on your page. As a special “thank you” to your mom clients, you could even randomly select one client who shares their picture on your page to receive a free pet-sitting visit. —PSI Staff 

15 Situations Requiring Immediate Veterinary Care

By Denise Fleck, The Pet Safety Crusader™

For even the most attentive pet sitter, it can be challenging to decide when a pet in your care needs a veterinary visit. Getting to know the pet by performing regular check-ups and staying fresh on your dog, cat, bird, rabbit or other help you spot warning signs that indicate the animal is experiencing a health emergen cy. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and reach out to a medical profes sional, but to give you guidelines, below are 15 situations that always require immediate veterinary care.

Prepare in Advance for a Pet Emergency

It is impossible for you to know when an emergency may occur but being prepared could help you provide your canine or feline patient the care needed more quickly. Follow these steps for peace of mind:

 Have the phone number and driving directions handy to the closest animal ER, along with the number for Animal Poison Control.

 Maintain a well-equipped Pet First Aid Kit and check regularly to make sure no items are expired, have leaked, or are missing.

 Frequently practice safe handling and restraint techniques on both dogs and cats and be sure to have materials needed.

 Update your Pet First Aid training every two years, as protocol changes and refreshing skills is vital.

 Have a plan in place with clients as to how medical expenses will be paid for at the time the pet is injured or becomes ill so there is no delay in getting the animal the care he needs.

When a Pet Emergency Occurs

1. Call ahead to notify the veterinary office/ animal ER of your impending arrival and the animal’s condition.

2. Follow instructions provided—on how to administer first aid or otherwise make your pet as comfortable as possible.

3. Remain calm and take care to safely handle, approach and restrain (if necessary) your four-legged patient. Animals not only pick up on our emotions but often act out when they are in pain.

Bleeding, pus or discharge from any orifice or part of the body

• Open wounds or broken bones

• Bloat or tenderness to the abdomen

• Excessive panting or obvious pain

• Vomiting/diarrhea/ constipation

• Straining to urinate or defecate

• Seizures or loss of balance

• Restlessness or lethargy

• Dilated or unequally dilated pupils

• Inflammation or injury to an eye or sudden blindness

• Change in normal eating/ drinking and/or elimination of waste

Anything that is not normal could be an emergency sign.

1. Difficulty breathing or unconscious: If a pet in your care is struggling to breathe, breathing rapidly or barely at all, transport quickly to the nearest animal ER and be prepared to provide rescue breaths and CPR on the way!

2. Severe bleeding: Injuries resulting from car accidents, dog or cat fights, and from sharp objects can result in skin lacerations. If bleeding cannot be controlled within five minutes (using basic first aid protocol of direct pressure, elevation, and pressure on appropriate artery), the pet needs veterinary intervention. Additionally, if a pet coughs up blood or bleeds from the nose, eyes, ears, mouth, or rectum, or if blood is present in the urine, vomit, or diarrhea, seek medical help.

3. Pale, red, blue, or yellow gums or Slow CRT: Pale gums indicate severe bleeding or cardiac arrest; red gums = heatstroke; blue imply insufficient oxygen or pulmonary arrest while yellow gums signify zinc toxicity or liver issues. If Capillary Refill Time is two seconds or longer, elevate hind quarters (unless head, chest, or spinal injury) to promote circulation, wrap pet to maintain body heat and get to the vet!

4. Heatstroke: On average, dogs and cats have an internal body temperature of 101ºF (38.33ºC), so if their temperature is 104°F (40ºC) or higher, it is a medical emergency!

5. 2nd or 3rd Degree Burns (heat, chemical or electrical): If burned tissue exhibits blisters or pus, it is a second degree burn and highly susceptible to infection. In third-degree burns the skin is black (charred) or white (think boiled chicken breast). Either case, considerable tissue damage has occurred, and the pet is pain. Apply appropriate first aid and get to the vet!

6. Bloat: A distended abdomen, dry unproductive retching (other than saliva) and distress, especially in large-chested breeds, is life-threatening bloat which can be fatal as quickly as 15-minutes after onset!

7. Exposure to toxins (poisoning): Curiosity causes pets to eat dangerous substances. Although signs do not always present immediately, they can lead to life-threatening organ failure if treatment is not initiated quickly. Ingested, inhaled, and absorbed toxins as well as bites from venomous snakes, poisonous toads, scorpions, jelly fish, and spiders require prompt medical attention.

8. Vomiting multiple times in 24-hour period: An isolated episode of vomiting may be normal, but 2-3 episodes in a 24-hour period is not and warrants medical attention. If the pet has other symptoms, such as lethargy or lack of appetite, then even one episode should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

9. Straining to urinate: A small bladder stone can obstruct a pet’s urethra, preventing him from eliminating. If not relieved quickly, toxins will accumulate, and the pet’s kidneys may become compromised. Male cats are most likely to develop a urethral obstruction, but other pets can also experience this life-threatening condition. If a pet is straining to urinate, crying in the litterbox, or urinating only a few drops at a time, have them immediately checked.

10. Seizures: A first-time seizure or tremors lasting more than five minutes should be diagnosed. In the case of an epileptic animal, a seizure lasting longer than is normal for that pet or clusters of seizures also require a trip to the animal ER.

11. Balance Issues: Any pet who is staggering or unable to maintain his balance should be assessed for neurological and/or toxicological issues.

12. Inability to walk, use a limb or obvious fractures: Even if splinted, fractures or exposed bones, suspected muscle/tendon strains or tears need vet care. Mobility loss may involve a spinal cord injury or lack of blood flow. These conditions are excruciatingly painful and require immediate care.

13. Eye injuries: Dogs and cats rely heavily on their vision, and any condition that threatens their eyesight is an emergency. Proptosis or a penetrating foreign body will be evident, but any redness or irritation should also be addressed immediately.

14. Trauma: All blunt force injuries, as well as piercing or puncturing to the head, chest or abdomen, require immediate emergency care.

15. Acute pain: Whining, whimpering, or crying; shaking, hiding, or panting heavily with no other explanation; behavioral changes; and moving with an unusual posture should be diagnosed quickly by a veterinary professional.

When in doubt, get to the vet! If the pet is sick enough to be hospitalized, YOU caught the problem quickly! If it turns out treatment was not needed, both you and the pet owner have peace of mind and home care instructions to nurse the dog or cat back to their best self. 

Denise Fleck is the Pet Safety Crusader™, having taught 25,000 humans animal life-saving skills. Her mission is to help YOU make a difference in the life of an animal through her pet first-aid, senior pet care and disaster preparedness classes. Denise has appeared on television, radio and in magazines, and has authored more than a dozen books. She is the proud recipient of multiple awards from both the Cat and the Dog Writers Associations, including the PSI Professional Pet Care Award Learn more at www.PetSafetyCrusader.com

Building Partnerships with Other Local Businesses

By Candice Jenisek, Wagging Tail Pet Care

In today’s world, there are many ways to generate business. From SEO and social media to word of mouth, it’s hard to keep track of and optimize your advertising needs. One underappreciated and often underutilized process is working with your local businesses to promote one another.

Many think of leaving business cards on veterinary office bulletin boards or stacks behind groomers’ counters, which can be helpful to people specif ically looking for your type of service, but what you really need to be doing is building a meaningful relationship with the ones who you are advertising with. Getting to know them and vice versa will allow you to create a community where you all share the same values and can work together to cover all aspects of pet care.

The main focus of building partnerships like this is so that people can genuinely recommend you to their customers or clients. They want to be able to feel confident in promoting your business knowing they are sending their own to someone trustworthy.

One of my partners, Jen at Posh Pet Boutique and Grooming in Mentor, Ohio, said that “[This] experience partnering with Candice and Wagging Tail Pet Care has given me the opportunity to send long term clients to her knowing that I’m not steering them wrong. She’s not just another face promoting her services but rather a trusted friend that I know will take care of my clients properly.”

Jen and I partner together in various ways which benefit us both. I often purchase items from her retail front to put in client gift baskets, promote her to any clients needing grooming

services, promote her business with pamphlets at vendor events and even partner with her grooming salon to offer pet taxi services for her clients. She, in return, promotes my business the same, from social media to events to her storefront to even personal family and friends. We have generated business for each other by simply working together in not only a professional manner, but personal as well.

Another partner I work with frequently is another retail front and grooming salon, Barktown Willoughby in Willoughby, Ohio. Gladys, the owner, and I often partner together as well,

though in different ways. We do promote each other through business cards and social media, and I often buy items from her retail front as well, earning myself an employee discount along the way. But her location is in a quaint downtown area with lots of foot traffic, offering other partnership opportunities. For example, we have started a weekly dog walking club during the months of April-October. This brings foot traffic to her store and potential clients right to my face.

One of the greatest partnerships I’ve developed has been with the local humane society. As a long term volunteer, I’ve developed a good working relationship with the shelter and the people who work there, often getting clients from the staff, volunteers and friends and family of those who are involved. I often create baskets (with items from the businesses I partner with) for raffles or auctions that help raise money for the shelter as well as get my business out to the public.

Currently, we’re in the planning stage to offer discounted services to pets who have recently been adopted and may need our help, from vacation sits to daily walks. Not only are you helping out rescues, but, if you are familiar with the animals that do get placed in homes, it's a much less stressful transition from one location to another and may offer the owners and pets comfort and reassurance in a time of adjustment.

Whatever pet-friendly businesses or rescues may be in your area, do not be afraid to reach out to develop that professional relationship. The field of pet-care services does not have to be a competition and you may find your business growing at an exponential rate if you choose to partner with others in the area. Plus, you are able to develop meaningful relationships with other people in the area and uplift your community in more ways than one. 

in her town.

Take Your Business to the NEXT LEVEL

For over sixteen years, Bluewave Professional Pet Sitter has enabled professional pet sitters and dog walkers to streamline their office tasks so that they can better serve their clients, grow their businesses, and save time for other professional and personal endeavors.

Professional Pet Sitter features include:

• Pet Information – Detailed information concerning each pet, including veterinarian, pet routines, diet, behavior & physical characteristics, etc.

• Pet Owner Access Component – Customers can request services and follow-up on service status, utilizing your company website.

• Service scheduling – quickly schedule services involving multiple staff / multiple services with minimal effort. Service confirmations / re-confirmations can be sent when appropriate.

• Targeted Client Communication/Promotions

– Utilizing client groups, promotions can be targeted to specific clients.

• Staff Vacation/Time-off tracking

– Integrated into the scheduling process, it simplifies scheduling jobs, eliminating the opportunity to schedule staff that have requested/approved time off.

Let our proven, high-performance application be your path to success! Our friendly, knowledgeable, US-based support team is available to get you up & running quickly.

• Individual Client Pricing – Each customer has pricing-specific to their needs and services requested. Prices can be adjusted individually or as part of a group.

• Advanced Compensation Option – calculates staff compensation based on a) client, b) service, and/ or c) staff assigned. The system can calculate compensation using the most granular rule identified.

• Client profile data – Only staff responsible for the client or staff assigned to a service have access to the client profile data.

• Accounts Receivable – Quickly post payments from customers, transfer payments to multiple service orders easily. Flexibility to collect payments on your schedule.

• Reporting – Owners/Admins have access to a robust suite of historical & financial reports that can be retrieved for any desired timeframe – daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Additional benefits include:

• Work whenever & wherever

Our users can connect securely and effortlessly to our web-based platform from any Internet/ Wifi enabled device.

• Nothing to Install or Update

• Time Management

Thoughtful design means less time at the computer, allowing for more time and freedom to do what’s important to you, like hiring & training staff and spending time with family.

Safe, Secure, Fast

Using industry-standard software and state-of-the-art hardware, your data is continually backed up & available when you need it.

Are you taking advantage of your PSI Monthly Member Toolkit?

Each month you receive your Monthly Member Toolkit, which includes:

• Your Monthly Scoop email with trending articles you can share with clients

• A featured online article with bonus resource/special offer just for members

• A featured member resource—often a pet-sitter form template, client handout or webinar

• A monthly Facebook Live in PSI’s private, members-only Facebook group Resources are emailed to you each Monday at the email address associated with your membership.

If you are not receiving PSI’s weekly emails, please contact PSI Member Services at info@petsit.com.

SARAH ANDERSON

Your vacation pals.com

Sacramento, CA

LINDA ANTONETTE

Cozy Corner at the Resort

Hazle Township, PA

JOSEPHINE

BAILEY-MCLEIN

Josie & the Pups ‘N’ Cats

Los Angeles, CA

LISA BRERETON

Pawsitively Hoofin It!

Walnut Creek, CA

AMITY BROWN

Mile Wide Pet Sitting

Tucson, AZ

MARLA CARVAJAL

Poochini’s Pet Buddies

Las Vegas, NV

ERIN CHAPPELEAR

Dogwalker Etc! LLC

Honolulu, HI

Certification Announcements

to these PSI members who have recently earned the designation of CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter®:

LAURA COHAN

Laura Cohan

New York, NY

NICHOLAS COVELLO

Unleashed Tampa Bay LLC

Tampa, FL

LYNDA DARLEY

Every Creature’s Comfort, LLC

Parker, CO

SHARON DRESSLER

Sharebear Pet Care, LLC

Modesto, CA

KRISTEN EARHART

Pawsitive Pet Care

Cypress, CA

EDWARD ELLIOTT

PetPros of Hershey, LLC

Palmyra, PA

KERRI-ANN GRIFFITH

Nashville Kitty Sitter

Nashville, TN

EMILIE HALL

Newbury, VT

ALICIA JONES

Champaign, IL

DANIEL KINN

East El Paso

Pet Care, LLC

El Paso, TX

JENNIFER KINNEY

Jennifer’s Jungle Pet Sitting LLC

Camano Island, WA

TIANA KNODE

My Sweet Michelle

Concord, NC

ROSEMARIE LEE

NorthStar Pet Sitting Services

Clearwater, FL

AMY MCDONALD

Amy’s Critter Care, LLC

Fishers, IN

ASHTEN NTEWAK

PAWsitive Energy

Pet Care

Edmonton, Alberta Canada

SANDY PATRICK

Country Roads Pet & Farm Care

Palermo, ME

LAWANA QUEST

Cat’s Cradle Critter Sitter

Surrey, British Columbia Canada

GENISE RABB

Bark & Purr Pet

Sitting, LLC

Newton, NC

COURTNEY RESWEBER

Courtney’s Pet Care

Mandeville, LA

SHANNON RIGBY

Puppy Love Pet

Sitting LLC

Wimberley, TX

LISA RONAN

Happy Go Lucky

Pet Care

Walnut Creek, CA

KHALA SANTOLI

High 5 Pet Care LLC

Macedonia, OH

MELANIE SPACKMAN

Waterloo, Ontario Canada

REBECCA SURRATT

Serendipity Pet Services

Churchville, VA

CRISTINA TANGRETI

Cristina’s Critter Care

Covina, CA

MARISSA TRIGO

Pawsitively Purrfect

Pet Sitting Services

Houston, TX

CAROL WALTMAN

Perfect For Pets

Orlando, FL

LORRAINE WILSON

Flying Dog Pet Sitting

Cumming, GA

SHANNON WOOD

The Good Hound

Newton, MA

LAURA YANDELL

Wag Wagon

Saginaw, TX

ANDREW

ZAWODNIAK

A to Z Pet

Sitting, LLC

Wall, NJ

Congratulations also to these members for renewing their CPPS® designation for an additional three years:

GAIL ADRIAN

The North Jersey Fairy Dogmother

Stockholm, NJ

KATHERINE BARBOUR

WeCare Pet Services

Fort McMurray, Alberta

Canada

JESSICA BARRY

RCO Pet Care

Waterbury, CT

KAT BLITZ

Oasis Pet Sitting, LLC

Peoria, AZ

TRACY S. BRADLEY

Absolutely Animals

Humble, TX

SUSAN CANNON

Hamden, CT

KATHRYN DIESKOW

Bailey’s Mom

Brookfield, IL

LANÉE DOHERTY

Premier Pet Services LLC

Woburn, MA

PATRICIA EMMA-RINDERLE

Canine Companion Plus Milton, DE

ALISON GEORGE

The Crate Escape LLC

Hampstead, NH

TAMI GUY

Creatures Pet Care of Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo, MI

SUSAN HAYES

Great Woods Pet Sitting

Norton, MA

CARLA HEAVILON

Moxie Pet Care, LLC

Grand Rapids, MI

KRISTIN HUFFMAN

Safely Home Pet Sitting and Transport

Columbus, OH

PAULA JACKSON

Serendipity Pet Care

Port Charlotte, FL

GAIL JOHNSON

North Shore PetSitters

Duluth, MN

PATRICIA KIRKHAM

Birds and Critters

Pet Services

Calgary, Alberta Canada

SHARON LUECK

Sharon’s Happy Yappys

Pet Sitter Service

Madeira Beach, FL

DONNA MAC

Auntie Donna’s Pet Nanny Services, LLC

Vancouver, WA

SUSAN MCINTYRE

PlayTime Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

DANIELLE MCMILLIAN

Hello Pretty Petsitting

Oakland, CA

PAMELA MONAGHAN

Double Paws Pet Sitting

East Greenwich, RI

ROSE O’BRIEN

Elki’s Mom Pet Sitting

West Haven, CT

LETICIA ORLANDI

Pets da Lets

Jardim Paulista, São Paulo

Brazil

THERESA PARADIS

Wagitude Pet Hotel and Petsitting

Alta, WY

TERESA ROBINSON

4 Pets’ Sake Pet Care

Port Tobacco, MD

JOSEPHINE J. SANTORO

Home Sweet Home Sitters, LLC

Wappingers Falls, NY

STEPHANIE SAVY

Steph’s Pet Sitting

Lenni, PA

MARY SCOTT

PamperPet - Pet

Concierge

Santa Barbara, CA

MICHELLE SETZER

Wee Kitty Care LLC

Greendale, WI

JANET SPRATT

Niagara Pet Nanny INC St Catharines, Ontario Canada

SAVANNA WESTWOOD

The Savvy Sitter

Winter Garden, FL