Pet Sitter's World Magazine Oct-Dec 2024, a publication of Pet Sitters International

Pet Sitter’s World

Merry and Bright

Keeping pets safe this holiday season

Emergency Situations

Do you have a backup plan?

A Special Thank You…

While we try to focus on gratitude every day, this time of year, in particular, offers an important reminder to be more mindful of all that we have to be thankful for.

At PSI, when we think of what we are thankful for, YOU—PSI’s members—are at the top of our list!

This year, PSI celebrated 30 YEARS—and we know this community we’ve created with all of you is even more important as our industry continues to grow and evolve.

Thank you for your passion, professionalism, perseverance, and ongoing support of PSI and your fellow PSI members. And thank you for all you do to make the world a better place for pets—and their people!

We are so thankful we are in this together, and we look forward to moving forward together as we head into the New Year.

Remember, the PSI team is only a phone call or email away.

With gratitude,

The PSI Team

PET SITTER’S WORLD

FROM THE PSI PRESIDENT

Up for the Challenge? There's still time!

If you’ve been reading my column this year, you know I’ve issued small challenges for PSI members in each magazine issue. This year has seemed to fly by, but there’s still time to complete all three challenges!

I’ve included a recap of the challenges below, and you can find more details on the “why” behind each challenge in the past magazine issues at petsit.com/ magazine

Challenge 1: Get a professional (or at least high quality) headshot. Have a headshot taken this month (holding a pet, if possible!). Additional photos of you walking a dog, caring for a cat, etc., are also great to have for business use! If budget is a concern, look for local photographers offering mini sessions or a photographer who is willing to photograph you for free (or at a deep discount) to help build their portfolio or even barter for some pet-sitting services. You can even have someone take your photo with their smartphone (or even set the timer option to take the photo yourself). Current smartphones take high-quality, high-resolution photos, so there’s no excuse not to get a headshot taken!

Challenge 2: Participate in PSI’s Pet Sitter Mental Health and Wellness Summit on May 21.

While we are thankfully seeing more focus on mental health in the pet industry at large with initiatives like Not One More Vet (NOMV) in the veterinary industry, it’s a conversation we want to see continue (and increase) in the professional pet-sitting industry as well. That’s why we hosted a first of its kind event in May—PSI’s Pet Sitter Mental Health and Wellness Summit—and challenged all members to sign up and participate in this FREE event. If you missed, you can still access the summit session recordings at petsit.com/wellness.

Challenge 3: Participate in at least one new training before the end of 2024.

Give thought to what you’d like (or what you need) to learn more about to help improve your business or the service you provide to your clients and sign up for a training before year’s end. PSI has a variety of free on-demand webinars available to you in the Members Area of petsit.com. Don’t forget local business networks in your area—or even community colleges or public libraries—may offer free or low-cost classes to the general public.

If you complete these challenges, I’d love to hear about it! You can always email me at beth@petsit.com

Beth

Beth Stultz-Hairston, PSI President

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

Heather Smith, Membership Programs Coordinator

©Copyright 2024 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.

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

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 CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® 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

#PetSitterLife: Business Boundaries Why you need them—and how to set them

By Beth Stultz-Hairston, PSI President

As a small-business owner, setting boundaries is vital for your well-being. It’s also vital for the success of your business. And while you’re likely committed to the success of your pet-sitting business (and hopefully to protecting your well-being), you’re also likely guilty of committing some of these boundary faux pas:

• Do you find yourself saying “yes” when you know you should say “no”?

• Do you put business policies in place, but then “bend” them (or completely disregard them) to avoid having to enforce them?

• Do you find yourself saying, “I’m not going to put up with that anymore,” only to put up with “that” (whatever “that” may be) the next time a client asks for a last-minute pet sit, cancels without notice or asks you to lower your rates “just this once”?

Failing to establish (and stick to) boundaries is a dangerous practice for your business—and your own well-being.

The Importance of Healthy Business Boundaries

When you take on a new client with a fenced-in yard for their dogs, what is one of the first things you do? You walk the perimeter of the fence looking for any damaged, torn or weak spots—or open or unlocked gates. Why? It’s because you want to ensure that the boundary is secure. You know that weak boundaries around the dog’s yard can put him at risk of escape or injury.

It’s the same way with your business boundaries. You need to set secure boundaries to safeguard your business. If you let clients kick away at the boundaries you’ve established or “open the gate” of your boundaries (just this “one time” for a complaining client), you run the risk of allowing danger into your business. Or maybe, as can be the case with a dog and an open gate, you find yourself just wanting to run away!

I remember one time a member copied PSI on an email reply they sent to a potential client that contacted them through the PSI Locator. In the reply, they said, “I’m at a funeral service right now, but can call you this evening if that is okay.” I

wondered if the pet parent found that odd, but even more than that, I was heartbroken to think that this pet sitter thought they had to respond so instantly—even if at a funeral.

Repeat after me: “Establishing boundaries for my business isn’t selfish and I’m not doing a disservice to my clients.”

In fact, establishing boundaries ensures that your business (and your well-being) is well taken care of so you can continue to offer the best possible service to your clients and their beloved pets.

Business Boundaries You May Need to Set

What are some changes you need to make in your business to establish healthier boundaries? It could be that you need to implement (and enforce) a cancellation policy—or maybe you need to set specific office hours (and only take calls during those hours).

Take a look at some of these healthy boundaries and see if setting these could improve your business—and your well-being.

Set business hours. Do you find yourself answering phone calls, texts and Facebook or Instagram messages from clients at all hours of the night? As a small-business owner, you must have time each day when you are “unplugged” from your business—and responding to clients at all times doesn’t allow this to happen. If you are ready to set business hours, look at your schedule to see what makes the most sense for your business.

For example, you may decide that your business hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and that any emails and any calls (that you are unable to answer live) during that time will be responded to on the same day—but calls or emails

after those hours will be responded to on the next business day. Whatever hours you decide upon, manage your clients’ and potential clients’ expectations by clearly publishing your business hours on your website and in your business email signature—and be sure to mention your business hours on your company’s voicemail message.

It can also be a good idea to use an auto-reply message with your email and an auto-reply message on your company’s Facebook page messenger (if your company page accepts direct messages) stating this policy.

Flexible visit times. Naturally, you want to accommodate the specific requests of your pet-sitting clients. However, an easy trap some pet sitters unintentionally fall into is setting specific times for pet-sitting visits. You will encounter clients who insist that their dogs must be walked at 7:15 a.m. each morning or their cats need to eat at 6:45 p.m. each evening. Instead, confirm a time range and indicate it on your petsitting contract.

For example, morning visits may take place between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. or midday visits will take place between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Barring medical conditions that necessitate a specific visit time, most pets will be perfectly fine when visited within a time range, versus a specified time.

Guaranteeing only a time range allows flexibility in your schedule— and allows you to also accommodate clients whose pets do need visits at a specific time due to medication or other medical necessities. Set your time ranges and make sure you clearly communicate these to clients and list them in your pet-sitting contract so there is no confusion.

Late booking or cancellation fees. Do you have issues with clients who continually want to book your services

last minute? Or maybe you’ve had clients book extended pet-sitting assignments, only to call and cancel the day before it is set to start? Many pet sitters have found that adding late booking fees and cancellation fees to their company policies is necessary.

The specifics of your policy will be up to you. For example, some pet sitters tack on an additional dollar amount for visits requested less than 48 hours in advance. Some pet sitters require a 50% non-refundable deposit for petsitting visits upfront or indicate that clients will be charged a percentage of the anticipated assignment fee if cancellations are not made at least seven days prior to the assignment, for example.

Other boundaries you’ll likely need to establish for your business include the number of visits you will accept per day, the type(s) of pets you will care for, services you will and will not offer, and if you are willing to share pet-sitting visits.

Boundaries should be set to protect you and your business, but keep this in mind as well—as the business owner, you can decide if you choose to “bend” on your set boundaries from time to time.

For example, even if you have a cancellation fee in place, you can choose to waive that fee if a client has to cancel a trip because of a health issue or death in the family. Likewise, you may choose to waive a late booking fee for a client who has to travel unexpectedly. Or, there may be some clients that you will answer calls or texts from after hours because there are extenuating circumstances.

The key is making sure that when you choose to bend your rules it’s because you feel good about making that decision and not because you are being guilted or bullied into it! 

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. List three signs shared in this issue that may indicate a cat is about to display aggressive behavior.

2. True or False: If you pay for advertising in a publication, you are also entitled to media coverage.

3. Fill in the blanks: Dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate contain high levels of _______ and _______.

4. Google advises raters to consider EEAT. What does the “A” stand for?

5. Describe the type of cough a dog will display if the cough is the result of a bacterial or viral infection.

6. What website should you visit to report a scam email?

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.

Don’t Fall Victim to Common Scams

Most of the scam emails or texts PSI members (and other pet sitters) have reported to us are sent as if they are from “potential clients.”

While these types of fraudulent communications are the most common, we have heard from members who have received other types of scam emails.

These include:

• Scam emails indicating the pet sitter has won some type of award and needs to send money to claim it.

• Scam emails indicating they are from the United Nations (or another global organization) offering grants but requesting a process fee. (You can also spot these and other phishing emails because the email address is not actually the company’s or has the same name as the company but is misspelled.)

• Scam emails that appear to be from an employee asking that their direct deposit information be updated before their next paycheck. (Always have a formal process in place for employees to request changes to payroll information and speak to employees directly before making these types of updates!)

Scam messages from “potential clients”

When it comes to scam emails from “potential clients,” we find that most of the scammers follow the same steps: after making initial contact posing as a potential client (if you respond), they ultimately want to send you a check (often 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.

If you receive a suspicious email, the FBI encourages you to file a complaint at www.IC3.gov. While you’re there, be sure to read up on their tips to help you avoid being scammed.

The old adage “if something sounds too good to be true it probably is” definitely applies to the scam messages pet sitters receive.

Remember, you should never accept an assignment or payment without meeting the clients in person at an initial consultation.

If something doesn’t sound right, the best thing to do is follow your instincts and simply delete the email. It’s far better to spend your time on good clients than to waste your time and money on fishy ones! —PSI Staff 

Thank You Pet Sitter of the Year, Bobbi Wilson

Named PSI’s 2024 Pet Sitter of the Year in January, Bobbi Wilson, owner of Peace Love Paws Pet Sitters, LLC, in Columbia, Missouri, has spent this year sharing her pet-sitting wisdom, en couraging fellow members to take full advantage of their PSI memberships, and educating her community about the benefits of professional pet care.

As a contributing writer for Pet Sitter’s World magazine, she’s covered a variety of topics including how to pro mote your membership to current and potential clients and how to promote PSI—and your business—in your local community.

If you’ve missed any of her articles this year, be sure to check out the digital magazine issues at petsit.com/magazine

She also presented PSI’s August free member webinar where she explained how pet sitters and dog walkers can “grow pet-centric” by using contests, events and education to engage local pet parents. If you missed the webinar, you may still access the on-demand recording at petsit.com/psi-webinars

Bobbi, along with her husband Scott, will be sharing her expertise in-person at this year’s Pet Sitter World Educational Conference in Niagara Falls, presenting on the topic, “What to Check in Clients’ Homes to Ensure You (and Their Pets) Stay Safe.”

In this session, they will share expertise they’ve garnered not just from their experiences operating a professional pet-sitting business, but also from their former career as home inspectors. She’ll also be on hand throughout the conference to answer questions and talk with attendees in the Speaker and Sponsor area throughout the event.

We are so appreciative for how committed Bobbi was to collaborating with the PSI team this year to share ideas, discuss projects and look for new ways she could connect with other

PSI members and promote PSI industry-wide. She did all this while also running a successful pet-sitting service, managing her team, networking with other members, and being actively involved in her community.

While your reign as the 2024 Pet Sitter of the Year may be coming to an end, Bobbi, we look forward to your ongoing contributions to PSI and the industry-at-large!

Pre-order your pet-sitter holiday card

New for 2024

“Holiday Delivery”

Pre-order by October 1

to secure PSI’s newest holiday card design that celebrates the joy of the holidays and is sure to become a pet sitter (and client) favorite!

Inside sentiment reads: Sending warm wishes your way for a happy holiday season. Thank you for the pleasure and privilege of being your professional pet-care provider.

Pack of 25 cards with envelopes

PSI member price $25.16* PRE-ORDERS ONLY THIS YEAR!

Please note: This year’s holiday card will be available by pre-order only. Holiday cards must be ordered by October 1. Orders will ship early November. No extra cards will be made available.

+ Give Yourself and Your Staff Sitters the Gift of Continuing Education

PSI’s PETSIT PRO online training subscription includes:

• Business Resource Library with nearly 50 training videos

• Pet Care Resource Library with nearly 80 training videos

• A new mini course each month, led by an industry expert

Staff accounts are able to access the Pet Care Resource Library and mini courses (Business Resource Library not included).

Plus, PSI member subscribers also receive: The PETSIT PRO icon added to your company’s PSI Pet Sitter Locator and the opportunity to earn CEUs for CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitters®

*Be sure you are logged in to receive your special member pricing.

No Tricks—Only Treats

Tips for keeping pets safe this Halloween

Last year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) reported that 73 percent of Americans planned to celebrate Halloween—the highest percentage since NRF began conducting the study nearly two decades ago. It’s a trend that’s likely to continue this year.

Whether you’re pet sitting on Hal loween night or staying in to greet trick-or-treaters, follow these tips to make sure it’s not a scary day for pets in your care (and be sure to share these tips with your clients):

Keep pets away from trick-ortreaters. For pets that are easily frightened (or those not comfort able with a lot of people, especial ly children), Halloween can be a nightmare, with strangers dressed in frightening or unusual outfits and masks. Even a familiar face can become unrecognizable to a pet when dressed up.

Diversity and Inclusion

advance.) Also, a neighborhood that is normally quiet but becomes busy and loud on Halloween night can cause undue stress to outside pets.

Pets—especially those that can be shy, wary or aggressive around people—should be kept away from trick-or-treaters or party guests. Put pets in another room and close all the doors and windows in that safe space. They can relax with their favorite toys, and you can even turn on the television or play calming music for pets.

Keep in mind that trick-or-treating hours are not a good time for dog walks, as children will be out and about in many neighborhoods. If you can’t walk the dog earlier in the day, then plan some indoor activities and playtime to provide the dog with exercise.

If the pets are typically outside, bring them inside on Halloween night to avoid malicious tricksters who might try to frighten or harm animals. (Pet sitters, be sure to ask pet parents in

Make sure your pet’s identity is no mystery. Even if pets will be inside on Halloween night or during Halloween celebrations, you should still ensure the pet is wearing a tag with current contact information in case the pet somehow escapes the house. This is also a great time to remind your clients about the benefits of microchipping their pets.

Don’t let sweet treats and decorations be a nightmare. Halloween treats pose another danger for pets. While most pet parents are aware that chocolate and other candies can be deadly if ingested by pets, younger trick-or-treaters or nonpet-owning guests may not know. Halloween party guests and other visitors should be reminded not to share chocolate with the dog, no matter how much the pet may beg. Keep some pet-friendly treats on hand instead. —PSI Staff 

The resources available to members at petsit.com/DEI explore a variety of issues related to diversity and equitable treatment in workplaces and small businesses. On this same page you can also view PSI’s Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policies. We encourage members to adopt and actively implement similar policies in their pet-care businesses.

Creating an Emergency Backup Plan for Your Pet-Sitting Business

By Beth Stultz-Hairston, PSI President

What happens if you can’t complete your pet-sitting visits? When asked this question, pet sitters often say, “I suck it up and complete my visits anyway—there are no sick days for pet sitters.”

While you may be able to complete visits with a migraine, sinus issues or even a pulled muscle, what happens when something unexpected—a seizure, a heart attack, or an automobile accident—occurs?

The reality is anything can happen and having an emergency backup plan is a must for professional pet-sitting businesses. It’s especially important for solo pet sitters who do not have staff sitters who can be easily rescheduled to take over assignments. But regardless of your business structure, an emergency backup plan is a necessary component of your standard operating procedures!

Have a pre-determined, designated backup. If you have staff, this may be your office manager or a staff sitter. If you are a solo sitter, this may be your clients’ emergency contacts, or your spouse, partner, relative or friend. It may even be a fellow professional pet sitter in your area.

Keep an “In Case of Emergency” card in your wallet, purse, etc., that indicates pets are in your care and provides emergency responders with your emergency contact’s information.

For solo pet sitters, even if your plan is to have clients’ emergency contacts take over visits, you still must have a point person who is able to access this emergency contact information and communicate with the emergency contacts to ensure they take over the pets’ care.

Whoever your backup may be, it’s important that they fully understand your emergency plan and are able to implement it quickly.

In the event you are incapacitated (or worse), your backup should already know how to access your schedule and client information, whether that be through your pet-sitter software program or by going through your calendar (if you keep a physical appointment book), because you may not be able to provide instructions!

Will your backup simply be responsible for contacting clients to let them know that you cannot care for their pets? If so, make sure your backup knows how to access your client list and/or clients’ emergency contacts.

Will your backup assume your pet-sitting responsibilities? If so, your backup must be able to access your daily schedule, client information and client keys. Make sure you have a detailed plan: Will the backup take over your visits indefinitely, or will they handle your visits for that day only and then contact clients and/or their emergency contacts to assume care of the pets?

It’s important that any individuals included in your emergency backup plan are fully aware of the plan you have in place and are able to implement it should you not be available. You also need to revisit your plan and update it as needed, particularly if staff changes (or relationship changes) impact individuals included in your current plan. If your emergency plan includes having someone else (not the clients’ emergency contact) take over visits, make sure your pet-sitter insurance policy will cover your backup sitter(s).

Make sure your clients know your emergency plan. It’s important that you communicate your emergency backup plan to your clients and that they know what their obligations are in the event of an emergency.

If you have a backup sitter, explain that, while unlikely, if an emergency occurs, another individual will have access to their homes and care for their pets. Or, if your plan includes having their emergency contacts step in, make sure clients know they are responsible for providing up-to-date emergency contact information.

While your emergency plan should be shared with all new clients, it’s important to remind clients of your plan regularly—in an annual newsletter, at the bottom of your booking confirmations, etc.

Remember to also check in regularly with clients to ensure the information you have on file for them—specifically their emergency contact information—is up to date and correct, and let them know how to update the information when needed, whether through their profile in your software, by contacting you directly, etc.

Here’s what some PSI members shared about their emergency backup plans…

“I’m basically a solo sitter, so my clients fully understand that they must have an emergency contact as a backup should I not be able to complete/continue pet-care services.

If I’m physically able, I would contact my client and/or their designated backup.

If I was unable, my husband would make the notification. It’s confirmed beforehand that their emergency contact actually knows their role and is available (i.e., in town) to cover visits if necessary.

I’ll add that I also network with trusted local sitters who may also be willing to step in if needed.”

-Cynthia Johnson, Copy Cat & Dog Care Pet Sitting, Lebanon, OH

“My fiancé has the password to my Time To Pet [scheduling software]. If I am incapacitated, he has instructions to give the information and key box to my senior (experience not age) pet sitters to continue the team management (of my five sitters).”

-Lisa Bollard, Nature’s Nanny, Wayne, NJ

“This is what we love about having a team! There is always someone available to cover in an emergency! We have a manager and myself. One of us is always on call. We monitor every message coming through Time To Pet [scheduling software], and the employees know who to contact during their shifts. Whoever is on call would manage the schedule to make sure everything gets covered.”

-Justina Allen-Yancey, Justina’s Pet Sitting Service, LLC, Prior Lake, MN

As a professional pet-care business owner, you must have a contingency plan should an emergency occur. The reality is anything can happen and having an emergency backup plan with a designated backup who can access your business information and/or take over your pet-sitting assignments is vital.

Your clients—and their pets—are depending upon you! 

PSI MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Raven Jackson, Critter Care Unlimited, LLC

By Meghann Evans, PSI Education & Outreach Manager

If you visited Raven Jackson’s home you’d encounter a wide variety of pets—two senior mini dachshunds, a cat, a skunk, a bearded dragon, and two pot-bellied pigs.

Her animals are her heart, and she would love to have even more, but she’s found a unique way to gain time with more pets—through operating her own professional pet-sitting service.

Raven opened her business, Critter Care Unlimited, LLC, in January 2023 in Marengo, Ohio.

She and her husband, Clifton, love to travel, but finding a pet-care provider they could trust, who was educated in their pet species, was difficult. When Raven reached out to a professional pet sitter, the quoted fee was higher than the combined price of the three kennels Raven had

also reliable, that’s also affordable and understands having a busy life, but also understands wanting and loving animals,” Raven says.

So, Raven decided to meet that need herself, offering care for a wide range

hospice care animals.

“Being a nurse and an empath, in addition to an animal advocate, I have an advantage here,” Raven explains. “I have the experience, and I can look at the details. [I can] see a change in their condition, see the signs and symptoms.”

Quality over quantity

A few factors came together to inspire Raven to open a pet-sitting

Years ago, she owned a cleaning business for 10 years and says she has “always just done better and worked better being independent.” She went on to pursue a career in nursing, but there came a point where she started to get burned out, and while recovering from a surgery at the end of 2022, she contemplated whether to even return to nursing.

Seeing the need for care for non-traditional pets and pets with special needs, Raven decided to open her own pet-care business.

“And then it was a way for me to get all of the animals and the love since I can’t have extra animals,” Raven says.

A few months after opening her pet-sitting business, Raven found a nursing job that she loves, and that

allows her to have health insurance and steady income, so she’s found a way to juggle both careers. She works part-time as a nurse—from 3 to 11 p.m. three days a week—then provides pet care in the mornings throughout the week and four evenings a week, and on other evenings if the timing works out.

While some pet sitters are making six figures but are burned out, Raven has designed a small business that works for her.

“I pick and choose the jobs that I want,” Raven says. “I tell my clients that I’m a luxury service.”

Tip for success: Even if you only pet sit part time, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take it seriously. “I don’t treat it as a hobby. … I’m a full-functioning business. I just choose my schedule,” Raven says. She recommends becoming both insured and bonded—purchasing that bond even if you don’t have employees—because that sets you apart, makes you more marketable and provides extra peace of mind (and protection) for you and your clients.

Self-care with a twist

In 2014 Raven got guardianship of her grandmother and cared for her for several years, and although Raven had always been a pet person, something changed when her grandmother passed away. There was a hole in her heart, so she expanded her pet family to include a skunk and her first pot-bellied pig.

With so many things on her plate— from working as a nurse and a pet sitter to now helping care for other relatives and showering her own pets with love—Raven has to work

Professional photos taken by Greg Dettore Photography.

Additional photos courtesy of Raven Jackson.

to carve out time for herself, whether that’s catching up on sleep, going on a trip, having dinner with a friend, or binge-watching her favorite shows and Hallmark. A traveler and adventurer who’s also a homebody, Raven loves returning to the comfort of her own home and spending time with her pets.

“Animal therapy—that is very important for me. That’s, like, my happy place,” Raven says. “Anytime I’m having a hard time, that’s what I always go back to, is animals.”

She is fortunate to live about 20 minutes from a farm sanctuary, which houses everything from fallow deer to a camel. When Raven started volunteering for Heartland Country Resort & Animal Sanctuary, it gave her the opportunity to get outdoors and tune out everything, while also learning about different species.

Raven got permission to take photos and post them on her website and Facebook, showing followers her experience volunteering while also giving the sanctuary a shout-out. Raven says the sanctuary refers clients to her and she shares their business page online.

all really just depends on what feeds that pet sitter. What is their way of relaxation? What’s their happy place?” Raven says. “And then I would say if they have a local business that does something of that nature, being able to just connect and refer each other and network in that way.”

Caring for a variety of pets

As Raven shares on her website, she provides “unlimited care for critters ranging from domestics, birds, reptiles, farm animals, exotics and more.”

She emphasizes to pet parents that caring for exotics requires

care needs—so those pets should not

says in Ohio, it is illegal to obtain a propagated skunk from the wild. You must purchase the skunk from a USDA breeder and have a permit with the Department of Natural Resources, renewing it annually.

Raven says if her skunk happened to bite or scratch someone and they reported it, authorities would euthanize the skunk and test her for rabies, even though the skunk is a pet and Raven takes her to the vet and for vaccinations annually.

“When I tell you to come to my home and to take care of her, I genuinely mean it when I say don’t try to pick her up ... I just don’t want to take that risk,” Raven says.

don’t truly exist—the pigs will not stay small—and this has resulted in thousands of pigs ending up in shelters. Still others didn’t realize they are not permitted to have pigs in their zoning area, or the importance of spaying and neutering, further contributing to the problem.

Asking the right questions

Raven is able to juggle a busy life, describing herself as “type A…very organized, detailed, very passionate, very intense,” and she likes things done right, so gathering the right information is critical.

Her welcome information and forms are lengthy, including her policies and profiles for each pet, so she always apologizes to clients about the amount of paperwork they have to complete.

“But I tell them, ‘The more information I have, the more prepared I am in the event that anything were to happen, but also making sure that I’m doing things correctly,’” Raven shares.

Tip for success: Don’t be afraid to ask your clients for clarification later if needed. If there is a piece of information that wasn’t included in the packet, or perhaps Raven didn’t ask a question the right way, she is not afraid to contact the owner while they are out of town to get that answer.

“Communication is key with any type of business, but especially with this,” Raven says.

This is especially true when caring for pets who have special needs or health issues.

“I listen to the client, find out their routine and the animal’s needs, and I utilize personalized care plans, collaborative care and continuity of care. All medical terms that I love,” Raven says. “It’s treating the animal as a whole. And by being a solo pet sitter, I can offer continuity of care for their pet which is important in those who are not textbook sits.”

She is also able to provide “that low stimulation environment for those with special needs,” such as senior dogs with heart conditions.

“My goal is to have a good outcome or end of life experience for the pet and their family,” she says.

Putting a focus on education Raven is always learning. She has access to trainings through PSI and is also a member of several educational Facebook groups and rescue groups, even volunteering to moderate a skunk rescue’s Facebook group.

Tip for success: Raven says there are species-specific Facebook groups that you can join, if you’re looking to learn more about a specific type of pet. “I think that that’s another good thing—being able to join groups and learn and follow, chat, ask questions, and that gives you another network to have and to utilize,” she says.

Raven participates in community neighborhood groups and local missing animal pages as well. She explains: “I read through them for my personal use, but I also comment and share a lot on there under my business name as well. By doing this it gets my name out there. If I see someone who lost a pet and it was found dead, I offer my condolences, if they have a missing pet then I share their post on my business page or I share it into the missing pet group for them.”

Helping educate pet parents is important to Raven, including educating them on the difference in hiring a professional pet sitter versus a teenager or college student looking for extra cash.

She once received an emergency call from a pet parent who had asked a neighborhood teenager to stay with the pets, but their newly rescued bulldog was growling and scared and neither the teenager nor her parents could get the dog to leave the garage.

After hours of the dog being terrified in the garage, the owner called Raven to inquire about her pet-taxi services, and although he was surprised by her rates, Raven quickly demonstrated the benefit of hiring a professional. She walked in, sat on the floor and began talking to the dog, and soon she was able to get her into the car and to the veterinarian, even taking a selfie with her.

Always looking out for the pet’s best interest, Raven has built a pet-sitting service that fits her life and her convictions.

“It’s quality over quantity for me,” she says, “and doing something that I love, and then just being very passionate and intense about what I do.” 

No Lost Pets: Preventing Cats and Dogs from Escaping While in Your Care

By Beth Stultz-Hairston, PSI President

As a pet-care professional, you make it a priority to always keep pets in your care safe. However, pets can be quite curious and may try to explore beyond the confines of their homes, putting them at risk. Some pets are known “door dashers,” while others may exhibit out-of-character behavior in their owners’ absence.

Here are the top steps you can take to ensure pets don’t escape from their home while you are pet sitting:

Do a security check before (and during) the assignment.

The first line of defense against a runaway pet is to ensure that the home is secure. While at the initial consultation (“Meet and Greet”), do a walkthrough of the home. This will allow you to become familiar with the home and where clients keep their pet supplies, but it also gives you an opportunity to notice any potential dangers that you want to alert the pet owners to—broken locks, fences that aren’t tall enough or holes in fences (which could allow pets to possibly escape), etc. For dogs that are diggers, pet parents may need to bury chicken wire at the base of the fence and/ or place large rocks along the base of the fence.

During the assignment, you want to check for these issues again and, of course, never leave dogs outside unsupervised. During your visits, be sure that windows and screens are secure. (This can also prevent cats from falling through screens/ windows, which can result in high-rise syndrome.)

Also be sure to ask your clients if their pet has ever escaped, and for dogs, also ask if there are any triggers on walks that have caused them to run away/chase.

Prevent pets from “door dashing” or running away.

Even if your clients’ pets aren’t known bolters, it’s always advisable to exercise caution when entering the home, particularly if pets are not crated when you arrive. You can use your body as a barrier to prevent a pet from darting out as

you enter or exit the home. Using a baby gate to keep pets away from the front door or having them contained in another room when you arrive can help prevent dashing.

In addition to making the entry way a “boring” place (e.g., avoiding big, excited hellos and goodbyes when you come and go), the Animal Humane Society also suggests—for foodmotivated pets—tossing treats away from the door to a specific location (such a dog bed or cat tree) when you arrive or depart, so they learn they will receive a treat if they wait in that spot (and not approach the door).

On dog walks, always make sure the dog has a properly fitted collar and/or harness to prevent escape and use fixed-length leashes (never retractable leashes!). Be mindful of potential triggers the pet parents have advised you of and select walking routes to avoid other dogs and people when possible. Always be alert on dog walks and avoid talking on the phone or having your ear buds in to listen to music or a podcast, as this may prevent you from noticing a person, another pet or a vehicle approaching.

Also be sure to ask clients about their pets’ training and commands/cues they know, such as “come” and “stay,” and a recall cue. It’s important you make note of the specific commands and cues used for the particular pet.

Provide adequate exercise and stimulation. Boredom is a common motivator for pets who escape. Work with your clients to ensure that their pets are getting an adequate number of visits and that your visits include adequate enrichment while the pet parents are away.

Ensure dogs in your care get enough exercise (e.g., walks, or when weather prevents walks, indoor exercise), and provide them with plenty of toys (when supervised). You can find additional ideas for dog enrichment on The PSI Blog. Ensure that clients provide scratching posts, climbing trees, and other toys you can use with their cats to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. (A post with cat-enrichment ideas can be found on The PSI Blog as well.)

Ask if pets are spayed or neutered. The instinct to mate is another common reason pets are tempted to escape. As the ASPCA shares in the general pet-care tips on their website, spaying or neutering your pet can significantly reduce the urge to roam, in addition to many other benefits

Some pet sitters and dog walkers require all pets they care for to be altered, unless there are medical or age-related reasons that prevent them from being spayed or neutered. If you care for pets who are not spayed or neutered, it’s important to be aware of how this can increase their motivation for escape and take extra precautions.

Require pets in your care to have identification. In the unfortunate event a pet is able to escape, having proper identification can make it much easier to bring them back home. Ask clients to ensure their pet has a collar with an ID tag that includes their contact information.

Some pet sitters—with their clients’ permission—also use temporary tags with the pet sitter’s contact information for pets during their pet-sitting assignment. Having pets microchipped is also highly recommended as it provides a permanent form of identification that cannot be lost.

Work with your clients to ensure their pets have an appropriate collar that fits properly. This reduces the risk of the collar coming off or becoming snagged/caught on something in the home.

There are also many technological solutions available to help keep track of pets. GPS collars and pet trackers can help you locate pets quickly if they do escape. You may want to discuss these options with your clients.

For more information on preventing pet escapes, be sure to read “6 tips for preventing pet escapes” on The PSI Blog which includes various tips from PSI members.

If a pet escapes…

While unlikely with the proper precautions, accidents happen—and a pet could escape while under your care (or the care of one of your team members). If this happens, implement your escaped pet policy (which should be a part of your standard operating procedures) right away.

Make sure your team members know the specific steps to take if a pet escapes. This likely involves contacting you (or the office manager) immediately and beginning the search while you notify your clients.

If possible, have someone at the home (in case the pet returns); contact neighbors and provide your contact information in case they see the pets; use the power of social media to share the pet’s photo (this is a good reminder to have recent photos of clients’ pets!); create flyers if needed; and make sure you have contact information for local shelters, humane societies and veterinarian offices to reach out to should you not find the pet that day.

It’s also important that you—and your team members— understand the behavior of lost dogs and cats and can respond appropriately to them to ensure the best chance for finding and securing an escaped pet.

PSI offers the following minicourses about preventing pet escapes and lost pet behavior:

• Mini-Course: Preventing Pet Escapes—A Guide for Professional Pet Sitters

• Mini-Course: Lost Dog Behavior

• Mini-Course: Lost Cat Behavior

These courses are included with a PETSIT PRO subscription, but can also be purchased separately. If you register for any of the courses, remember to use your member coupon code (PSIMemberSavings)! 

7 Reasons Why Dogs Cough or Snort

By Denise Fleck, The Pet Safety Crusader™

Hacking, honking, and snorting can scare dog parents and caregivers alike. These noises, however, are not always concerning and may just be the canine’s way to clear water, dirt, or something else from the throat. Coughing is how a dog’s body keeps the respiratory tract free of foreign objects, harmful substances, and excessive secretions such as mucus, stomach acid, or phlegm.

Dog coughs sound different depending on their cause. The cough may be wet and phlegmy or deep, dry, and hacking. The dog may sound like a goose honking or have a high-pitched gag.

Paying attention to patterns such as when the cough occurs—at night, after eating, during exercise, or randomly— may allow the veterinarian to diagnose more quickly.

Simply put, there is no one reason why dogs cough or snort, so let’s look at seven reasons why many dogs do:

1. Bacterial and Viral Infections

Type of cough: sudden and persistent cough; dry, hacking, snorting, or gagging when excited

Bordetella, or kennel cough, is a contagious upper respiratory infection passed from dog to dog at parks, doggie daycare centers, boarding facilities, and shelters. Anywhere dogs gather they can share germs. Symptoms in an otherwise healthy dog occur 2-14 days after exposure and can last up to three weeks. While most dogs experience mild infections that resolve without medication, some require antibiotics to prevent the infection from developing into pneumonia.

In addition to kennel cough, viruses like Canine Influenza cause dogs to cough.

Prevention tips:

• Keep dogs current on annual vaccines.

• Keep dogs away from other dogs known to be sick.

• Vacuum and dust frequently, and wash bedding with hypoallergenic detergent.

2. Obstructions

Type of cough: raspy noise during inhalation, cough on exhalation, gagging or retching

Dogs use their mouths to pick up everything, and sometimes objects get stuck. Pet parents and caregivers must supervise dogs around new toys and unfamiliar places and know how to perform the pet Heimlich maneuver in case the worst happens!

Prevention tips:

• Choose properly sized toys, and check for breaks, cracks and tears regularly.

• Supervise, supervise, supervise when eating, playing, and exploring!

3. Lung or Heart Congestion

Type of cough: wet with phlegm

A wet or productive cough implies a fluid build-up in the lungs which could be a sign of pneumonia Bacterial pneumonia requires rest, immune support, and antimicrobial treatment. Fungal pneumonia is more

difficult to treat depending on the type of fungus that caused the infection. Inhalation therapy may be required while aspiration pneumonia occurs when a foreign substance (e.g., food, vomit, or gastric acid that has been regurgitated) is inhaled into the lungs. This is lifethreatening! Get to your veterinarian or animal ER without delay!

If coughing is related to heart congestion, treatments are determined by the pet’s age, health, and cause of congestion. Dogs will often cough while lying down. A visit to a board-certified veterinary cardiologist is a must for prolonging the dog’s quality of life.

Prevention tips:

• Get annual check-ups (twice yearly for senior dogs) and visit the veterinarian at the first sign of anything abnormal with the dog.

4. Collapsed Trachea

Type of cough: gagging while eating or drinking

The windpipe, or trachea, is lined with rings of cartilage that keep it open when a dog inhales and exhales, but if the cartilage is weaker than it should be, the trachea may collapse during exhalation causing a cough. Take care with dogs who pull on leash to not damage their trachea. Dogs known to have this issue should always be in a harness, not a neck collar. Serious cases of a collapsed trachea require surgery while cartilage-building supplements may help other dogs maintain the integrity of their tracheal cartilage.

According to Dr. Kathryn Williams, “Middle-aged to senior small breed dogs seem to be at an increased risk for collapsed trachea, whereas large breed dogs are at a higher risk for laryngeal paralysis.”

Prevention tips:

• Keep dogs at a healthy weight, as excess fat on the ribs makes breathing difficult.

• Prevent infections. Kennel cough and pneumonia can make the problem worse.

• Keep dogs away from environmental allergens such as cigarette smoke, air fresheners and aerosol sprays, colognes, pollen—and anything that might irritate the airway leading to a coughing attack.

5. Reverse Sneezing

Type of Cough: long rapid inhalations resulting in a loud snorting sound; dog may extend head and/or neck trying to breathe more air

While a reverse sneeze is not a cough, it sounds like your dog is choking. Instead of pushing air out of their nose, they suck it in. Clinically known as Inspiratory Paroxysmal Respiration or Pharyngeal Gag Reflex, a reverse sneeze occurs suddenly due to an irritation of the soft palate and/or sinuses. The actual cause stumps even the most competent veterinarians, and although the sound is distressing, it is generally not harmful. Most dogs appear completely normal before and after an episode. Reverse sneezing commonly occurs during or following a nap, exercise, or at mealtimes, yet for many dogs there is no pattern.

Prevention tips:

7. Heartworm Disease

Type of cough: persistent dry cough, honking

More than one million pets are infected by heartworms each year. The worms spread through infected mosquitoes who pass along the larvae. These larvae migrate to the heart and lungs of the dog and mature into foot-long spaghetti-like adults. Their presence in these major organs causes inflammation that leads to coughing and potentially fatal heart and lung damage.

• Maintain a dust- and allergen-free environment for any dog prone to this ailment. Chemicals, nasal mites, post-nasal drip, or even a blade of grass stuck in the nasal passage may cause a backwards or reverse sneeze.

• Have your dog checked out by your veterinarian to rule out any underlying causes.

6. Rat Poison

Type of cough: wheezing, may cough up blood

The anticoagulant class of rat poisons prevents blood from clotting—so in other words, causes bleeding. If ingested by a dog, it can result in bleeding into the chest cavity which may lead to coughing. This is life-threatening! A dog who has ingested rat poison must be immediately taken to an animal emergency room.

Prevention tips:

• Keep dogs away from rodenticides and read and keep packaging as treatment differs for different types.

• Remove any affected rats from the dog’s environment.

• Know the signs and act quickly. Signs of internal bleeding— coughing, difficulty breathing, weakness, pale gums, distended abdomen, vomiting, bloody stool, swelling or pain in joints, and bruising—may take 3-7 days to present. Neurological signs may present if bleeding occurs in the brain or spinal cord.

It is easier to prevent than to treat heartworm disease. The six-month+ treatment is expensive and painful. According to Emily Couper of New York and the mom of two-year-old heartworm-positive Annie, a Viszla, “The day of and after the injections are tough Annie is in a lot of pain, but all I can do is snuggle with her. Eventually she falls asleep, and I get to listen to her snore, very, very loudly” until the next treatment repeats the cycle.

Prevention tips:

• Get dogs tested every 12 months.

• Give dogs heartworm prevention 12 months a year, and never miss a dose!

Dogs cough to expel something uncomfortable out of their airway. The cause and severity can only be determined by a veterinarian, so the more quickly you make an appointment, the better chance you have to manage the condition or have the dog recover fully.

Infections, obstructions, congestion, a collapsing trachea, rat poison, or heartworms may be the cause, but room fresheners, dust mites, secondhand smoke, and other airborne irritants can cause a dog to cough as well. Only your veterinarian knows if the cough is a sign of something life-threatening to your dog. 

Denise Fleck is the Pet Safety Crusader™, having taught 31,000 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.

Presented by Tori Mistick, Wear Wag Repeat

Presented by Olivia M. Gonzalez, OMG Brand Story, LLC

Thank you to Business Insurers of the Carolinas, sponsor of this year’s free member webinar series.

www.psi-ins.com

Presented by Amy Toman, Pet Sitter SEO

Presented by Bobbi Wilson, Peace Love Paws Pet Sitters, LLC

To register for upcoming webinars, visit petsit.com/psi-webinars

Webinars are free to members, but pre-registration 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.

Certified members can earn up to 2 CEUs per webinar (whether you watch live or view the recordings).

Get Media Coverage for Your Pet-Care BusinessThis Holiday Season

Do you want a quick way to let your entire community know that you are a professional resource on pet care? Get quoted in your local newspaper or interviewed by a local news station!

Your business can reap many benefits when you are able to position yourself as an expert in the local media and with other influential pet people in your area.

So how can you get started? Send timely, relevant press releases to your local media contacts—and the holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to reach out to your local media.

What type of information should you share with media during the holiday season?

With the busy holiday season already in full swing, many news outlets are covering a variety of pet-related topics that are specific to this festive time of year.

Two topics that tend to be covered during every holiday season are:

1. What can pet owners do with their pets when they travel for the holidays?

2. How can pet owners keep their pets safe during the holidays?

Put PSI press releases to work for you.

As a professional pet-care business owner, you are an ideal source to provide information on both of these topics—and as a PSI member, you can simply piggyback off of one of PSI’s national media efforts this holiday season, if you prefer.

For example, PSI shared a press release last December with tips for pet parents seeking pet sitters over the holiday season and will have a holiday-themed release this season also. As a PSI member, you can simply forward this press release to local media contacts, explain that you are a local PSI member and offer to serve as a resource if they would like to cover this topic in more detail.

While PSI’s release shared the importance of booking early for the busy holiday season, it also shared the link to the checklist for what pet owners should look for when selecting a pet-care provider—and provided you the opportunity to highlight why local pet owners should use your professional pet-sitting service.

Don’t get on the naughty list when reaching out to local media! When you do have your opportunity to interact with the media, do everything you can to make the most of it. Remember, the goal is to become a friendly advisor to the reporter or member of the media—not a nuisance or unreliable source.

Here’s a quick list of Do’s and Don’ts for interacting with your local media.

DO:

• Take the news media seriously.

• Get to know media representatives in your area, preferably on a first-name basis.

• Understand (and respect) deadlines for various media outlets. Deadlines could be quite different for a television station versus a newspaper, for example.

• Explain the pet-sitting business in terms of what it means to the average pet owner.

• Make yourself available as a source.

• Return all media calls or emails promptly.

• Contact reporters with story ideas, even though they may not involve you or your organization directly.

• Be polite and professional…no matter what!

DON’T:

• Expect to be in the news constantly.

• Assume that if you pay for advertising you are entitled to media coverage.

• Confuse a news story with advertising; they are not the same thing.

• Include quotes, statistics or opinions without citing the source.

• Lie, stretch or bend the truth. Doing so will only result in loss of credibility.

• Bombard reporters with pleas to run your story. Instead, be a respectful provider of information when you have timely news that will be of interest to a wide audience.

A successful interview with a reporter for your local newspaper, magazine, news station or radio show is also likely to lead the reporter to reach out to you again in the future. Capitalizing on the opportunity this holiday season could lead to more opportunities throughout the next year! —PSI Staff 

Employee Evaluations and the Employee Disciplinary Process

When you have employees, evaluations or performance reviews in some form will be part of your company’s processes. Conducting an evaluation after the introductory period for a new hire is important to evaluate progress and set concrete goals for your employees’ work performance going forward.

After this introductory period, evaluations are still beneficial. Annual performance reviews are most common, but some companies also choose to do mid-year reviews (to avoid year-end surprises if there are any concerns regarding employee performance).

In recent years, some companies have begun to move away from these structured reviews and, instead, focus on year-round coaching and feedback.

Even if you decide to incorporate annual performance reviews/evaluations into your company’s processes, make sure you still focus on providing feedback to employees in

real-time throughout the year—feedback in your evaluations should not come as a surprise!

Creating your employee evaluation form

You can find various templates online for employee evaluation forms, but it’s important that the form you use be closely aligned with your employees’ key job functions that are outlined in their job descriptions. It’s also important to use the same general evaluation format for all employees to avoid confusion—and discriminatory practices.

In the sample employee evaluation form included with PSI's hiring course, we incorporate the key job functions from the sample job description, also in the course.

Remember that employee evaluations are not simply an opportunity to point out areas of improvement needed. Regular employee evaluations should also be used to give recognition for your employees’ hard work and to also

share individual goals and development plans that take the employee’s interests and strengths into consideration.

For example, you may have a team member who is interested in training related to senior pets so that they can take on more of these clients. Or, you may have an employee who has expressed interest in growing their skills in photography or social media—both of which can be used for your company. Or, perhaps, you would eventually like to have a team member become a “lead sitter” so that you didn’t have to manage the day-to-day questions of your other staff sitters. Trainings in project and people management, communication and time management could all be relevant.

This is a win-win for you and your employees. Working collaboratively with your team members to set goals and create a development plan helps them obtain and strengthen skills, grow professionally, and strengthens their engagement with your company. All these results benefit your business as well. Evaluations, goal setting and development plans are powerful tools in your toolkit when it comes to creating a company your employees want to stay at!

Employee Disciplinary Process

While it’s not something business owners like to think about (especially when you are just starting the hiring process!), the reality is that if you have a team, you will at some point have to follow a disciplinary process with an employee. So, it’s important to have your disciplinary process in place from the beginning.

In most companies, there are four stages in the disciplinary procedure:

• Verbal warning

• Written warning (likely accompanied by a Performance Improvement Plan)

• Final written warning

• Dismissal

These steps of progressive discipline should give your employee the opportunity to work with you to address any issues and improve their performance. Please note, however, that there will be some actions that warrant immediate termination in lieu of this multi-step process.

Examples of gross misconduct that warrant immediate termination of employment include theft; acts of violence against people or pets; harassment of another employee, vendor or client; possession or being under the influence of illegal drugs while on company business; and unauthorized disclosure of confidential business or client information.

It’s important to ensure that your company’s disciplinary process adheres to any federal, state and/or local guide-

lines and that it is outlined in your employee handbook. When sharing your disciplinary process with employees, however, be sure to clarify that your company’s disciplinary procedures may be altered (in other words, steps may be combined or even skipped) depending upon the nature of the employees’ actions and that your policy does not impact the employment-at-will relationship they have with your company (if your business is in an at-will employment state).

So, let’s go over the four stages in most companies’ disciplinary procedure.

Verbal Warning

It’s important to maintain appropriate documentation throughout the disciplinary process. While the first step is a verbal warning, you should still follow up the conversation with written documentation (provided to the employee in person or via email) that they can sign to indicate they understand the issues that were brought to their attention, as well as the plan for improvement that was discussed.

Written Warning

The second step of your disciplinary process will be more formal. In addition to including a meeting to discuss an additional violation of company policies or continued performance issues, you should also explain to your employee the specific consequences that will take place if they do not improve and meet performance and/or behavior expectations.

The employee should be provided with a written copy of the warning to sign that also indicates that additional actions (up to and including termination) may result if these issues are not corrected.

An example of a written warning form is included with the templates that accompany PSI's course.

At this step in the process, it is also advisable to provide the employee with a formal performance improvement plan (PIP, for short)—either at the meeting or shortly after. The PIP should outline a specific action plan that must take place—with specified deadlines—for the employee to correct the performance and/or behavior issues that have resulted in the warning(s).

Final Written Warning

Should employee issues continue and/or the parameters of the PIP not be adhered to, a final written warning will be issued. This is the last step in the progressive disciplinary process before termination of employment. In some cases, an employee will be suspended for a designated time frame (without pay) upon the issuance of a written warning. A final written warning should also include an expiration date (i.e., when the employee can return to work or when the specific disciplinary action ends), as employers cannot indefinitely suspend or discipline employees.

(continued)

Dismissal/Termination

This is the last and most serious step in the progressive disciplinary process. Except for in extreme situations (like danger to you or other team members), you should meet with the team member in person to notify them of their termination. It’s advisable to keep your discussion brief but clear and refer to the progressive disciplinary steps you have taken prior to this termination.

Be sure, too, that you understand the legal obligations you may have to a terminated employee depending upon where your business is located. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce provides this advice: “Employers must fulfill certain legal obligations and provide a terminated employee with information about their benefits including COBRA, their last paycheck, unemployment options and transportability of other insurance. You may be tempted to deny unemployment benefits, but if you proceed, be prepared to fight claims of discrimination or wrongful termination.”

Other Considerations:

In addition to having a checklist of the legal obligations you must fulfill when firing an employee, don’t forget practical considerations specific to your business as well. For example, does this team member have client keys (or any other client forms or information) that they need to return to you? Or do they have client security codes (that you’ll need to notify clients to change)? Do you use pet-sitter

software or other applications that you’ll need to turn off the employee’s access to?

If your business model includes your clients meeting or knowing the individual pet sitter that cares for their pets, you’ll also need to notify clients that the specific team member is no longer with your business and inform them who will assume the responsibility of care for their pets going forward. Remember that—while tempting—you should not share any details as to why a team member is no longer with your business, as this is confidential personnel information.

Some pet sitters will choose to leave of their own accord, not due to any disciplinary action or problems with the company, so don’t be discouraged when you have turnover. It is a natural part of running a business in the service industry. 

—Excerpted from PSI’s Hiring Guide for Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers online course & downloadable guide

Winter’s Coming… How pet sitters can prepare for the colder weather

Depending on your location, you may be currently preparing yourself—and your business—for impending winter weather. While some office commuters can work from home and others benefit from delayed business and school openings or the option to take a vacation day, pet sitters don’t often have the option of a “day off,” particularly when pet parents are out of town and their pets still need care.

So, how can you be better prepared for the winter season? This is a discussion we have each year, and we reach out to members in PSI’s private Facebook group to ask about the lessons they’ve learned.

Overwhelmingly, member responses have focused around three main recommendations:

1. Preparation: It’s important to plan ahead and talk to clients in advance about preparations that need to take place for winter weather. For example, what is your company’s policy on snow removal—does the client call before leaving town to arrange this service or do they provide you with their preferred snow-removal company for you to contact if needed?

Whatever your preferred policy may be, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure you are not spending exorbitant amounts of time in frigid conditions to “dig” your way to clients’ front doors for your pet-sitting visits—and it’s important that pet owners understand their cooperation is vital in ensuring you can properly reach and care for their pets.

It’s also important to consider what you would do if icy roads (or a state of emergency/travel ban) made roads impassable and prevented you from reaching clients’ homes. Verify that you have the correct contact information for your clients’ emergency contacts and discuss who you should call if you

are unable to reach their homes. For example, a relative may be the emergency contact, but perhaps a neighbor could check on the pets if you were unable to reach the home for a day— so make sure you have that information as well!

2. Personal safety: Harsh weather can take a toll on your physical well-being. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that those working outdoors in the winter wear appropriate clothing, sprinkle sand or cat litter on icy patches, be aware of the wind chill factor and work slowly when doing outside chores.

PSI member Jamie Hoad previously shared this advice in PSI’s private Facebook group: “Long johns, scarves and chap stick are your best friends. The cold hasn’t really been a problem—the wind is the issue. It’s quick, fast and the chill brings the temperature down about 20 degrees. Wind burn is no joke, so wrapping up extra good is key!”

The harsh winter weather also makes what would typically be a minor inconvenience—a flat tire or car trouble—a dangerous predicament. The CDC advises checking your tire tread or replacing tires with all-weather tires, if necessary, along with keeping an emergency kit in your vehicle. PSI member Jordan Di Marco shared similar advice in a previous PSI Facebook group discussion: “I keep a good deal of winter stuff in my car—kitty litter, foldable shovel, extra hats and gloves, Yak Trax, flashlights, jumper cables and hand warmers.”

Also consider hand warmers and foot warmers. Both are inexpensive, with many options to choose from and most have long shelf lives as well.

Icy roads and slippery sidewalks make it more important than ever for pet sitters to exercise caution to avoid slips and falls. One pet sitter reported a fractured wrist and dislocated rib resulting from a fall after slipping on ice.

Remember, too, that these injuries are not covered under pet-sitter liability insurance. Workers’ compensation covers work-related injuries. Contact Business Insurers of the Carolinas (or your insurance provider) to get a quote.

3. Pets’ safety: In online discussions about winter hazards, members routinely share that one of their biggest challenges—and concerns—is how the cold affects dogs, particularly possible irritation to their paws from ice, snow and the salt used on sidewalks.

What effect does this cold weather have on pets and how should pet sitters adjust their services to ensure pets’ safety? More specifically, harsh winter seasons leave many professional pet sitters asking: When is it too cold to walk dogs? Some pet sitters have also been faced with clients who wanted their dogs outdoors for extended periods of time.

To get an answer to this question, PSI reached out to Dr. Tony Johnson, clinical assistant professor at the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine and a consultant to the Veterinary Information Network. He offered this advice: “The rule of thumb is ‘if you’re cold, your dog is probably freezing.’ A walk to eliminate and stretch your legs is OK. A 45-minute forced march...not so much.”

Dr. Johnson also added, “Cold and pets don’t mix well in many cases. A dog’s degree of cold tolerance can vary— just like with a person. Some dogs that are accustomed to cold and have a dense fur coat will do fine, even into the single digits, if they can stay dry and out of the breeze. A little Chihuahua with no fur and no tolerance to the cold won’t. Dogs that are acclimated to cold conditions will do better than those that haven’t been gradually exposed. There is no single number I can answer when people ask, ‘How cold is too cold?’ but keeping the above guidelines in mind can help keep your pooch safe and comfortable when the snow flies.”

It is important for pet sitters to share these guidelines with clients and suggest alternatives, such as indoor play time, when frigid winter temperatures make it unsafe for pets to be outside beyond short potty-break times.

Surviving the winter…

In addition to focusing on preparation, personal safety, and pets’ safety this time of year, there’s another important quality to help pet sitters survive a harsh winter—patience. On the worst days, when it’s too cold to walk even the most energetic dogs, when you’ve had to shovel your way to a client’s door or have had to change a flat tire as sleeting rain pelted down, remember…Spring is coming! Your commitment to providing pet care in even the harshest conditions sets you apart and your clients are surely grateful for the peace of mind you provide, particularly during seasons like this. —PSI Staff 

Watch That Pile of Leaves!

The start of autumn heralds the arrival of a new school year, pumpkin-flavored food and beverages, and falling leaves.

You’ve likely seen viral videos of overjoyed dogs eagerly pouncing into huge leaf piles. There’s no question your dog (or your clients’ dogs) would be eager to jump in as well—but to keep pets safe, you need to keep a close watch on them when they play outside near compost bins or piles of leaves.

Damp leaf piles can be the source of an allergic reaction—or worse— for dogs.

Pet Poison Helpline™ warns online: “Piles of decomposing and decaying organic matter and molding food products in your backyard

compost pile have the potential to contain ‘tremorgenic mycotoxins,’ meaning molds which cause tremors. Even small amounts ingested can result in tremors or seizures within 30 minutes to several hours.”

Sticks may also be buried in these piles of leaves, which could be damaging to a dog’s gastrointestinal tract if he swallowed them, a petMD article warns.

Leaf piles may also contain snakes and ticks, as well as items like fallen chestnuts that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities. So, while the leaf pile may be appealing, keeping your pets indoors while you do yard work—and keeping dogs you walk away from leaf piles—is the safest option! —PSI Staff 

Avoiding CAT BITES and Addressing Aggression

If you offer cat-sitting services, it’s important to be on guard against cat bites and scratches. No one wants to suffer from Cat Scratch Disease or other infections; in addition to the serious complications (and medical bills) that can occur, it can also mean lost income if you are unable to work.

A three-year study conducted by the Mayo Clinic found that middle-aged women are the most common cat-bite victims, and 1 in 3 patients bitten on the hand by a cat had to be hospitalized.

According to the CDC, a mild infection can occur around the cut or bite about 3-14 days after it occurs. The infected area may be red, appear swollen, and feel warm or painful. Initial symptoms may also include fever, swollen lymph nodes, and headache, among other symptoms. If you display any of these symptoms after a cat bite or scratch (or after a cat licking your open wound), you should contact your doctor immediately.

Possible causes of aggression

International Cat Care (ICC), a cat welfare charity established in 1958, shares these warning signs that a cat may be about to get aggressive:

• Dilated pupils, direct staring

• Thrashing/twitching tail

• Hissing, growling or spitting

• Ears flattened against side of head

• Crouched or tense body posture

Their article—which can be viewed at icatcare.org/advice/aggression-to-humans—advises that if any of these signs are seen, it is best to turn away from the cat and avoid any physical contact.

Dr. Jane Brunt, executive director of the CATalyst Council, was quoted in a previous PSI blog post and explained that cats “are both predators and prey, and people are often perceived as the predator.”

Brunt said: “This could be especially important to cat sitters to understand and learn how to both read body language and approach cats on their own terms…Fear is the number one cause of feline aggression, so under-

standing that (and responding appropriately) will help those who wish to help cats.”

On the Cornell Feline Health Center website, multiple types of feline aggression are outlined.

Below are two types of aggression you may encounter but be sure to visit the website mentioned above for a comprehensive list.

Play aggression: Most common in young cats and kittens who were not raised with littermates or didn’t have opportunities to play, this type of aggression results from the cat not learning when they bite or scratch too hard. Cornell Feline Health Center recommends determining if there is a pattern to when or where this aggression occurs and using noise deterrents to redirect (not scare or punish) the cat when the behavior starts. Walking away or ignoring the cat when the aggressive behavior begins may help as well.

Pain-induced aggression: This type of aggressive behavior toward people or other pets occurs when a cat is in pain and wants to avoid touch or

certain activities that could worsen their pain. A cat exhibiting aggressive behavior should be seen by their veterinarian to identify the causes of pain and determine any potential treatments. In addition to veterinary treatment, you should be careful not to touch the cat in places that may cause pain.

When meeting with potential clients it’s important to get complete information on each cat you will be caring for and ask direct questions about the cat’s health, behavior and any signs of aggression they may have previously displayed.

It’s important to be specific when asking this question, as simply asking a pet parent if their pet is “aggressive” or “has shown signs of aggression” will likely yield a quick answer of “absolutely not!” (and of course, a pet who has previously bitten/scratched may very well not be aggressive). In the pet profile sheets available through PSI, we ask this question: Is there any reason I should approach your pet with caution? —PSI Staff 

Notifying Your Clients about Rate Increases

Whatever your reason(s) for increasing your rates may be, it can still feel like a daunting task to notify your pet-sitting clients.

So, how do you go about increasing your rates?

First things first—once you’ve decided on your rate increase, update any information you have publicly available:

• your fee schedule on your company’s website,

• the fee information in your pet-sitting software program if you use software,

• any fee information you may have included in your listing on PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator, etc.

This way, any potential new clients only see your current rates and you don’t have to explain any discrepancy if they call to inquire about service and you quote rates different from what you’ve listed online.

Next, you’ll need to decide when and how you will notify your current clients.

When and how you notify your current clients will depend on a few different factors, including:

• When you plan to begin charging them the new rate(s): Is the increase effective immediately, will current clients be grandfathered in at their previous rates, or do you plan to give current clients 30-, 60-, or 90-day notice, for example?

As a business owner, you can choose the option that works best for you, but you must notify clients of your new rates before (or when) they book an assignment. You can’t surprise them with a larger-than-expected pet-sitting bill after the visit!

• How often the clients use your services: Daily dog-walking clients would be impacted more immediately than

clients who use your service for vacation visits once or twice per year (and could be notified at the time of their next pet-sitting request).

• How you typically communicate with clients: If your communications with current clients is exclusively online or through email/text, a written rate increase letter may not be necessary. But, if you mail invoices, leave written notes behind, etc. as a regular rule, mailing or leaving the rate increase letter with their invoice as the conclusion of a petsitting visit may be a better option.

When notifying clients by email, mail, or with a leave-behind, you can also include the notice as part of a larger newsletter instead of a stand-alone piece if you are more comfortable with that approach. Depending on the timing of your rate increase, you could share a holiday newsletter that shares the increase notice, includes a reminder to book 2025 visits early and also includes seasonal pet-safety tips and an upcoming calendar of pet-related events in your city.

The choice is yours! While many pet sitters choose to make a more official announcement/ notification to clients, others say they simply give them the new rates the next time a client contacts them to book services.

Whatever method and timeline you choose for notifying your clients, a pet-sitting best practice is to keep your rate-increase notification professional and very simple. You should not apologize, and you do not have to offer specific reasons.

Here’s an example of a very simple notification:

Effective January 1, 2025, ABC Pet Sitting’s rates for pet-sitting visits will be $28 per visit and $26 for daily dog walks.

We are committed to providing the best pet-care services in Winston-Salem, and are happy to have your pets as part of the ABC Pet Sitting family.

Thank you for entrusting ABC Pet Sitting with your pets’ care!

Your Name

ABC Pet Sitting

Some pet sitters feel more comfortable providing at least some type of explanation, and the notification above can be edited slightly to do that:

Thank you for entrusting ABC Pet Sitting with your pets’ care!

Due to the rising costs of doing business, we will be raising rates slightly to ensure we can continue to offer the best service possible. Effective January 1, 2025, ABC Pet Sitting’s rates for pet-sitting visits will be $28 per visit and $26 for daily dog walks.

These downloadable, easy-to-customize pet profile sheets help you make sure you ask the right questions before accepting a pet-sitting assignment.

We are committed to providing the best pet-care services in Winston-Salem and are happy to have your pets as part of the ABC Pet Sitting family.

Your Name

ABC Pet Sitting

A word of caution: If you do want to provide specific reasons for your rate increase, be careful about citing the cost of gas as a reason. Because gasoline rates fluctuate, your clients may expect your rates to decrease when the cost of gasoline goes down (if you’ve used that as your reason for a rate increase).

Remember, less is typically best when it comes to communicating price increases. Consider other service providers you use. It’s likely that they provide no specific details when their prices increase—and as a client, you understand that increases are a part of business. Your clients will understand as well! —PSI Staff 

Send them to prospective clients before the initial consultation or include them with your pet-sitting contract.

Care Profile Seets

(per title)

Fish Tank Care Profile Sheet

Dog Care Profile Sheet

Insurance Issues

By David Pearsall, Business Insurers of the Carolinas

Check out these…

Recent General Liability Claims:

• While leaving a client’s apartment building, the dog’s tail was caught in the door and tip was clipped off. Total Paid $1,077.

• The pet sitter was walking a client’s dog in an apartment complex. While entering a fenced-in area, the dog in the pet sitter’s care bit a dog that was leaving the area, causing multiple injuries to the dog’s face and ear. Total Paid $9,580.

• The client’s dog was left out of their kennel by the pet sitter and chewed the client’s couch. Total Paid $1,999.

• While on a hike, a client’s dog in the care of sitter was attacked by a porcupine. Total Paid $486.

• A dog tore her MCL while staying at the pet sitter’s home and required surgery. Total Paid $6,748.

• A pet sitter left the window of her car open by mistake. The client’s dog jumped out the window and ran off. Upon finding the dog, the sitter transported him to the vet, where he was treated for injuries sustained while on the run. Total Paid $1,820.

• A client’s dog became sick during the night while at the pet sitter’s home. The dog was taken to the emergency vet, and it was discovered the dog had eaten marijuana remnants from an ashtray. Total Paid $2,741.

• While in the pet sitter’s care, a dog ate a sock which caused a blockage and required surgery. Total Paid $5,041.

• During a walk, a dog in the care of a pet sitter fell into twigs and incurred multiple cuts which required stitching. Total Paid $840.

• A client requested the pet sitter to administer insulin injections to their diabetic cat. Unfortunately, the sitter did not read the label on the medications and administered morphine by mistake. Total Paid $802.

Recent Workers’ Compensation Claims:

• While walking a dog down the hallway, the dog leapt and knocked the sitter’s employee to the ground, causing injury to her knee. Total Paid $1,065.

• The insured employee was accidentally bitten on the arm while attempting to put the collar on a client’s dog. Total Paid $737.

• The sitter’s employee attempted to break up a dog fight and was bitten by a dog on their arms and face. Total Paid $7,807.

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.

Vet Medical Expenses (Regardless of Fault) & CCC Liability Coverage

If you’re a regular reader of this column, you’re likely aware that under the PSI Liability & Bonding Policy, clients’ pets and personal property (contents of the clients’ homes) are covered up to the care, custody, or control (CCC) limit you choose on your application when you apply or renew your policy each year.

If you have not been in business very long and/or are considering purchasing liability insurance for a pet-sitting or dog-walking business for the first time, what you may not be aware of is the fact that PSI’s CCC coverage under the master policy’s insuring agreement has been broadened significantly over the last 25+ years to include coverage specifically for vet medical expenses, regardless of fault

This change came about due to the many professional pet sitters that were frustrated by their insurance companies denying claims. The claims typically involved a pet in their care that suffered an injury or sickness, but all were denied as the adjuster(s) determined there was no negligence or fault on the pet sitter’s part (or on the part of an employee or independent contractor).

In addition, over the years vet expenses have continued to grow more costly for both at fault and not at fault claims, so other adjustments have been made to the PSI policy’s CCC coverage.

Let’s begin with a few examples of regardless of fault claims to give you a better understanding:

1. While hiking with a sitter off leash in a wooded area, a client’s dog leapt over a log and suffered an injured leg and came up limping. The insured pet sitter took the dog to an emergency veterinarian for treatment and found that the dog had torn his ACL and required surgery.

The business owner assumed their liability insurance would cover the claim, and informed their client not to worry, they would take care of it. However, after the client presented them with a statement totaling over $4,500 for all the vet expenses related to the diagnosis and surgery, and the insured turned into the insurer, the claim was denied.

The insurance adjuster informed the sitter that there was no negligence whatsoever by the business, as the incident was simply an accidental injury, and could have occurred to the dog at any time.

2. A pet sitter was instructed by the owners to be sure to take their dogs for a run or “run them each day,” and that they loved to fetch balls and play with their toys that were kept in their pet supply closet. The owner even let the sitter know which ones were their favorites.

Unfortunately, during the first visit after the owners left for vacation, the dogs were playing when one of them ingested a toy. The dog was taken to the veterinarian and surgery was needed to remove the item. The vet bill amounted to over $6,200.

The sitter contacted her insurance company at the time, who gathered her statement, but the next day she received a denial letter from her insurance company stating there was no coverage for accidental injuries to pets under the liability policy she purchased.

(continued)

3. A client’s dog in the care of an insured pet sitter ingested Xylitol and required immediate veterinary care but survived. The vet expense was over $3,300 and here again, the sitter was not responsible or negligent in any way, and therefore the claim was denied by the insurance company.

These are just three examples of accidental injuries that have occurred to clients’ pets while under the care, custody or control of an insured pet sitter.

Offering PSI Members the Highest CCC Limit Available in the Industry

As some longtime PSI members are aware, in the mid-nineties, the PSI policy initially only covered a CCC limit of $5,000 for clients’ pets and did not cover the accidental vet expenses.

However, by the year 2000, CCC coverage was broadened, and higher limits were added, with options ranging from $5,000 up to $50,000. At that time, no one imagined the cost of vet expenses for injuries to pets or costs associated with damage to their clients’ personal property would ever reach the $50,000 limit, but in 2007 we had already incurred multiple CCC personal property claims (although there was negligence on behalf of the sitters in those cases) that exceeded the $50,000 limit, and several petinjury claims that exceeded the $20,000 limit.

So, in March 2008, the PSI Liability Policy broadened its CCC limits up to $200,000, which is still the highest limit available for CCC coverage available today.

Since 2010, we have continued to see CCC pet injuries increase, both at fault, and not at fault. Here are a few examples of paid claims over the last 14 years:

• A pet sitter purchased the In-Home Boarding option under the policy

to cover his clients’ dogs that preferred the dogs have 24-hour care while they were out of town. One of the dogs ingested an unknown substance and required emergency veterinary care, as well as ongoing veterinary care for several months to follow. The total paid was $25,000 and only because that was the limit purchased by the sitter for CCC.

• While on a walk, a client’s dog escaped from their leash and ran away. When the walker located the dog, it had been hit by a car and after undergoing multiple surgeries, passed away. Total Paid $34,031.

• Two dogs being walked by insured dog walker started out on a walk together. Unfortunately, one of the dogs suddenly began attacking (mauling) the other and the walker was unable to stop the scuffle. The smaller dog required emergency veterinary care. Treatment included major surgery and stitches in multiple places to save the dog, along with long term rehabilitation. Total Paid $25,000, and here again this was due to the limit purchased by the dog walker.

• A pet sitter was walking a client’s young dog and noticed their back legs began to drag. The sitter carried the dog back to the client’s home and attempted to feed the dog. The dog would not eat or drink, so the pet sitter took the dog to the veterinarian, where after undergoing several tests, it was determined the dog had ingested a foreign substance and required ongoing vet treatment for the next 12 months. Total Paid $25,000, the amount purchased by sitter.

• The client’s small, older dog came to the pet sitter’s home for daycare and was placed outside with four other clients’ dogs to play. The dog immediately began to run, and the other dogs gave chase to the

back of a large fenced-in backyard. Unfortunately, when the other dogs caught up to the small dog, they began attacking him, resulting in emergency surgery and ongoing rehabilitative care. Total Paid $49,998.

As you can see, a couple of these claims involved dogs ingesting foreign substances, which in many cases, unless negligence could be proved, would be considered not at fault claims, and denied by most insurance companies covering pet sitters and dog walkers today.

The fact is that a large majority of CCC injuries to pets are not necessarily the direct fault of the sitter, but simply “pets being pets.” However, when these accidents occur while the pet is in on your watch, you are considered the one to blame, especially when the client feels like the accident would not have occurred had they been home with their pet.

Most insurance companies do not care what you or your clients think, and they specifically look for negligence on your part when a claim is turned in. If there is no clear negligence on your behalf, they decline to pay the claim.

This is one of the major differences in the PSI Liability Policy when compared to all other pet sitter policies available today. At best, some of the lower cost insurers may offer up to $1,000 for not at fault vet medical coverage, and $15,000 for at fault (where there is negligence) claims!

Clearly this is not adequate today with the increased cost of veterinary care these days. Whether purchasing your policy via PSI, or any other insurer, be sure you fully understand the coverage you are purchasing and review the animal coverage being provided. Otherwise, that cheap coverage may be a whole lot more expensive when your business incurs a pet injury claim! 

EEAT

EXPERIENCE EXPERTISE AUTHORITY TRUST

How can I use EEAT to increase my online visibility?

By Amy Toman, Pet Sitter SEO

There are many factors that Google considers when deciding which businesses to promote in search results. Those factors get updated frequently, in relation to what users and Google find important.

A new strategy has emerged in the last few years, first seen in a Google guide for their website rating program. In that guide, Google’s “Search Quality Rater Guidelines,” Google advises raters to consider EEAT.

In determining page quality, Raters must consider EEAT:

• The first-hand experience of the creator

• The expertise of the creator

• The authoritativeness of the creator, the main content itself, and the website

• And trust: the extent to which the page is accurate, honest, safe, and reliable

So, knowing that part of what Google uses to judge is based on experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trust, how can you as a pet-care business owner optimize these factors for your business? Content.

Posting information about your business and its focus is one of the best ways to gain visibility. Posting about pet behavior and pet care in general, and specifically the services you provide, teaches the world and Google about you, and your profes-

sional focus. It’s the same with your business; posting about your services should elevate your status.

Specifically, Google wants to see “the first-hand experience of the creator” as well as “the expertise… and authoritativeness of the creator.” You, therefore, want to promote both your business and your experience (and your staff’s experience). These should include local and industry information. Are you or a staffer a trained veterinary technician? Let the world know. Has someone volunteered with a local rescue or vet hospital, or are any of you Certified Professional Pet Sitters? All of that “counts” and increases the “authoritativeness” that Google looks for.

Where to post EEAT content?

Which platforms help your content gain the most attention from Google? When trying to promote yourself and your business—both your services and your expertise—what are the best platforms to be seen on?

I lean toward platforms that already exhibit industry authority or feature other authority writers. Pet-care magazines or their social accounts, local pages like chambers of commerce, or local animal rescues are all good choices. If a veterinarian has an active social platform, they’re also good sources.

Then I’d look toward websites of other industry professionals, like vet offices. Might they have a listing of

local resources? Ask to be seen on that. Social platforms are also helpful; beside posting as your own business, try to post in community pages.

Your Website

Your website is the most obvious place to start posting. Blogs don’t have to be defined lengths, so posting 300 words frequently is as helpful as posting a 1200-word blog once a month. (Note at this point in this article, I’ve written just over 400 words, so 300 may not be that daunting).

Keeping the EEAT guidelines in mind, you should write on topics specific to your services and your location; doing so shows you’re an expert in (for example) dog walking in Ann Arbor. For inspiration, I would look at your Services page or the dropdown menu on your main navigation bar. Do you provide x service? Write blogs about your experiences doing so and add outgoing links when possible. If you’re writing about your area, mention local events, like charity events for shelters. Add those links to both the event page and the shelter’s homepage itself.

I mentioned external links there— links that go to online sources located away from your website. But don’t forget to include internal links, the ones that link to your own website. If you’re blogging about an experience you had walking a large/small/unusual dog, then link to your Dog Walking page. If you mention an experience you had while you were obtaining

your CPPS designation, link to PSI and the program, in addition to linking back to your bio page on your site.

Internal links are a great addition to your website; they help Google understand the most important elements on your website and help support your claims of expertise. If you link from blogs to your services, and from your bio to services, and from services to service area mentions, all that supports each element.

It’s also been suggested that external links that go to quality authoritative sources help provide “authority” to your site as well. If you link often to the AKC or governmental animal regulation sites, Google may view your site as of higher value than someone who writes the same thing but provides no resources or no authoritative resources.

Your Website’s Bio Page I can’t overstate the value of a bio page dedicated solely to the owner of a business. This gives the owner a chance to lay out their credentials in a way that provides a sense of stability and expertise to the business and shows potential clients and the search engines how because the owner has that expertise, the business does as well. In my case, I update this page more frequently than my own LinkedIn page (or the rest of my website, oops). I link to every presentation I’ve done, every time I’ve been cited, and every mention that’s been made to me or my name. As a result, the About page is actually the first page highlighted when you search Pet Sitter SEO.

To bulk up EEAT on your bio page, make sure your bio has your credentials listed. I would condense your general info, then add an ordered list of what you did and where you did it. Earned your CPPS designation? Say that, and link to both the program description and the place you earned it, PSI. Are you a vet tech? Mention that, and link to the program and the place you got the degree. The more quality credentials you have, the better you show potential clients and the search engines that you are an expert in your field.

LinkedIn

Publishing on LinkedIn should also help you gain visibility. The site is known for business interactions, and I know I’ve seen some of my short posts on there appear in searches for my name and my business name. In fact, when I search my name and SEO (to distinguish me from a Florida District Attorney), LinkedIn is the second link that appears after my business. LinkedIn is well-regarded, so posting from your business page (if you don’t have one, create one) or from your personal page and linking to a recent post on your website helps bring authority and trust to your site and your business overall.

Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram

Amy Toman is a professional SEO and Platinum Google Product Expert. She has been working with pet sitters since 2015 and started her own digital marketing agency in 2017. She maintains an active Facebook presence and welcomes questions from business owners of all levels of technical expertise. Learn more about Amy’s services at petsitterseo.com

While not “authoritative” per se, your activity on these social networks does help your information appear more frequently in searches, especially if the posts are linking from your business page, not your personal page. In my case, I see it coming up second, right under my website information.

I learned a lot about the value of consistent social media interaction from a pet-sitting business owner who’s now retired. Maureen McCarthy had a large company with many staffers and was at the point where her primary concentration was her company’s social media profiles. She posted on Facebook and Instagram several times a week, both business and personal; she engaged in conversations in groups, and she posted short blogs at least once a week. And she was also open to appearing on webinars and podcasts and in local news articles.

What was the result? Her business had excellent visibility, and now, over two years after her retirement, she can still be found for her name and “pet sitter.” She made a concerted effort to make sure her business came up for her terms, which were her locations and either “pet sitter” or “dog walker.” She did an excellent job, and I am still in awe that the business’s footprint is still so prominent.

While EEAT is a newly recognized strategy, it’s very practical. By posting your qualifications on your site and elsewhere, and by linking to authoritative resources, you’re showing the world and the search engines that you know what you’re talking about. You’re an expert in your field. You know the local area, and you’re the one they should hire. 

Things to post about on social media: October, November, and December 2024

Below is a list of pet-related observances you can highlight on your company’s social media pages this quarter. Plus, you can view the yearlong list on the PSI website at petsit.com/2024-pet-holidays.

October 2024

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

American Humane’s Adopt-a-Dog Month®

National Pet Wellness Month

National Animal Safety and Protection Month

National Pit Bull Awareness Month

November 2024

Adopt a Senior Pet Month National Pet Awareness Month

National Senior Pet Month

National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

• October 1-7: National Walk Your Dog Week

• October 1: National Black Dog Day; National Fire Pup Day

• October 4: World Animal Day

• October 6-12: Animal Welfare Week

• October 7-11: Customer Service Week

• October 12: National Pet Obesity Awareness Day

• October 18: Get to Know Your Customers Day

• October 19: National Fetch Day

• October 20-26: National Veterinary Technician Week

• October 21: Reptile Awareness Day; National Pets for Veterans Day

• October 21-25: National Business Women’s Week

• October 27: National Black Cat Day (UK)

• October 28: National Pit Bull Awareness Day

• October 29: National Cat Day

Pet Diabetes Month

• November 1: National Cook for Your Pets Day

• November 3-9: National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week

• November 3: Daylight Saving Time ends

• November 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day

• November 12: Fancy Rat and Mouse Day

• November 13: World Kindness Day

• November 17: National Take a Hike Day

• November 25: National Adoption Day

• November 30: Small

December 2024

National Cat Lover’s Month

• December 2: National Mutt Day

• December 9: International Day of Veterinary Medicine

• December 15: Cat Herders Day

Don’t forget that PSI includes free social-media images for pet-related holidays that you can download to share in each PSI Monthly Member Toolkit

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe… can make the season not so bright for pets.

During this busy season, there are several tips you should keep in mind to ensure the happy holidays don’t turn into a time of danger for your pets or the pets in your care.

Keep these tips in mind and share them with your team members (if applicable) and your clients.

HOLIDAY DECOR

• Christmas trees add beauty to the home, but pine tree water can be poisonous, so it is best to use an enclosed tree stand. If that is not possible, be sure to cover open tree stand bases. Make sure that the tree is secured to the wall with strong wire or twine, because a toppling tree can cause serious injuries to dogs and cats.

• Ornaments and hooks, twinkling lights and electrical wiring pose significant danger to pets by ingestion or contact. When no one will be around to supervise, unplug lights and any electrical decorations a pet has access to. Cover or tack down electrical cords.

• To avoid pets being burned or causing a fire hazard, ensure that pets are confined away from any room containing a lit Hanukkah menorah or holiday candle.

• Keep holiday game pieces, such as the dreidel, out of paw’s reach from pets to avoid accidental ingestion.

• Holiday plants that are poisonous to pets include the berries of the mistletoe, holly, hibiscus, Christmas roses and the poinsettia. Keep these plants out of pets’ reach.

This is also a good time to remind your clients that if their pets are easily frightened or not used to being around a lot of people, the holiday season can be an especially stressful time. If their homes will be the location for any holiday celebrations, they should make sure they have a room set aside where their pet can relax with favorite toys and will not be disturbed by guests.

It’s also important their pet wears an identification tag with their name and contact information, in case the pet slips out the door as guests come and go. It’s always a good idea for pets to be microchipped as well.

pet emergencies, and there are many foods you—or your clients—may

PSI recommends that pet parents be cautious of the following:

1.Dark and baker’s chocolate. While milk chocolate is not poisonous, it will cause a pet to have an upset stomach. On the other hand, dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate contain high levels of theobromine and caffeine. Animals are extremely sensitive to both, and ingesting chocolate could cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and heart failure—and be fatal.

2. Chocolate gold coins. These treats—sometimes used in Hanukkah and Christmas traditions—should be kept in a location that cannot be accessed by pets. Not only do the chocolate coins contain theobromine and caffeine, but the shiny foil wrappers can also cause intestinal issues if digested.

3. Grapes and raisins. These items are highly toxic to dogs and ingestion (even in relatively small amounts) can result in acute kidney failure and death. While cats may be less likely to attempt to eat grapes or raisins, if ingested, they would suffer similar symptoms as dogs.

4. Xylitol. This sugar substitute causes a dog’s blood sugar to drop quickly. This poisoning can be treated but causes liver failure if not treated properly.

5. Macadamia nuts. Dogs experience severe weakness in their back legs, appearing paralyzed, after ingesting macadamia nuts. With proper veterinary care, dogs should recover in 24-48 hours, but it’s important to note that dogs with a prior history of pancreatis and obese dogs are at a higher risk for pancreatitis after eating macadamia nuts.

6. Holiday spices. Spices commonly used in holiday foods and treats, such as nutmeg and cinnamon, can cause a variety of issues—from mild stomach upset and blisters in the mouth to more severe symptoms like vomiting and hallucinations—if consumed in large quantities.

7. Turkey stuffing. While some holiday staples, like turkey, are okay for pets, be sure to remove any excess fat and skin and be wary of turkey stuffing. Stuffing often contains onions and/or garlic, both of which can cause potentially dangerous anemia if consumed in large quantities.

8. Meat bones. While you might think your dog would enjoy a bone to chew on, think twice. Bones from cooked meat can easily splinter, which could cause a blockage or lacerations in the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Stick to pet-safe treats instead!

9. Bread dough. When bread dough is ingested, it continues to rise, causing an intestinal blockage.

10. Latkes and sufganiyot. For pets, ingestion of these Hanukkah treats could result in a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting and diarrhea. Also, some ingredients can have even more dangerous consequences. The onions in latkes, for example, can cause Heinz body anemia in both cats and dogs.

If a pet ingests any potentially harmful product, call a veterinarian or a local emergency animal hospital immediately. —PSI Staff 

Are you taking advantage of

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

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

• Trending articles to share in your client newsletter and/or on social media

• A featured article or blog post focused on the month’s toolkit theme

• Social-media images and sample captions your business can post online

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.

Utilizing all things PSI

By Bobbi Wilson, Peace Love Paws Pet Sitters, LLC

Joining an organization shouldn’t be just about paying your dues, displaying a logo or utilizing only the free options. It is about being a member to better the whole. Pet Sitters International offers pet sitters a diverse selection of ways to promote your business to clients and the community.

If you utilize all that is available, you will leverage your business beyond professional status. When everyone contributes to an organization, the learning curve goes up, benefiting every member. PSI frequently asks for input through their surveys, calls for speakers and writers, and several other interactive communications to involve their members.

Your membership is what YOU make it!

What follows are four membership benefits I personally recommend and encourage you to use to grow your participation as a member of PSI:

Study PSI’s entire website.

Yes, it sounds crazy, but if you were to buy any service or product, you would thoroughly check their website. PSI’s website has the answers to all the questions needed to run your business and is constructed to provide its members access to every resource quickly and conveniently.

A little prior research lends to your convenience, so if you have familiarized yourself with all the content, finding the answers you seek will be quicker. Furthermore, you will want to keep up with all the new classes, business sponsors, and updated content PSI has to offer.

Become a CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter®

A certification recognizes you have professional skills and education as defined in your field, and shows you are staying current with the industry. The pet-sitting industry is one of change and updating, due to advancements in pet care, medications, and practices.

Although we are not veterinarians, pet sitting falls into the categories of the service industry, caregivers, and compassion providers, thus warranting continuing education. I think everyone should take advantage of their membership by becoming a Certified Professional Pet Sitter! Then after that, it is up to you to educate your potential and current clients, and community, about your certification.

Attend an In-Person Conference. Ask a previous PSI conference attendee what they enjoyed the most about attending and they will tell you “relationships,” with most of these turning into lifelong friendships. Not to discount all the education, but there is nothing like traveling to see a group of likeminded people who are so excited to get away and explore a new city. PSI’s conferences are an adventure, whether you choose to participate in the group dinners, play Bingo or gather in the hotel to share business ideas. You will leave a PSI conference feeling rejuvenated and ready to reach your biggest goals.

Submit your nomination for Pet Sitter of the Year.

Being selected as PSI’s Pet Sitter of the Year for excellent business practices, community involvement and professionalism is the industry’s highest honor. I think the structure of this award process is not competitive but is meant to challenge you as an individual. This award means being the face of Pet Sitters International for the whole year and is a commitment not to be taken lightly. If selected for the award, you will be treated like royalty and have opportunities to achieve greater things. PSI lets you be yourself to accomplish as much as you want; while knowing you have their support, all year long.

Make it a goal in 2025 to utilize your membership. Thank all of you for following me in Pet Sitter’s World magazine this year!

Remember, our businesses are our own but… “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together" (African Proverb), Let’s celebrate PSI’s 30th year and Patti Moran’s vision for all pet sitters to go far together! Peace Love Paws.

Bobbi Wilson co-owns Peace Love Paws Pet Sitters, LLC, in Columbia, MO, with her husband, Scott. She is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter® and was named PSI’s 2024 Pet Sitter of the Year. Learn more at peacelovepawspetsitters.com

7 Ways You Know Your Pet-Care Business is Ready to Sell

By Michelle Kline, DogCo Launch

Owning a pet-care business is wonderful, but there may come a day when you are ready to go onto your next adventure.

Consider these seven principles to make sure your business is also ready to journey on.

Principle 1: You have built a business—not a job.

In a business that is ready to sell, the current owner is not a central component of the business running its day-to-day functions. A new owner will want to buy a business, not a job for themselves. While the new owner will need to be involved, there also needs to be work done ahead of time so that the new owner will be able to operate ON the business once they take over as owner, and not only IN the business.

Principle 2: You have built a brand that can carry the business apart from yourself.

A strong brand helps the people connected to the business actually be connected to the business—not to the owner. This is critical for a business sale, because you want clients to feel an emotional connection to the business and the brand, not to you as the operator of that brand.

A quick test to see if your brand is strong enough: How do clients currently make referrals to you if asked who they use as a pet-care provider? If clients are still referring to you by name, rather than by your brand, this indicates you may still have some work to do to center the brand of your business, rather than yourself as the owner. By referring to our company only, it places the business at the center of the client’s expectations, not the owner.

Principle 3: You have captured all the knowledge belonging to your business.

The business has documented policies and procedures for all its core functions, positions, and operations. For a business to be ready to sell, this knowledge cannot live inside of someone’s mind; it must be documented in a place that can be referenced and implemented from that documentation alone.

Principle 4: You have built your business to exist apart from “who” is in each position.

The business has reached the place where it is not dependent on a specific person or persons for its functioning—including the owner. Knowledge has been transferred from inside individual people into Operational Procedures that can sustain turnover in positions. Similarly, your business needs to be built so that clients are built to be connected to the business—not the owner or service provider of a company.

Principle 5: You have built your business to be financially healthy.

Financial predictability is important. Ideally, your business has held a steady growth rate and a steady profit margin, with predictable patterns of client spending for an extended amount of time. There can be some nuance here (e.g., if you had a period of decline but are able to clearly map that to a certain decision the business made that was then reversed and growth continued). But overall, your business should be strong and trending upward, if not holding steady.

Principle 6: You have built your business to continue to grow without you.

A sellable business will include clear opportunities for the business to continue to grow. These opportunities may be expanding into other territories, expanding more deeply into current territories, adding additional revenue streams through products or services, etc. This can be summarized in the following: The business has not yet tapped out the revenue that they could potentially bring in.

Principle 7: You have built your business to be a good idea for somebody to purchase.

Principle 7 may seem like a bit of a “duh”; however, it is vitally important that while building your business, you think through the lens of “would another owner accept the position I have put this company in.” This should be the framework for decisions you make while you grow the company, regardless of if you choose to sell down the line.

Michelle Kline the founder of DogCo Launch, where she helps other companies grow and scale their pet care businesses. Until the recent sale, Michelle was the owner of Venture Dog Walking, a daily dog walking company in Winston-Salem, NC, that Michelle tripled in size after transitioning from full-service pet care to daily dog walking during the pandemic.

Certification Announcements

LAURA BOISSON

Decatur, GA

HEATHER BOYD

Bubba Love Pet Sitting Chico, CA

BARRI HARGES

Laguna Woods, CA

JADE JAMON

Faithfurry Yours LLC Round Rock, TX

JACQUELINE KELLER

Pawsitively Amore Petsitting LLC Council Bluffs, IA

CHELSEA KRAKOWIAK

941 Chelsea’s Furry Friends, LLC Sarasota, FL

MELISSA LANE

Tidal Tails Pet Sitting Lady’s Island, SC

Congratulations

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

CHRISTINA LESMEISTER Anoka, MN

PATRICE MOORE

AAAPets4Patrice Annandale, VA

BAILEY MOTES

Bays Almost Home Pet Resort Greenville, TX

NICOLE PACKIN

Miami Pet Concierge Plano, TX

CHRISTOPHER REID Tango Pets Brooklyn, NY

LAURA ROBEL

Laura Robel’s Pet Services, LLC Stirling, NJ

BROOKE ROZELL

Animal Admiration, LLC Katy, TX

JOLENE SPANNUTH

Sarah The Sitter, LLC Lakewood, OH

DORIAN TAYLOR

Dori Tails Chicago, IL

CLAUDIA ZYSK

Happy Paws Inn & Resort Port Townsend Port Townsend, WA

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

NICOLE ALLEN

Pupper’s Pet Care Big Bear City, CA

JENNIFER BETTS

Run and Play Silver Spring, MD

CORRINE BRAY

Corks Critter Care Calgary, Alberta Canada

MICHELLE CANDELORO

Dog Walking and Petsitting Specialists and Ellicottcitypetsitter.com Ellicott City, MD

DANA CORMIER

Mutts & Magnolias LLC Carencro, LA

KIM FANCHER

Paws On Pet Sitting Altamonte Springs, FL

SHAWN FIREK

Desert Whiskers

Cat Sitting Buckeye, AZ

SAMUEL GARTH

Oasis Pet Sitting Owens Crossroads, AL

ANN GREGORY

Happy Tails Pet Pal, LLC Plano, TX

PAM HENDERSON

Attention To d’Tails Spring, TX

JOSEPH HILL

Best Pals Pet Care Services Greensburg, PA

ELIZABETH

JACQUES

Companion Synergy Salem, MA

ANGIE JAMISON

Joyful Pets Services Lubbock, TX

JESSICA LOUISE KIM

Jessica’s Pet Sitting LLC Latrobe, PA

MELODI LANDI

Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC

West Warwick, RI

TELANI LASOLEILLE

The Cooperative Canine, LLC Portland, OR

JENNIFER MCCARTHY

Doggone Lucky Pet Services Hillsborough, NJ

RAINA MILNES

Biota Pet Care Orangeville, Ontario Canada

MICHIE PIEPER

Pieper Paws Pet Care LLC Bothell, WA

TIFFANY POLACEK

Steel Valley Wag, LLC Youngstown, OH

LAUREEN PREBILIC

Laureen’s Pet Sitting Services Cape Coral, FL

LYNNAE SCHOOLER

Alaska Pet Nanny Salcha, AK

ISABELA SCHWEDER

Sweet Home Pet Sitter

Doha, Qatar

JEN SMITH

Vet Tech Pet Services Ottawa, Ontario Canada

GINA STEPHENS

Gina’s Comfy Critters San Jose, CA

ERIN VERLAAN

Krinkled Whiskers Professional Cat Care

Calgary, Alberta Canada

JESSICA WAGNER

Wag-N-Watch Allentown, PA

JOHN WROBEL

Good Shepherd Pet Care Northford, CT

• Demonstrate your competency in the core skills and knowledge base professional pet sitters should possess.

• Earn formal recognition for your commitment to excellence in pet sitting.

• Raise awareness among clients and the general public about professional pet sitting.

• Support standards in our largely unregulated industry and promote professionalism.

Additional benefits of certification include:

Marketing advantage. Certification matters to your current and prospective clients (if you educate them). When you earn your CPPS designation, you’ll receive a downloadable certificate to display and the CPPS logo to use on your website and other marketing materials. A special certified icon is added to your listing on PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator. PSI will also provide you with a press release you can distribute to your local media announcing your accomplishment.

Ongoing education. Your initial certification is valid for three years, and continuing education is required to maintain your designation. As a CPPS, you’ll be motivated to continue lifelong learning to stay up to date on the latest in pet care, pet health and best business practices.

Discounts and savings. CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitters receive a 15 percent discount on Pet-Sitter Liability Insurance and bonding premiums through PSI Preferred Provider Business Insurers of the Carolinas (U.S.) or a 10 percent discount through PSI Preferred Provider Jones DesLauriers, formerly Binks Insurance (Canada). All CPPSs also receive $10 off their annual PSI membership renewal and an extra 10% off the already discounted member pricing for PSI’s events, digital products and online courses.

Personal satisfaction. By earning your CPPS designation, you are able to prove that you possess the knowledge and skills required to pass the rigorous standards of PSI’s knowledge-assessed exam. Becoming certified is an investment in yourself and in your business.