How to Choose a Professional Pet Sitter: An Open Letter to Pet Lovers
How to Choose a Professional Pet Sitter
An Open Letter to Pet Lovers 💜
After 20 years as a professional pet sitter, there's something I really wish more pet parents knew before they ever needed us.
The pet care industry is basically like the Wild West right now. We're still a relatively young industry, only about 30 years old, and anyone can get online and say, "I'm a pet sitter."
A lot of what I do, both in my own business and through my work in the pet care industry, is educating people about what professional pet sitting actually looks like and why those standards matter.
Unfortunately, many pet parents don't know what questions to ask until something happens.
And by then, something has already happened.
I have heard some stories, y'all. Every time, I cringe and feel so bad for what's happened to them. You would think after 20 years it wouldn't shock me anymore, but it does. I honestly just don't understand half of the things people do.
That's what we're up against as professionals. Anyone can say, "I'm a pet sitter," and most people understandably think, okay, you love animals, you have animals yourself, you're a neighbor or a friend, so I'll trust you.
And everything can be okay, sometimes for a long time, until it isn't anymore.
Then we get the call.
When I meet these pet parents, explain our processes, and answer their questions, I hear the same thing over and over:
"I wish I had met you sooner."
And many of them are understandably anxious by that point. After what they've experienced, they have every right to ask questions and want proof that things will be different this time. We're not trying to talk them out of that anxiety.
Our job is to show them the systems, communication, accountability, and standards we have in place so they can begin to trust again.
And yes, in all honesty, sometimes it does get frustrating hearing story after story about things that have happened to people and meeting pet owners who have to learn to trust a pet sitter again.
Not because I'm frustrated with the pet owner. Quite the opposite. I understand why they're worried. It's frustrating because so many of these situations could have been prevented in the first place.
That right there is what gets me fired up!
So, how do you choose a professional pet sitter you can trust with your pets and your home? Here are a few questions I think every pet parent should ask:
Is your pet sitter insured and bonded?
What training and certifications do they hold?
What is their emergency plan for your home and your pets?
What happens if your sitter gets hurt or can't show up? Do they have a backup plan that you know about and approve of, not just someone you've never met suddenly showing up at your home because they're the sitter's boyfriend, friend, or neighbor?
What do their Google reviews say? Do they have reviews somewhere other than social media?
Do they have a Google Business Profile?
Do they have a professional website? Is it clear about the care they provide, pricing, cancellations, and their policies?
Do they have written policies and agreements at all?
Those agreements aren't just there to protect the pet sitter. They provide clarity for both of you about what to expect before you hand someone the keys to your home and the responsibility of caring for your pets.
There are professional pet sitters out here doing the very best for our clients and their pets, and we're accountable for the care we provide, too.
I'm not telling you any of this to drum up business or to bad-mouth anybody. I genuinely care about what's happening to people's pets. Anybody who has met me can tell you this. I'm on a mission to help everyone get the type of professional pet care they may not know is even possible.
As a veteran in the industry, I offer my knowledge and support to any pet sitter who wants it. I really enjoy mentoring other pet sitters who want to learn and grow. I'm always happy to be supportive, share what I've learned. There are a lot of wonderful people in this industry who genuinely want to learn and do a great job. I volunteer within the pet care industry because I care deeply about pushing our professional standards as high as possible.
And if you need a referral, ask me.
I network heavily with other pet care professionals, and I only refer people I know firsthand and trust to provide professional care. My reputation matters to me, and I'm not going to refer someone if I don't feel confident that they're keeping pets safe and upholding our industry's global standards.
I hope this helps a few pet lovers out there make a more informed decision before something happens. 💜
Wishing you all the best in your pet care search.
Respectfully,
Shannon Hendon, C.P.P.S. Owner & Founder | Ocala Pet Sitting LLC
I offer you a free resource from Pet Sitters International explaining the professional standards you should expect from a pet sitter:
💬 Final Thoughts from Ocala, Florida's Local Trusted Cat Sitter
Cats are family. And we know how important it is to find someone who treats them that way. Asking the right questions helps you feel confident you’ve found a sitter who will love and care for your cat just like you would.
If you’re in the Ocala area and looking for professional, experienced, and cat-obsessed pet sitters, we’d love to help! Whether it’s daily visits, medication support, or our signature service offerings, we’re here to make sure your cat stays comfy, content, and loved while you’re away.
👉 Ready to book or have more questions? Let’s chat!
You can reach us at info@OcalaPetSitting.com, call/text (352) 354-2602, or visit OcalaPetSitting.com to schedule your consultation today. Let us show your cat some love and put your mind at ease when you're away. 💛
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