Your Pets Are Happier at Home

General Business Operations

The sitter: 

• obtains any business license and/or permit required to operate a pet-sitting business as set forth by their state, province, county, or city.

• maintains current and adequate liability and bonding insurance that covers all services  provided.

• can provide proof of a clear criminal history, when requested.

• willingly provides client references, when requested.

• utilizes a legally compliant, written service contract to clarify services, fees, visit schedule, time allocated per visit and all other agreements, thereby establishing clear expectations in advance for both parties.

• is well-educated in the disciplines of pet sitting and takes advantage of educational training and continuing education to increase pet-care and business knowledge.

• maintains active membership in professional and educational associations, such as PSI, PSA, pet CPR and first aid

Animal Care & Stewardship

Additionally, the sitter:

• visits the client’s home or hotel before accepting a pet-sitting assignment to meet the pets, obtain/record detailed information about specific needs and complete the pet-sitting services agreement.

• provides materials or online access to descriptions of services and fees.

• takes precautions to make sure a client’s absence from home or hotel is not detectable because of careless actions or disclosures by the sitter.

• has systems in place to ensure the security of home or hotel keys in their possession.

• implements appropriate sanitation practices and takes reasonable precautions to limit the spread of communicable diseases and/or cross contamination between households.

• confirms client’s return and has prearranged for continued care should a client’s return be delayed or detained by emergency.

• has a contingency plan for pet care in case of inclement weather, disaster, or personal illness.

• has an emergency plan in place, including veterinary contact information, should a pet become ill or injured in their care.

• solicits service feedback from clients and responds appropriately.

• responds to client inquiries and complaints promptly.

When using staff members, the business owner:

• properly classifies staff as employees or contractors, adhering to any federal, state or provincial laws, and ensures staff members understand their classification.

• provides references, screens pet sitters adequately and, upon request, provides proof of clear criminal history of any company representative assigned to enter the homes or hotel rooms of pet owners.

• provides initial and ongoing training for its employees and/or establishes standards that its independent contractors must meet to qualify for pet-sitting assignments, while adhering to any federal, state or provincial laws regarding staffing and employment practices.

• practices fair recruitment, hiring and management practices, ensuring they do not discriminate against a person due to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran/ military status, age, genetic information or any protected classification established by law.

• works to foster an inclusive work environment with clear anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and ensures adherence of these policies to ensure the safety of all staff members and the fair treatment of clients.

Pet-Related Care

The sitter:

• learns as much as possible about the routines, behaviors and needs of animals in their care and documents specific care instructions provided by the pet owners.

• has adequate experience in caring for pets and is knowledgeable in pet behavior and pet first aid to best protect the safety and wellbeing of pets in their care.

• understands and upholds local ordinances and laws applicable to animals in their service areas, including policies regarding animal abuse and neglect.

Ethical Conduct & Professional Behavior

The sitter:

• exhibits courtesy and professionalism in all dealings with customers, staff and industry colleagues to positively represent their business and the pet-sitting industry.

• conducts business with honesty and integrity and observes all federal, state and local laws pertaining to business operations.

• refrains from slander of competitors, peers, industry organizations and affiliates, and follows the appropriate venues to provide constructive feedback and/ or address concerns in a respectful manner.

• demonstrates ethical standards in all areas of business operations

• signs any non-disclosure agreements when requested or required