Finding reliable care a concern for pet owners

With more than 60 percent of households owning at least one pet, finding reliable pet care is likely a concern for the majority of pet owners in Fallon.

For these pet owners, Cindy Webb, owner of Noah’s Ark Pet Sitting, has an important piece of advice: Don’t be tricked by so-called pet sitters.

“It’s important that pet owners understand that pet sitting is a professional career and professional pet sitters offer peace of mind that other pet-care options cannot,” Webb said.

Even for pet owners committed to using professional pet sitters instead of friends or family, the search can be confusing. With the influx of pet-care directory sites popping up in the last couple of years & news stories touting pet sitting as an easy way to earn extra cash, more & more people are deciding to cash in on the growing need for pet care.

President Patti Moran of Pet Sitters International, who also founded the pet-sitting industry more than two decades ago, offers advice for pet owners.

“Simply being listed on an online pet-sitter listing—or even on a nationally-publicized directory—does not make a pet sitter a professional, qualified care provider,” Moran said. “Anyone can post a profile advertising pet-sitting services, so it’s important for pet owners to take a closer look to ensure they are hiring a real pet sitter.”

Webb is joining with PSI & thousands of fellow pet sitters to promote the “Get A Real Pet Sitter” message to educate pet owners on what they should look for when selecting a professional pet sitter.

PSI & Noah’s Ark Pet Sitting advises pet owners to ask these important questions when interviewing a potential pet sitter: Does the pet sitter have the proper business license for your city or state? Is the pet sitter bonded? Does the pet sitter provide client references? Will the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract? Is the pet sitter a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) and/or has he or she participated in pet-care training, such as pet first aid? Is the pet sitter a member of a professional and educational association, such as Pet Sitters International?