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Home > General > What and When Is Professional Pet Sitters Week? (2024 Update)

What and When Is Professional Pet Sitters Week? (2024 Update)

golden retriever dogs lying on the floor with pet sitter

Having a trusted person to take care of your pet is absolutely crucial for many pet owners – after all, pets are like family for most of us. That’s why every year in the first full week of March, Professional Pet Sitters Week is celebrated. This special week honors the dedicated and hardworking professional pet sitters who provide exceptional care for our beloved pets. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what Professional Pet Sitters Week is all about, what you can do to show your appreciation for your pet sitter, and why it’s important to have a professional take care of your pet.

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Understanding Professional Pet Sitters Week

Professional Pet Sitters Week is a special week dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hardworking and dedicated professional pet sitters who provide exceptional care for pets. This week is celebrated every year in the first full week of March to raise awareness about the importance of professional pet sitters and the services they provide.

And what are “pet sitters”? Professional pet sitters are trained and experienced individuals who provide in-home care for pets while their owners are away. They offer a range of services, including feeding, exercising, and administering medication. They also provide companionship and playtime for pets, ensuring they receive the attention and care they need.

owner stroking the head of a cane corso dog
Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock

Ways to Show Appreciation During Professional Pet Sitters Week

This week is a perfect time to show your professional pet sitter just how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Here are a few awesome ways to do it:

  • Write a thank-you note: A simple thank-you note can go a long way in showing your appreciation for your pet sitter.
  • Leave a small gift: Consider leaving a small gift, such as a gift card or a box of chocolates, as a token of your appreciation.
  • Share your pet’s story: Share your pet’s story with your pet sitter. They will appreciate knowing more about your pet and the role they play in their lives. This can be especially touching if your pet is a rescue animal or one with special needs.
  • Leave a positive review: Leave a positive review on the pet sitter’s website or social media page (or even on their Yelp or FourSquare listing). This can help other pet owners find their way to your pet sitter (or their parent company).

Why Do People Hire Professional Pet Sitters?

Professional pet sitters play an essential role in the lives of pet owners. They provide peace of mind knowing that their pets are being cared for by trained and experienced individuals. Unlike boarding facilities, professional pet sitters provide one-on-one care for pets, ensuring they receive the attention and care they need.

These sitters also offer a range of services that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of pets. They can provide care for pets with special needs, such as administering medication or providing physical therapy. They can also provide additional services, such as grooming and training.

feeding cat
Image Credit: Dora Zett, Shuterstock

What to Look for in a Professional Pet Sitter

When choosing a professional pet sitter, it’s essential to find someone who is trustworthy, reliable, and experienced – the same way that you would go about finding the babysitter for your kids. There are several things to consider when selecting a professional pet sitter, including their qualifications, experience, and references.

  • Qualifications: Look for a professional pet sitter who has completed a training program or certification course. This ensures that they have the knowledge and skills needed to provide exceptional care for your pet.
  • Experience: Choose a sitter who has some experience caring for pets just like yours. This ensures that they understand the specific needs of your pet and can provide the care they require.
  • References: Ask for a few references from previous clients. This will give you an idea of the quality of care the pet sitter provides and their level of professionalism.

How to Prepare Your Pet for Your First Professional Pet Sitter

Leaving your beloved pet in the care of a stranger can be a fairly daunting experience. But with the right preparation, you can ensure that your pet is in safe and capable hands.

Do Some Research

The first step in preparing your pet for a professional pet sitter is to choose the right one. Do your research and look for a sitter who is experienced, reliable, and trustworthy. You can ask for referrals from friends and family or search for reputable pet sitting services online.

man with cat and laptop
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

Make Introductions

Once you have found a pet sitter that you are comfortable with, it’s time to introduce them to your pet. Arrange for a meet and greet session so that your pet can get accustomed to the sitter’s presence. This will help your pet feel more comfortable when you are away, knowing that they have already met the person who will be taking care of them.

During the meet and greet session, ensure that your pet sitter is given all the necessary information about your pet’s routine, likes and dislikes, and any medical conditions. This will help the sitter to provide the best possible care for your pet. It’s also important to provide the sitter with all the necessary supplies, such as food, treats, toys, and medication, to ensure that your pet’s routine is not disrupted.

Do a Trial Run

Before you leave your pet in the care of the sitter, it’s a good idea to have a trial run. Leave your pet with the sitter for a few hours while you’re away to see how they interact with each other. This will give you the peace of mind that your pet is in good hands and any issues can be addressed before you leave for an extended period.

Note that this doesn’t mean spying on your pet sitter through the neighbor’s yard across the street. It just means making the first sitting job (or first few) a bit shorter to ensure things are going as expected.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Pet Sitters

Dog walker sitting on bench and enjoying in park with dogs.
Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock

How much does a professional pet sitter cost?

The cost of a professional pet sitter varies depending on the services provided and the location. On average, pet owners can expect to pay between $15 and $30 per visit.

How long do pet sitters stay with your pet?

Professional pet sitters typically stay with pets for 30 minutes to a few hours per visit. This ensures that pets receive the attention and care they need for however long you’re gone.

What services do professional pet sitters provide?

Professional pet sitters provide a range of services, including feeding, exercising, administering medication, and providing companionship and playtime.

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Wrapping Things Up

Professional Pet Sitters Week is an excellent opportunity to recognize and celebrate the hardworking and dedicated professional pet sitters in our lives. These individuals play an essential role in the lives of pet owners, providing exceptional care for our beloved pets. Whether you’re a current pet owner or thinking of getting a pet in the future, hiring a professional pet sitter is a great way to ensure that your pet receives the care and attention they deserve when you can’t be there to care for your pet yourself.


Featured Image Credit: atyana Vyc, Shutterstock

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