Celebrate your pet sitter

As pet ownership continues to rise, so does the need for trusted, trained professionals who step in when you can’t be home. That’s why Pet Sitters International (PSI) celebrates its 32nd annual Professional Pet Sitters Week™ (March 1–7) — a time to recognize the dedicated individuals who keep pets safe, comfortable, and loved in their owners’ absence.

Midweek brings Thank Your Pet Sitter Day™ (Wednesday, March 4) — the perfect opportunity to show appreciation for the person who likely knows your pet’s quirks, routines, and favorite treats almost as well as you do.

This year’s theme, “Raise Your (Pet Sitter) Standards,” highlights PSI’s Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Businesses — the first publicly available standards of their kind. These standards emphasize safety, ethical business practices, and quality of care, helping pet parents understand what separates trained professionals from well-meaning hobbyists.

So how can you celebrate Professional Pet Sitters Week as a pet owner? Here are five ways…

Simply say “Thank you”!

A heartfelt thank-you note goes a long way. Let your sitter know specific things you appreciate: Even a short, sincere message acknowledging the trust you place in them can mean more than you realize.

Leave a glowing review

Online reviews are invaluable to pet sitters. Take a few minutes to leave a Google or Facebook review, recommend them in a neighborhood group, or tag them in a social media post. Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the biggest drivers of growth for professional pet sitters.

Give a meaningful gift

You don’t have to go big! A little appreciation will go far. Try a coffee shop gift card, an “extra” tip for exceptional service, or a small treat basket. If your sitter goes above and beyond like administering medication or managing multiple pets this is a wonderful week to recognize that extra effort.

Raise your standards as a pet parent

Professional Pet Sitters Week isn’t just about appreciation, it’s also about education. PSI’s Global Standards outline what professional care should include:

• Proper insurance and bonding

• Emergency preparedness plans

• Clear service agreements

• Ongoing education and training

If you’re ever evaluating pet-care options, look for these indicators. Relying on trained professionals means you don’t have to depend solely on friends or family who may not have the credentials or coverage needed if something unexpected happens. You can search for a PSI member pet sitter and download a free pet-sitter interview checklist at petsit.com/locate to help guide your decision.

Celebrate the career they’ve chosen

Professional pet sitting isn’t just a side hustle. For many, it’s a full-time, highly skilled career. When operated according to industry standards, pet-sitting businesses can be both deeply rewarding and financially sustainable. By choosing a professional pet sitter you’re supporting small business and local entrepreneurs. Most importantly, you’re investing in your pet’s well-being.