11/03/2026
Is pet sitting a hobby, a side gig, or a profession?
This week, I'm heading out of town to attend a Professional Pet Sitter Conference. And it got me thinking about how much the public actually knows about the profession of pet sitting, and what it takes to do this work well.
When you hire someone to care for your pets, what do you expect of them?
I'm talking about what you believe someone should KNOW before being entrusted with the care of your pets.
Do you expect them to understand animal behavior and body language, and how that relates individually to your pets? Recognize signs of illness, injury, or stress? Know how to administer medications, and respond to emergencies? Do you expect them to understand the individual needs of your pets - their personalities, routines, anxieties, medical considerations, and the little things that make them feel safe and comfortable? And your needs for effective communication?
And how about your home?
How important is it to you that the person entering your home understands home security? That they know how to safeguard keys, alarm codes, and personal information? That they respect and protect your privacy and property, and don’t abuse the use of your property?
These are some pretty significant responsibilities. Yet, how often do we actually consider the professional qualifications behind them when choosing someone to care for our pets? These aren't skills that automatically come from loving animals or having pets of your own. They're areas of knowledge that require education, training, and experience.
Here's something I think every pet owner should know: Professional standards for pet sitters DO exist.
In October 2025, Pet Sitters International (PSI), one of the industry's leading professional organizations, introduced its Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting and Dog-Walking Businesses.
These standards establish professional benchmarks across ten areas, including animal care and welfare, health and safety, emergency preparedness, insurance, ethical conduct, business practices, client communication, and - something I believe deserves particular attention - home security and client privacy.
Then there are professional credentials.
PSI offers the CPPS® (Certified Professional Pet Sitter) designation, which requires candidates to pass a comprehensive knowledge-based examination, agree to professional standards and ethical practices, and maintain their credentials through continuing education.
Certification isn't simply a participation certificate; it's a way of demonstrating professional knowledge and a commitment to maintaining and expanding it.
There are also specialized educational opportunities and certifications in areas such as Fear Free animal care, Animal Behavior, Enrichment, and Pet First Aid & CPR, All add value to your pets’ care experience.
Now, here's something many people don't realize: Pet sitting is largely an unregulated industry. In Arizona, there is no state-issued pet-sitter license or mandatory educational requirement to start a pet-sitting business. Technically, anyone can offer the service.
Being able to pet sit and being prepared to do so professionally are two very different things.
This is precisely why professional conferences, industry organizations, credentials, and continuing education matter. The science of animal care evolves. Our understanding of behavior and emotional well-being grows. Best practices improve. Professionals should be committed to growing right alongside them.
At Yesspet Pet Care, this commitment is central to how we operate. We meet all of PSI's Global Standards and exceed many of them. We're proud to have a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS®) at the helm, Fear Free Certified team members, Pet First Aid & CPR-certified caregivers, and a team of employees that is background checked, insured, bonded, and participates in ongoing education and training.
We're not interested in simply keeping up with the industry. We want to help move it forward. Because we really care about your pets.
I'll be bringing back new knowledge, fresh perspectives, and ideas to continue improving the care we provide to Ahwatukee families.
And I’m especially delighted that Andria Fuller of Andria's Pet Care is joining me for this trip. She has a new business, and I admire her commitment to the highest standards right from the start.
So, is pet sitting a hobby, a side gig, or a profession?
It can be any of those. But when someone is entrusted with your pets, your home, and your peace of mind, it's worth knowing which one you're hiring.
Loving animals is where it starts. Professionalism is what takes it further.
