Purpose

Pet Sitters International (PSI) has been the leading educational organization for the professional pet-sitting industry since 1994.
These Global Standards establish baseline best practices for pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses to ensure consistent, safe, and ethical care for pets and peace of mind for their owners.

Business Legitimacy

  • Operates as a registered and insured business with all required licenses/permits.

  • Keeps separate business finances, accurately claims income, and files taxes.

  • Maintains membership in professional associations (e.g., PSI) for education and updates.

Contracts & Compliance

  • Uses a legally compliant service agreement with all clients.

  • Complies with labor-classification laws (IC vs employee).

  • Follows PCI-DSS or similar standards when taking card payments.

  • Practices fair, non-discriminatory hiring.

  • Observes FTC advertising and TCPA texting/email rules.

  • Upholds local animal-care laws, including abuse and neglect policies.

Insurance & Risk Management

  • Holds adequate liability insurance covering pets and client property (CCC coverage).

  • Obtains theft bonding and workers’ comp as needed.

  • Reviews policies annually; documents and reports incidents promptly.

  • Screens all team members with clear criminal-history checks.

Animal Care & Stewardship

  • Learns each pet’s routine and documents care instructions.

  • Has training in pet behavior, first aid, and humane handling.

  • Monitors animals for stress or illness and responds appropriately.

  • Pursues continuing education for self and team.

Health, Sanitation & Safety

  • Demonstrates safe-handling and leash skills.

  • Maintains current pet first-aid/CPR certification.

  • Uses biosecurity practices to prevent cross-contamination.

  • Implements safety protocols for injuries, zoonoses, chemicals, and ergonomics.

Emergency Preparedness

  • Keeps a written contingency plan for illness, weather, disasters, or lost keys.

  • Collects veterinary-authorization and emergency-guardian forms from clients.

  • Has backup sitters and clear communication procedures for emergencies.

Client Security & Privacy

  • Stores keys, codes, and client data securely (password-protected or locked).

  • Never discloses client info or travel details.

  • Takes precautions so a client’s absence isn’t obvious.

  • Trains staff on confidentiality.

Professional & Ethical Conduct

  • Acts with honesty, courtesy, and professionalism.

  • Follows all laws and ethical standards.

  • Maintains healthy boundaries and self-care.

  • Promotes inclusivity and a harassment-free workplace.

  • Avoids slander and uses constructive feedback channels.

Client Communication & Reputation

  • Conducts in-home meet-and-greets before service.

  • Completes onboarding and keeps detailed pet profiles.

  • Provides clear pricing, policies, and emergency procedures.

  • Sends timely updates, handles feedback professionally, and markets ethically.

Sustainability & Community Responsibility

  • Practices environmental responsibility (waste disposal, route planning, supplies).

  • Builds relationships with local pet-care professionals.

  • Supports animal-welfare and community education initiatives.

About Pet Sitters International

Founded in 1994 by Patti J. Moran, PSI is the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters and dog walkers.
PSI pioneered business insurance for pet sitters, launched Pet Sitter’s World magazine, created the first educational program for sitters, and developed the CPPS-Certified Professional Pet Sitter® exam—the only knowledge-based certification for the field.
Over 40,000 pet lovers have started or grown businesses with PSI’s resources; PSI now counts 4,000+ member businesses across 20+ countries.
Learn more at www.petsit.com.