“Don’t Be Tricked by So-Called Pet Sitters,” Warns Heaven Scent Pet Sitting

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. - Nov. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- With more than 60 percent of households owning a least one pet, finding reliable pet care is likely a concern for the majority of pet owners in the Ormond Beach, FL, area. For these pet owners, Cathy Bullock, owner of Heaven Scent Pet Sitting, has an important piece of advice:  Don’t be tricked by so-called pet sitters.

“Many pet owners, and even news outlets, use the term ‘pet sitter’ incorrectly, referring to anyone—from a family friend to the neighborhood teenager asked to walk a dog—as a ‘pet sitter,’” explains Bullock. “It is 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.”

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 and news stories touting pet sitting as an easy way to earn extra cash, more and more people are deciding to cash in on the growing need for pet care.

Bullock’s pet-sitting service, Heaven Scent Pet Sitting, has offered pet-sitting services in the Ormond Beach area for over 11 years and is a member of Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s leading educational association for professional pet sitters. In addition, the business is licensed to do business in the city of Ormond Beach and the county of Volusia, insured, bonded, and can provide proof of a clear criminal history.

PSI President Patti Moran—who also founded the pet-sitting industry more than two decades ago—offers additional 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,” explains Moran. “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.”

Cathy Bullock is joining with PSI and thousands of fellow pet sitters to promote the “Get A Real Pet Sitter^®” message toe ducate pet owners on what they should look for when selecting a professional pet sitter.

PSI and Heaven Scent Pet Sitting advise pet owners to ask these important questions when interviewing a potential pet sitter:

1.     Does the pet sitter have the proper business license for your city or county?

2.     Is the pet sitter insured and bonded?

3.     Can the pet sitter provide proof of clear criminal history?

4.     Does the pet sitter provide client references or recommendations?

5.     Will the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or contract?

6.     Has the pet sitter participated in pet-care training, such as pet first aid?

7.     Is the pet sitter a member of a professional and educational association, such as Pet Sitters International?

Bullock encourages local pet owners to visit www.heavenscentpetsitting.com or call 386-673-0917 to learn more about Heaven Scent Pet Sitting’s credentials and services. To learn more about PSI, visit http://www.petsit.com.