Southern Maryland Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Quality Standards for Excellence In Pet Sitting

This inventory of values and principles sets the benchmark for professional pet sitters and serves as a set of guidelines to use in making decisions that will lead to improved business practices, increased professionalism, a high standard of ethics and, ultimately, to loyal clients who will contribute to a successful pet-sitting business.


	Is bonded and insured.		Provides references.

	Visits the client's home before the first pet-sitting assignment to meet the pets and get detailed information about their care.		Shows a positive attitude during the initial meeting and seems comfortable and competent in dealing with animals.

	Provides written literature describing services and stating fees.		Is courteous, interested and well-informed.

	Wants to learn as much as possible about the animals in his or her care.		Has experience in caring for pets and is clearly mindful of their safety and well-being.

	Exhibits courtesy and professionalism in all dealings with staff, customers and industry colleagues, so as to present the pet sitter and the pet-sitting industry positively.		Keeps regular office hours and answers client inquiries and complaints promptly.

	Has a veterinarian on-call for emergency service.		Has a contingency plan for pet care in case of inclement weather or personal illness.

	Conducts business with honesty and integrity and observes all federal, state and local laws pertaining to business operations and animal care.		Takes precautions to make sure a client's absence from home is not detected because of any careless actions or disclosures by the sitter.

	Calls to confirm or has the client call to confirm that the client has returned home.		Provides initial and on-going training for its pet sitters.

	Refrains from criticizing competitors.		Provides a service-rating form for clients.

	Carefully screens applicants for employment.