Whether you are already a pet sitter or thinking of starting a pet sitting business, networking within your industry is a great way to enhance your professionalism and increase the exposure of your business.

• Add credibility to your business by being a part of a professional network of like-minded individuals.

• Learn from other professionals who might have had experiences that you haven't yet.

• Help promote the industry of professional pet sitting.  Many people are not aware of the peace of mind services that a pet sitter provides.  SMAPPS organizes various activities throughout the year to promote the industry and educate the public.

• Receive referrals from the website and from other sitters within the network.  Clients feel a lot more secure when they receive your name from a reputable source.  Your name will be listed on our directory, which is promoted at our various events throughout the year.  Additionally, our sitters refer business within our network when we receive inquiries from clients that are out of our service area.    

SMAPPS members meet monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 9am at St. Mary's Landing in Hughesville, MD.  We enjoy breakfast together, often have speakers attend and talk about our businesses, the industry and prepare for upcoming events.  Anyone that is interested in pet sitting is invited to join us.  Also, feel free to contact a member of our Leadership Committee about your interest in SMAPPS:  Joanne Farrin, info@joannespetsitting.com, Terri Robinson, terri@fourpetssake.com or Barbara Whipkey, admin@trailsendpetsitting.com .

If you would like to become a member, you will be required to show proof of business insurance, attend a minimum of 3 meetings and 1 event each year, and pay an annual membership fee of $80.  SMAPPS utilizes membership dues to pay for the website, event fees, promotional materials and advertising.