Beth Stultz-Hairston | Pet Sitters International
Small Business Saturday®, created in 2010 by American Express, is celebrated each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving (and the day after Black Friday) to encourage consumers to support their local small businesses.
While this event likely makes you think of local boutiques, neighborhood restaurants or independently-owned jewelry or home décor shops, there’s another business you shouldn’t overlook when you focus on shopping local—your local professional pet-sitting or dog-walking business.
The growing need for pet-care services has prompted many tech companies and venture capitalists to enter the industry in recent years and launch large pet-sitter directories, but don’t let the click-and-select convenience of the online sites and apps overshadow the benefits of selecting and supporting a local professional pet-sitting or dog-walking business established in your community.
Many of these small pet-care businesses were hit hard by the pandemic but have persevered, adopting expanded sanitation practices and adding new pet-care services to meet clients’ unique needs during this time.
While some apps and sites offer on-demand pet sits and dog walks, there are many advantages to taking the time to seek out—and book—the services of a local professional pet-sitting business:
Read this recent Facebook post from PSI with a warning for pet parents.
With more pet-care options than ever before, it’s more important than ever that pet owners devote time for their search to find the perfect professional pet sitter for their pets. Whether you need a dog sitter, cat sitter or dog walker, the peace of mind that comes from using a professional pet-sitting business that is insured, bonded and can offer proof of a clear criminal history is priceless.
Plus, seeking out the services of a local professional pet-sitting business ensures you are utilizing the services of a local professional that is rooted in your community, involved in local pet-related efforts, and is contributing to your local economy.
For pet owners who want the best care for their pets—and are committed to shopping local and supporting the #shopsmall initiative—you can find your local professional pet-sitting or dog-walking business listed on PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator.
PSI is an educational association for pet sitters and dog walkers, and our Locator is not an app or an online booking site. Instead, it allows you to search for your local professional pet sitter by ZIP code, then contact them directly to learn more, schedule an initial consultation and book services.
For more information on questions to ask to ensure you select the right pet sitter, download PSI’s free Pet-Sitter Interview Checklist.
Pampered Pups Dog Sitting is your local, professional pet sitter. We serve Far North Dallas, W. Richardson and W. Plano.
To schedule a Meet and Greet or for more information, visit our website at: pamperedpupsdogsitting.com.