Big News for Pet Parents: The First-Ever Global Pet Sitting Standards Are Here!

Maris Miller
Oct 14
3 min read

(And yes—House of Paws is already ahead of the pack. 😉)

If you’ve ever wondered:

“How do I know I can really trust someone to take care of my pet while I’m away?”

You’re not alone—and now, thanks to Pet Sitters International (PSI), there’s finally a clear answer.

This month, PSI released the first-ever global standards for professional pet sitting and dog walking—and we are so here for it! These new guidelines help set the bar for what quality care looks like in this industry, and we’re proud to say: House of Paws already checks every box—and then some.

So, what are these “global standards” anyway?

Think of them like a checklist of best practices for pet care pros. PSI gathered decades of experience, real-world input from sitters and pet parents, and expert feedback to answer one big question:

“What should pet parents expect from a professional sitter or walker?”

The result is a clear set of standards that cover things like:

Having real business licenses and insurance
Using proper contracts (no “handshake deals” here)
Knowing animal behavior and how to respond to emergencies
Keeping your pet (and your home) clean and safe
Communicating clearly with pet parents (like you!)
Protecting your privacy and keeping keys/codes secure
Having a backup plan in case of emergencies
Supporting local communities and caring for the planet

Basically, it’s a guide to doing things the right way—with transparency, professionalism, and lots of heart.

House of Paws: Built on Standards Before They Were Official

Honestly? We’ve been following these principles since day one. Why? Because your pet isn’t just a “job” to us—they’re family. Here’s how HoP stacks up:

What PSI Says	What HoP Does
Licensed & insured?	Yup. We run a legit biz with full coverage.
Contracts & policies?	Clear, easy-to-understand agreements (no fine print confusion).
Pet behavior knowledge?	Every team member is trained in pet body language, stress signals, and fear-free handling.
Emergency ready?	Backups, plans, vet info—all lined up before we even start care.
Health & safety?	Pet CPR/first aid certified, clean gear between visits, and protocols that keep pets (and people) healthy.
Communication?	Daily updates, cute pics, and quick replies are our jam.
Privacy protection?	Keys and info are locked down tight—we never share your stuff.
Community love?	We support local rescues and plan our routes to reduce our carbon pawprint.

These aren’t just “nice to haves.” They’re what every pet parent should expect—and what every professional sitter should deliver.

Why This Matters (Even If You’ve Never Hired a Pet Sitter Before)

If you’re new to using a professional pet sitter or walker, all of this might sound a little... extra. But here’s why these standards are a big deal:

Peace of mind

You shouldn’t have to guess if your sitter is qualified, safe, or reliable. These standards take the mystery out of it.

Safety first (for pets and humans)

Emergencies happen—but they don’t have to turn into disasters. Professionals have plans, training, and the calm to handle anything.

A better experience for your pet

Less stress, more consistency, and care that matches your routine = a happier, healthier furball.

Trust you can feel

When your sitter is prepared, transparent, and respectful of your home and privacy, you can actually relax while you’re away.

What This Means for You, Right Now

Whether you’re an old pro at booking pet care or just starting to explore your options, these new standards give you real tools to find the right provider.

Here’s how to spot a sitter that lives up to them:

They’re fully insured and licensed
They ask for detailed pet info (behavior, meds, emergency contacts)
They provide clear service agreements
They have emergency plans and a backup sitter
They send regular updates while you’re away
They respect your home, privacy, and schedule

(Spoiler alert: That’s exactly how we roll.)

The Bottom Line

We’re so excited to see the pet sitting industry stepping into a new era of transparency and trust. PSI’s new global standards are a huge win for pet parents and professional sitters alike.

At House of Paws, these standards aren’t new to us—they’re how we’ve always done business. But we’re not stopping here. Our team is constantly learning, growing, and leveling up our care to make sure every tail we wag or purr we hear is backed by the best possible service.

Because your pets deserve more than just a sitter. They deserve someone who gets it.