Choosing a pet care provider is an act of trust. That’s why Pet Sitters International (PSI) created its Global Standards for Professional Pet-Sitting & Dog-Walking Businesses, a framework designed to protect pets, support pet parents, and elevate professionalism across the pet care industry. PSI’s standards aren’t just guidelines; they’re a promise of safety, ethics, and expertise. At Animal Admiration Pet Care, these principles shape everything we do. Today, we’re discussing PSI’s Global Standards and how our team brings each one to life.
PSI’s Global Standards
PSI’s Global Standards were shaped with input from experts in pet care, insurance, and pet health and safety, as well as a panel of pet owners. They represent both industry best practices and what clients expect from a professional pet care provider.
- Business Legitimacy
- Contracts & Compliance
- Insurance & Risk Management
- Animal Care & Stewardship
- Health, Sanitation & Safety
- Emergency Preparedness
- Client Security & Privacy
- Professional and Ethical Conduct
- Client Communication & Reputation
- Sustainability & Community Responsibility
By outlining the best practices above, PSI highlights the differences between professionals and hobby pet sitters. Those who are genuinely dedicated to their clients, animals in their care, and the industry will prioritize these aspects of their business.
1. Professional Business Practices
PSI emphasizes clear contracts, transparent policies, proper licensing, and reliable communication. Their standards note that businesses should “operate with honesty, integrity, and a commitment to ethical conduct.”
At Animal Admiration, professionalism isn’t just behind-the-scenes paperwork; it’s the backbone of our client experience. We provide detailed service agreements, use secure scheduling software, and maintain open, responsive communication, including real-time visit updates and photos. Pet parents always know exactly what to expect, and we follow through every time.
2. Education & Training
According to PSI, pet-care professionals should pursue “ongoing education to stay informed about animal behavior, health, and safety.”
Our sitters and dog walkers receive continuous training in areas such as gentle, compassionate handling, pet first aid, enrichment strategies, and species-specific behavior cues. This means your pets aren’t just supervised. They’re cared for by people who understand how to reduce stress, encourage positive experiences, and spot concerns early.
3. Safety Protocols & Emergency Preparedness
PSI stresses the importance of written emergency plans, secure key management, and preparedness for medical or environmental emergencies. Their standards highlight that pet-care providers must be ready to act “quickly, calmly, and competently.”
At Animal Admiration, we follow strict safety procedures, from double-checking entry points to securely managing house keys and alarm codes. We maintain detailed emergency protocols and ensure every team member is trained to respond if a pet becomes ill, a home issue arises, or severe weather occurs. Peace of mind isn’t optional; it’s part of the service we provide.
4. Pet Welfare & Humane Care
PSI’s Global Standards call for handling pets using humane, low-stress methods and respecting each pet’s needs, boundaries, and physical limitations.
Your pet’s emotional well-being matters as much as their physical care. Whether we’re providing slow introductions, honoring each pet’s comfort level, or tailoring enrichment to each pet’s personality, our approach aligns with PSI’s emphasis on compassionate, individualized care. We never rush interactions or use fear-based techniques!
5. Confidentiality & Respect for Clients’ Homes
PSI requires pet-care providers to safeguard client privacy and treat homes with respect, noting that confidential information must be handled responsibly.
Animal Admiration takes this responsibility seriously. From our industry-leading technology that protects your data to our focus on privacy and home security, we protect your most important asset – your home – and your pet by avoiding calling attention to your absence. Trust is a privilege, and we honor it in every detail.
Standards You Can Feel Good About
By aligning our practices with PSI’s Global Standards, Animal Admiration Pet Care ensures high-quality, reliable, ethically grounded service for pets and their people. These aren’t just standards we admire, they’re standards we live by!
As long-time PSI members, we’re proud that PSI took the time to create these standards and look forward to continuing to operate by them for years to come.
Professional Pet Care in Katy, Fulshear, Cypress & West Houston
Animal Admiration Pet Care offers customizable dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, home, plant, and chicken care in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. We care for all pet species, breeds, and ages, to ensure pets in Katy and neighboring communities receive the best care.
To join the Animal Admiration family, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Existing clients, schedule your pet care visits here.
If you are outside our above-listed areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find a professional pet care provider near you.
Brooke Rozell began her professional pet sitting career in 2003. In 2011, she established Animal Admiration to bring trusted, professional pet care to the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston areas while elevating the pet sitting industry as a whole. Brooke is an active member of Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the Texas Pet Sitters Association, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Brooke.
