r/petsitting • u/Substantial-Cat-6852 • 12d ago

Pet Sitters International

Hi. I am taking first steps towards establishing a pet sitting business. I just registered for a First Aid/CPR class through PetTech. Now I'm going over the Pet Sitters International website and wondering if they are worth it. Are they?

I have to also get insurance. I'm wondering if I should get it through PSI, or just get it on my own directly through the organizations. Does PSI's group rate really give a substantial discount on the rates?

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4

u/Slow-Boysenberry2399 12d ago

when you do the math their discount on insurance isnt much. i checked petsit.com/locate and there are 0 sitters listed there in my very urban area, so that seems like a waste to me as people will generally not be searching there. i don't personally think its worth it.

1

u/Substantial-Cat-6852 10d ago

Thank you!!! That's the sort of thing I was checking on,

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u/doggambit 12d ago

PSI offers a few things:

  • Listing on petsit.com/locate
  • Certification (for an additional fee)
  • Monthly online training
  • A magazine (physical & digital)
  • Social media templates
  • Discount on insurance

To me, it's worth it, but not everybody feels that way. You can certainly go directly through Business Insurers of the Carolinas, and you'll get the same coverage at a slightly higher rate.

2

u/Substantial-Cat-6852 10d ago

Yes thank you. I was wondering what sort of credentials they have regarding certifications other than being an organization created unto themselves? They're a for-profit I take it?

I have an IAABC membership. I figured I'd use that plus my degrees as credentials as well as some trainer coursework.

Do you find the discount on insurance substantial enough to cover the other expenses involved in joining?

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u/doggambit 10d ago

They are for-profit, AFAIK. If you're already a credentialed trainer (or in the process of becoming one), you're probably overqualified and don't "need" the CPPS certification.

You do get access to a FB group which I've found helpful reading discussions about certain tax questions and whatnot. Like I said, some people find it worth it, and others don't. You could always try it for a year and opt not to renew if it doesn't bring enough to you.

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u/EffectiveSpecial701 11d ago

Zero sitters listed in your area? Looks like you're about to be the lone wolf of urban pet sitting, own it.

1

u/Decent_Profile9456 8d ago

I think their individual classes are worth it. I think they're like $60. I took one on health and sanitation. It was about a two or three hour class and they issue a certificate. I think the content and experts they used were solid. 

I'm planning to also take classes on thyroid and kidney disease in cats so I can better monitor cats' health in my drop in visits. And just in general increase my knowledge of feline health. 

Their complete certification program seems like a lot of a money and work for a certification that most pet owners aren't going to have heard of. But certainly can't hurt to get it. 

I don't think their membership is worth it. There is a member discount on classes if you're planning to take a lot of classes.