Barks Blog

by the Pet Professional Guild (PPG) Pet Care Division

This resource is a product of the Pet Professional Guild  Pet Care Division  Team: Kat Frizzell (Chair), CPPS, FFCP, PFACCI, PLBS; Kristi Jones, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CET; and Roxanne Dockter, MSc., CPPS, FFCP, CFVA, PFACCI

This checklist outlines a clear set of nonnegotiable standards that all professional pet sitter members of PPG should adhere to when providing services such as boarding, pet sitting, and overnight care.

Indoor & Outdoor Pet Care Standards for Pet Sitters

1. No shock, No prong, No choke and No pain, No fear, No force are ever employed in the training, behavior modification, care, or management of any pet.
2. Adherence to Pet’s Routine and Instructions: The primary benefit of a pet sitter is maintaining the pet’s routine, as closely as possible and in agreement with the pet’s guardian, to minimize stress. Therefore, non-negotiables are:
   • Strict adherence to agreed feeding schedules, portion sizes, and diet.
   • Following medication administration instructions precisely. If the pet sitter cannot safely administer medication, the pet sitter must inform the client and recommend that their veterinarian/vet tech administer meds and coordinate transport with the client’s agreement.
   • Maintaining daily established exercise and enrichment routines (e.g., walk duration, play time).
   • Respecting house rules regarding pet access (e.g., “no dogs on furniture“).
3. Supervised Outdoor Time Only
   • Sitters must remain on-site and attentive during any outdoor time. 
   • Pets (who are not outdoor pets and who do not have access to a pet door) are not to be left unsupervised outside under any circumstances.

4. Hydration & Shelter
   • Fresh water must be available at all times.
   • Outdoor pets must have:
     • Access to shaded or covered areas in summer and any time the heat index is high.
     • Insulated or heated shelter in winter and during inclement weather.
5. No Off-Leash or Uncontained Walks
   • Pets must be leashed or secured in a fully enclosed space at all times.
   • Sitters may not allow off-leash activity outside of securely fenced areas.
6. Health & Behavior Monitoring
   • Sitters must monitor for signs of heat stress, hypothermia, injury, or abnormal behavior and act immediately.
   • Sitters should document and report any concerns to the client in accordance to their agreement. 
   • Individual policies and agreements may differ between urgent and nonurgent care.
7. No Tethering
   • Pets should not be tied, chained, or left tethered outdoors during the sitter’s visit or in between visits, as it is impossible for the pet sitter to guarantee safety, given the pet’s environment and risk for the pet should the yard be accessed by a third party or another animal. 
8. Pet Identification Required
   • All pets, while under the care of a professional, must wear a collar or have an ID tag attached to them and/or be microchipped for identification in the event of escape.
9. Pets in vehicles should be safely secured and supervised.
   • All pets in vehicles should be secured safely to prevent injury or damage in the case of an accident. Restraints should be car-approved and free from attachment to the neck of a pet. Crates/carriers should be appropriate for travel, well-ventilated, comfortable, and secure.
   • Never leave a pet unattended in a car for any length of time.

Download the Guide Here:

About the Pet Professional Guild Pet Care Division

Supporting pets and their guardians is a shared function of all pet professionals, including pet groomers, pet sitters, dog walkers and canine enrichment technicians.

If you are interested in joining our divisional team and giving a voice to pet care providers, please join PPG today, then log in to your PPG member account and fill out the volunteer form. With your help, we can develop more resources for pet care providers and their clients, and build great referral programs across the many vital roles of pet professionals.