Professional Pet Sitters Week – March 7, 2027

Professional Pet Sitters Week
Categories:
Tags:
AppreciationPet
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
First full week of March
Holiday emoji:
🐾

Professional Pet Sitters Week recognizes the invaluable contributions of pet care professionals every first full week of March. These dedicated individuals provide essential services, ensuring our beloved companions receive the best care while we’re away. Take time this week to thank a pet sitter, learn about their work, or explore opportunities to support their businesses.

Want to sponsor Professional Pet Sitters Week? Learn how

Expected Professional Pet Sitters Week Deals

Professional Pet Sitters Week is a time for appreciation rather than widespread retail deals, yet many pet-related businesses offer special recognition. Pet supply stores like Chewy and Petco might feature discounts on pet sitter essentials or partner with local services. Online platforms such as Rover and Wag! often highlight top sitters and offer promotions for new clients. Pet care brands like Purina and Blue Buffalo may sponsor educational content or community events. Additionally, professional associations like Pet Sitters International (PSI) and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) typically promote member benefits and resources. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as March approaches.

Platform Guide for Professional Pet Sitters Week

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #ProfessionalPetSittersWeek. Share insights into the pet care industry or highlight exemplary pet sitters.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #ProfessionalPetSittersWeek. Share heartwarming photos or videos of your pets with their sitters, or behind-the-scenes glimpses of a pet sitter’s day.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #ProfessionalPetSittersWeek. Join local pet owner groups to recommend your favorite sitters or share stories of excellent pet care experiences.

Social Media Tips for Professional Pet Sitters Week

Individuals

Show your pet sitter some extra love this week with a thoughtful thank-you note, a small gift, or a glowing online review. Acknowledge the peace of mind they provide.

Creators

Produce content showcasing the daily life of a pet sitter, interview local professionals, or create guides on finding and vetting the best care for different types of pets.

Brands

Pet care brands can run campaigns celebrating pet sitters, offer exclusive discounts to verified professionals, or partner with local services for joint promotions and giveaways.

Partners & Brands for Professional Pet Sitters Week

  1. Pet Sitters International (PSI)

    Founded in 1994 by Patti J. Moran, Pet Sitters International is the world's largest educational association for professional pet sitters. PSI provides certification, business tools, and networking opportunities to its members, promoting excellence and ethical standards in the industry.

  2. National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS)

    Established in 1989, NAPPS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the welfare of animals and the professionalism of pet sitters. It offers education, accreditation, and resources to help members provide high-quality, ethical pet care services.

  3. Rover

    Founded in 2011 in Seattle, Washington, Rover is a leading online marketplace connecting pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers. The platform facilitates millions of pet care services annually, offering a convenient way to find trusted local caregivers.

  4. Wag!

    Launched in 2015, Wag! is a mobile-first platform that connects pet owners with on-demand and scheduled pet care services, including pet sitting, dog walking, and training. It emphasizes convenience and safety for both pets and their owners.

  5. Chewy

    Founded in 2011, Chewy is an online retailer of pet food and products based in Dania Beach, Florida. Known for its wide selection and excellent customer service, Chewy is a go-to source for pet owners and professional sitters alike, offering everything from food to toys and health supplies.

  6. Petco

    Petco Animal Supplies, Inc. is a leading American pet retailer founded in 1965. With over 1,500 locations across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico, Petco offers a comprehensive range of pet products, services, and veterinary care, supporting pet owners and professionals.

  7. Purina

    Founded in 1894, Purina is one of the oldest and largest pet food companies globally, now a subsidiary of Nestlé. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Purina produces a wide variety of pet food and treats, trusted by pet owners and often recommended by pet care professionals.

Professional Pet Sitters Week Hero

Patti J. Moran

Patti J. Moran is widely recognized as the founder of the professional pet-sitting industry. In 1987, she established Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world's largest educational association for professional pet sitters. Moran also founded Professional Pet Sitters Week, creating a dedicated time to honor the crucial work of pet sitters and elevate the standards of pet care. Her vision transformed pet sitting from an informal favor into a respected and regulated profession.

History of Professional Pet Sitters Week

Professional Pet Sitters Week was introduced in 1995 by Pet Sitters International. The holiday runs through the first full week in March. According to Pet Sitters International, “this annual observance honors professional pet-care providers, seeks to educate the pet-owning public about the advantages of professional in-home pet care, and encourages pet-loving entrepreneurs to explore professional pet sitting as a viable career.” Today, pet sitting has become an illustrious and well-appreciated career. This trend is expected to rise as many pet owners continue to see the importance of employing professional help in caring for their pets. But this wasn’t always the case. 

In 1983, when Patti J. Moran began her pet-sitting business, she wasn’t immediately recognized, and she faced a lack of enthusiasm from insurance companies and the general public. But her passion pushed her on, and in 1987, she wrote on the topic, “Pet Sitting for Profit”, which eventually became published as a guidebook for professional pet sitters. 

Over the next seven years, she was able to garner public support and also unify other pet sitters, and in 1994, Pet Sitters International was born. Over the years, Pet Sitters International has continued to provide resources to pet sitters and others who desired to venture into the business of providing such service. 

Since 1995, the first full week in March has been chosen to highlight the progress made in the industry, not only in the country but throughout the whole world. Also, it is a time when pet sitters are provided with kits and tips for delivering better services. 

Moran has received several awards for her many contributions to the pet-sitting industry. 

Professional Pet Sitters Week timeline

1983
Moran Starts Her Pet-Sitting Business

She begins her pet-sitting business in North Carolina.

1989
Pet Sitters Unified

Moran unifies pet sitters under a non-profit association.

1994
Pet Sitters International is Created

Moran founds Pet Sitters International.

1995
National Professional Pet Sitters Week Introduced

National Professional Pet Sitters Week is introduced by Pet Sitters International.

Professional Pet Sitters Week FAQs

When is Professional Pet Sitters Week?

For 2027, Professional Pet Sitters Week will be observed from Sunday, March 7, to Saturday, March 13, offering another opportunity to recognize these essential pet care providers.

How many pet sitters are there in the U.S.?

The pet care industry continues to grow, with estimates suggesting over 100,000 individuals offering pet sitting and dog walking services in the U.S., reflecting a robust and expanding market.

What services do professional pet sitters provide?

Beyond standard care, many sitters provide specialized services such as pet transportation, post-operative care, and enrichment activities tailored to individual pets’ needs, offering comprehensive support for busy owners.

What qualifications should a professional pet sitter have?

Look for sitters with professional training from organizations like PSI or NAPPS, a clear contract outlining services and fees, and a commitment to ongoing education in animal health and welfare to ensure the highest standard of care.

Professional Pet Sitters Week Activities

  1. Appreciate your pet sitters

    On National Professional Pet Sitters Week, you can appreciate your pet sitters. You can do this by sending them cards and gifts.

  2. Consider a career in pet sitting

    If you love pets and enjoy taking care of them, then this is a very good career move. Thankfully, there is training available on the internet.

  3. Show support for pet sitters

    Support the work of pet sitters by paying them well. Also, help spread the importance of the pet sitting profession.

5 Important Facts About Pet-sitting

  1. 17 million pet sitting assignments

    Pet Sitting International claims its members completed 17 million assignments in 2015 alone.

  2. High revenue

    Pet Sitting International also claims a revenue of $391 million in 2015.

  3. Different from kenneling

    Pet sitting is more personalized compared to kenneling or boarding.

  4. Pet sitting is added to the dictionary

    Pet sitting, as a word, was added to the Random House Dictionary in 1997.

  5. Training widely available

    Organizations like the Red Cross are known to provide pet-sitting training.

Why We Love Professional Pet Sitters Week

  1. It celebrates hard-working professionals

    If you're a pet owner, then you know caring for one is not an easy job. On National Professional Pet Sitters Week, we get to honor those who take up the task on our behalf.

  2. It involves our pets

    The holiday celebrates pet sitters, but it's also about our own pets. For there would be no pit sitters without pets.

  3. It is educational

    On National Professional Pet Sitters Week, training and learning kits are made available. These are made available to established pet sitters and those willing to enter the business.

Professional Pet Sitters Week dates

Year Date Day
2026 March 1–7 Sunday–Saturday
2027 March 7–13 Sunday–Saturday
2028 March 5–11 Sunday–Saturday
2029 March 4–10 Sunday–Saturday
2030 March 3–9 Sunday–Saturday