"The mission of the Western Mass Pet Sitters Network is to provide business related support and information to its members, and to build awareness and respect for the pet sitting industry.

The network also will strive to build pet awareness and pet education in our communities."

"Quality Standards" for Pet Sitters

The sitting service is insured
The sitter provides references
The sitter has experience in caring for pets and is clearly mindful of their safety and well-being
The sitter provides written literature describing services and stating fees
The sitter visits the client's home before the first pet sitting assignment to meet the pets and get detailed information about their care.
The sitter wants to learn as much as possible about the animals in his/her care.
The sitter provides a service contract which specifies service and fees.
The sitter is courteous, interested and well informed.
The sitter takes precautions to make sure the client's absence from home is not detected because of any careless actions or disclosures by the sitter.
The sitter conducts business with honesty and integrity and observes all federal, state and local laws pertaining to business operations and animal care.
The sitter has a veterinarian on call for emergency services.
The sitter has a contingency plan for pet care in case of inclement weather or personal illness.
The sitting service provides initial and ongoing training for sitters.
The sitting service carefully screens applicants for employment.
The sitter calls to confirm or has the client call to confirm the client has returned home as scheduled.
The sitter keeps regular office hours and answers clients inquiries promptly.
The sitter provides a service rating form for clients.