Special to the Herald

Pet owners and sitters alike celebrated March 2-8 as Professional Pet Sitters Week. This international event is designed to educate pet owners about the advantages of in-home pet care. According to Pet Sitters International, its members serve more than 1 million homes annually.

PSI representatives said for pet owners, in-home pet sitting provides a unique alternative (and often less expensive option) to boarding facilities or having to rely on family and neighbors to check in on their pets. 

PSI representatives added most pets experience less stress, and adjust better to their owners’ absences when they remain in their normal, calm and quiet environment, following their normal schedule. This reduction in stress provides a positive impact on a pet’s overall health and well-being. 

Several pet-sitting individuals and organizations serve the Metrocom area. Garden Ridge Pet Sitter, Cathy’s Critter Care, Kelly’s Homebound Pets, Pawprints Professional Pet Sitting, Waggin’ Tails and Triple T Pet Servics are among those enterprises serving local residents.

For more information on Pet Sitters Week, visit the PSI Web site at www.petsit.com.