If you’re a pet parent in Austin, you already know how much it matters who you trust with your dog. Not just anyone with a leash will do. So when Pet Sitters International (PSI), the world’s largest educational association for professional pet sitters and dog walkers, released their brand-new Global Standards for Dog Walking and Pet Sitting, we couldn’t help but celebrate.
Because? We were already doing it all.
PSI gathered input from “real” dog walkers, pet sitters, and pet parents to answer one big question: What actually separates a true professional from someone just winging it? Turns out, it’s a lot of the things we’ve quietly been doing behind the scenes for years! We’re proud to be a PSI member and even prouder that our standards were already in line before the checklist existed.
Let’s walk through it together. 🐾
The PSI Global Standards and How We Measure Up
✅ We’re Insured and Bonded This one’s non-negotiable for us. Being fully insured and bonded means that if anything unexpected happens, you’re covered, your home is covered, and your pet is protected. It’s one of the first things a professional pet care company should have and we’ve had it from the start.
✅ We Know Animal Behavior (and What to Do in an Emergency) Our walkers aren’t just dog lovers, they’re trained ones. We understand dog body language, how to de-escalate a tense situation, and what to do if a pup gets hurt or sick mid-walk. We’re certified in pet first aid and CPR, so you’re never leaving your dog with someone who’s guessing.
✅ We Use Formal Client Agreements Yes, that means a little paperwork but on the bright side it’s paperwork that protects everyone, especially your pet. Our service agreements lay out exactly what you can expect from us, so there are zero surprises. Clear communication is how good relationships are built.
✅ Safety Is Baked Into Everything We Do Safe leash handling. Thoughtful route planning through Downtown Austin. Secure drop-offs. These aren’t extras for us, it’s what you can expect every time you book with a See Jane Walk Member. Every walk is planned with your dog’s safety as the top priority.
✅ We Always Have a Backup Plan Emergencies happen but what matters is that we have a plan when they do. See Jane Walk Dogs maintains trusted backup coverage so your dog is never left in the lurch, no matter what comes up on our end.
✅ Your Privacy Is Safe With Us We’re in your home, we know your schedule, and we take that responsibility seriously. Your personal information stays confidential, always. No exceptions.
✅ We Support Local Animal Shelters PSI’s Global Standards recognize that professional pet care goes beyond individual clients it’s about the whole animal community. We’re committed to giving back to local shelters and rescues such as APA or AAC because every animal deserves a safe, loving home.
Why This Is a Big Deal for Austin Pet Parents
Hiring a dog walker or pet sitter is a matter of trust. You’re letting someone into your home and handing over the care of a family member. The PSI Global Standards exist to help pet parents like you identify the pros — the ones who’ve invested in their craft, carry proper coverage, and have a plan for every scenario.
The fact that See Jane Walk Dogs already meets every one of these standards is? That’s not a coincidence. It’s the result of years of commitment to doing this job right.
Wondering What to Ask Before You Hire a Dog Walker?
Here’s a quick checklist to keep in your back pocket:
- Are they insured and bonded?
- Do they have animal behavior training and emergency protocols?
- Do they use written service agreements?
- What’s their backup plan if something comes up?
- How do they handle your personal information?
- Are they a member of a professional association like PSI?
A truly professional dog walker will have confident, clear answers to all of these. (Spoiler: we do.)
Come Walk With Us
Whether your pup needs daily walks, a weekend pet sitter, or just a midday check-in, See Jane Walk Dogs is the kind of professional, trustworthy care your pet deserves.
Jane is the owner/operator of See Jane Walk, a 5-star pet business in Austin, TX. Jane left corporate life in 2019 to follow her passion – dogs. She’s Tulane graduate with a B.A. in Communications. View Jane’s Full Bio.