What happens when an “unregulated” industry finally publishes standards? We unpack PSI’s new Global Standards for professional pet sitting and dog walking, explaining why standards are the floor—not the ceiling—for ethical care and business practices. We discuss how courts, insurers, and regulators use industry standards to define “reasonable care,” and what that means for documentation, insurance, and client data security. We also outline practical next steps to self-audit your policies, train your team, and communicate compliance to clients. Finally, we share how clearer standards could shift market dynamics—especially for app-based platforms—and elevate the profession’s reputation.
