Protecting Trust in Pet Sitting: A Note on Ethical Hiring |

At Purrfect Pet Sitting, trust is the foundation of everything we do. We are invited into our clients’ homes, entrusted with beloved pets, and expected to uphold the highest professional and ethical standards.

That trust is earned over time and it must be protected.

Recently, we were reminded why ethical hiring and clear boundaries matter so much. Years ago, we worked with a cleaning service.

One of their employees approached us directly and solicited business outside of their employer’s company.

We did what we believe was the right thing: we declined and reported the behavior to the business owner. While uncomfortable, it reinforced an important lesson about professionalism and integrity.

Unfortunately, similar situations have arisen in pet sitting.

When a former/fired employee starts their own pet sitting business and attempts to solicit or “poach” clients they met through their previous employer, it crosses a line. Client relationships are built through years of hard work, training, and trust. Not through shortcuts.

Over the years, Purrfect Pet Sitting has employed 48 team members. We are proud to say that we can count on one hand the number of times we have had to let someone go. We invest heavily in our staff, support them, and want them to succeed. But when trust is broken, especially in a role that involves access to homes and pets, it’s a clear signal that the relationship can’t continue.

If we wouldn’t trust someone in our own home, it’s time to let them go.

At the end of the day, our goal is simple: to provide safe, reliable, and trustworthy care for pets and peace of mind for their people. Upholding ethical standards, especially when it’s inconvenient, is part of that commitment. We will continue to do what we believe is right, even when it’s hard, because our clients and their pets deserve nothing less.

If you’ve experienced something similar, or have been solicited by a former employee of Purrfect Pet Sitting, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can keep the pet sitting industry professional, respectful, and worthy of the trust placed in us.