Professional Pet Care Award - CWA

We're pleased to announce that Mom Paula received a special award at the annual Cat Writers' Association (CWA) Conference and Awards Banquet last week.

Brulee poses with the plaque from Pet Sitters International (PSI)

The Professional Pet Care Award is sponsored by Pet Sitters International (PSI).

Description of Award

PET SITTERS INTERNATIONAL (PSI) PROFESSIONAL PET CARE AWARD

New this year!    

Sponsored by Pet Sitters International, this award is presented for the entry that best educates cat owners about the benefits of using professional pet sitters. Topics may include how to find a qualified pet sitter, how to introduce your cat to a pet sitter, as well as the overall importance to a cat’s physical health and emotional well-being to have professional supervision when a cat guardian must leave the cat home alone for extended periods of time.    

Qualifying online or print entries include newspapers, magazines, blogs, or websites.    

This award consists of $500 and a commemorative certificate.

JUDGE: Scott S. Black, CPPS, Certified Professional Pet Sitter, has been owner/operator of Personal Touch Pet Sitting in Kingwood, TX, for 15 years, and is trained and certified in pet first aid and CPR. He was PSI’s 2010 Pet Sitter of the Year. Scott and his husband share their home with two cats, Bo and Smokey; and five dogs, Bucky, Chato, Hannah, Leo, and Roxie.

WINNER: Paula Ann Gregg for “Choosing a Pet Sitter”

Winning Entry

Photo - Larry Johnson, Johnson Photography
Mom Paula poses with Beth Stultz-Hairston, Vice President, Marketing & Operations (PSI) amd Casey (the cat)

Mom Paula submitted an entry from our post about Choosing a Pet Sitter. Our post was selected from four entries. The judge, Scott S. Black, CPPS (Certified Professional Pet Sitter) provided the following comments about our winning post:

"Choosing the right pet care professional is crucial to your furry family member’s safety, in this case cats, and the peace of mind for the kitty mom or dad. That being said, this was a very difficult decision. Each submission presented great information, however, the one that stood out the most to me was entry number 003, "Choosing a Pet Sitter." The information provided was very educational to a cat owner that may be looking for a professional pet sitter for the first time. The resources mentioned are the things I strive every day to live up to as a professional pet care provider. Credentials, and continuing education are imperative in the pet care industry, especially with the app based pet care businesses raising red flags to both pet parents and legitimate pet care professionals. The graphics and links to the PSI and NAPPS websites for additional educational information, as well as noting word of mouth, and established relationship with veterinarians for referrals are key to all professional pet sitters. The interview check list, and how to prepare for your pet sitter hit a home run with me. Living in Houston and having made it through hurricane Harvey and all the flooding associated with the storm, knowing where cat carriers and emergency/evacuation kits and first aid kits are at all time is a must for every professional pet care provider. Of the four entries, number 003, "Choosing a Pet Sitter," in this pet pro’s opinion is definitely the “Cat’s Meow.”

The award was presented by Beth Stultz-Hairston, Vice-President of Marketing & Operations from PSI. Pet Safety Cat Casey was at the podium to congratulate Mom Paula as she accepted her award. We're thrilled with the cash prize because Mom Paula stopped by the pet store and brought home some of our favorite treats and cat food.

Congratulations to all of the winners of the CWA special awards and the MUSE awards. A list of the award descriptions, finalist, and awardees can be found on the CWA website.