Lis's Pet Sitting Service

October 9, 2007

Elisabeth Larsen of Lis's Pet Sitting Service was one of more than 200 professional pet sitters and industry supporters to attend Pet Sitters International’s 13th Annual Quest for Excellence Convention, held September 27-29, in St. Louis, Missouri. Considered by many as the professional pet-sitting industry’s premier educational convention, Quest welcomed PSI members from 38 states to the Millennium Hotel—St. Louis.

This year’s sessions educated attendees on such business topics as disaster preparedness, how to staff a business, and pet-care professionalism. Lis's Pet Sitting Service has served pets and their owners in the Midland area since 2001. “Investing in new ideas and pet-care techniques in important to our clients and their cherished pets,” said owner Elisabeth Larsen

Elisabeth Larsen took part in the following sessions:

                       Pet First Aid: Pet Tech Inc. coached professional pet sitters on CPR, rescue breathing, choking management and other important pet-first aid techniques.

                       Pet-Care Professionalism in the New Millennium: Thom Somes, “The Pet Safety Guy,” discussed the impact that medical, pharmaceutical, alternative therapies, and other services are having on the growing industry of professional pet sitting.

                       How to Staff Your Business:Attorney Nancy Leonard discussed the pros and cons of hiring staff and/or independent contractors.

                       Covered. DENIED. Real Life Claims from the Files at BIC: David Pearsall, vice president of Business Insurers of the Carolinas, covered the specific applications of both general liability insurance and bonding policies for professional pet sitters as well as case studies of actual claims.

                       Preparing Your Business for the Digital Age: Eric Holter, CEO of Newfangled Web Factory, explained why all businesses need Web sites and on-line marketing strategies.

                       AVMA Disaster Preparedness for Pets: Dr. Heather Case of the American Veterinary Medical Association tackled the inevitable animal issues and public health issues that arise in disasters and how the AVMA’s Veterinary Medical Assistance Teams (VMAT) can help.

                       Burn Out: Don’t Let It Happen To You!: Industry founder and PSI president Patti Moran explored the roots of professional burn out and offered techniques to overcome and prevent burn out in the future.

                       The Fundamentals of Public Relations: John Long, communications manager for Pet Sitters International, led a panel discussion detailing the best ways for businesses to promote and market themselves to their clients and their communities.

Elisabeth Larsen also participated in PSI’s annual Quest Charity Auction. The event raised more than $9000 for the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program. The funds will be donated in memory of Diane Most, the wife of longtime Quest master of ceremonies Bud Most, the national events manager of The IAMS Company.

Lis's Pet Sitting Service invites anyone interested in learning more about it's services or the advantages of hiring a PSI affiliated pet-sitter to visit www.petsit.com for more information.