Choosing a pet sitter is a question of trust placed in a stranger’s hands while a family is away from home. The two professional credentials that matter most are NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) and PSI (Pet Sitters International) certification, plus bonding and insurance documentation that covers both the pet and the home. The three sitters below were selected on those credential bars and on the range of services offered (drop-in visits, overnight stays, dog walks).
Quick Comparison #
| Service | Service Area | Key Credentials | Service Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dogs On The Run | Nashville and surrounding | Certified Woman-Owned Small Business, vetted insured professionals | Concierge match, 24/7 phone |
| Good Mojo Pet Care | Nashville metro | NAPPS, PSI certified, insured | Daycare, boarding, in-home, walks |
| Kisses Happen Pet Sitting | Nashville and surrounding | Bonded and insured via PSA | Walks, cat sitting, overnight |
1. Dogs On The Run #
Dogs On The Run Pet Care Concierge has served Nashville families since 2003 and is registered as a Certified Woman-Owned Small Business. The company connects clients with vetted, insured pet care professionals through a concierge-match model rather than an app-based marketplace. Phone: (760) 991-5444; text line (858) 707-7555. Service is handled by phone, with intake assessing a household’s needs and pairing the pet with a vetted professional whose background fits.
The company states that every professional in its network is thoroughly vetted and insured, and that sitter teams include backgrounds across pet care, dog walking, training, boarding, and daycare. The concierge model is the differentiator: rather than a single sitter or rotating roster, each household is matched to a primary professional with a verified specialty. Specific industry certifications held by individual sitters are not posted on the company website and should be confirmed at intake.
https://www.dogsontherun.com/nashville
2. Good Mojo Pet Care #
Good Mojo Pet Care is a Nashville-based pet care company whose team members are Certified Professional Pet Sitters accredited through both NAPPS and PSI. The company carries insurance covering the pet and the home (damage and theft protection while the sitter is on premises). Phone: (615) 375-6656. Office hours run Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to noon, with field service available outside office hours.
The service mix is broader than most peers and covers in-home pet sitting (drop-in visits in 15, 30, and 45 minute increments), dog walking, dog daycare, and boarding. The dual-credential team and the explicit home-and-pet insurance language put Good Mojo at the top of the category for households that want documented coverage rather than verbal assurance.
https://www.goodmojopetcare.com/
3. Kisses Happen Pet Sitting #
Kisses Happen Pet Sitting operates from 83 Erin Lane, Nashville, TN 37221, and is bonded and insured through Pet Sitters Associates (PSA). Office phone: (615) 457-2821; text line: (615) 981-3858. The service mix runs to daily dog walking (two or three walks per day), cat sitting with playtime, and overnight in-home sitting for pets that need round-the-clock company.
Pricing is direct: payment is collected before service begins, and the company accepts personal checks and PayPal. The PSA bonding-and-insurance package is the standard small-operator coverage in the category, and the published Thumbtack record (5-star average across reviews) is consistent with that scale. For households that want a smaller, single-operator feel rather than a concierge match, Kisses Happen is the closest fit on this list.
Selection Methodology #
Candidates were drawn from PSI’s national directory, NAPPS member listings, PetSitter.com, Yelp, and HomeGuide coverage. Selection priority went to operators with documented NAPPS or PSI certification, current bonding and insurance, and an active service record verified for May 2026. Households should always request current insurance and bonding certificates directly from any sitter before contracting.
Frequently Asked Questions #
What does NAPPS certification require? #
The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters certification requires completion of an examination covering pet first aid, animal behavior, business operations, and professional ethics. Members must agree to a professional code of conduct.
How is PSI different from NAPPS? #
Pet Sitters International (PSI) is the larger of the two national trade groups and offers its own Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) designation, which includes coursework in pet care, health, nutrition, and business management. Many professional sitters carry both credentials.
What does “bonded and insured” actually cover? #
Bonding protects clients against theft by an employee or contracted sitter. Liability insurance covers damage to the home or injury to the pet during service. A serious operator will provide certificates of both on request.
Is a vet-tech background better than a behavior or training credential? #
They serve different purposes. A vet-tech background helps with medication, geriatric care, and emergency assessment. A trainer or behavior credential (such as ABCDT) helps with high-energy or reactive dogs. The right fit depends on the pet.
How long is a standard drop-in visit? #
Industry standard runs to three tiers: 15 minutes (quick feed and bathroom), 30 minutes (feed, water, play, brief walk), and 45 to 60 minutes (full play session and longer walk). Cats typically need fewer but longer visits; dogs typically need more frequent visits.
Are GPS-tracked dog walks standard in Nashville? #
GPS tracking is increasingly common among larger operators and is delivered through a client app with photo updates. Smaller solo operators may not offer GPS but typically send text-and-photo reports after each visit. Clients should confirm tracking and reporting specifics at intake.
What is the difference between drop-in sitting and overnight in-home sitting? #
Drop-in visits are scheduled stops (one to four times daily) where the sitter cares for the pet then leaves. Overnight in-home sitting means the sitter sleeps at the client’s home and stays with the pet through the night. Overnight service costs more but is recommended for pets with separation anxiety or medical needs.
Editorial Note (2026-05-11): Credentials, phone numbers, and service descriptions were verified against each company’s homepage or current public listing. Clients should request a current certificate of insurance and bonding before contracting any sitter.
Editorial Note #
This guide was published on 2026-05-11 and reflects research current as of that date. Verify licenses, phone numbers, and current business status before engaging any firm.