La Plata's Hilaire Eyes National Pet Award – The Southern Maryland Chronicle
Michelle Hilaire, owner of 4 Pet’s Sake Pet Care in La Plata, stands among five national finalists for Pet Sitters International’s 2026 Pet Sitter of the Year Award, the top recognition in the professional pet care field.
Pet Sitters International, founded in 1994 as the largest educational group for pet sitters and dog walkers, named the finalists after reviewing nominations based on references, care standards and community roles. The other contenders include MiKayla Anders of Adventures in Pet Sitting in Salina, Kansas; Cynthia Hess of Your Fairy Catmother in Temple, Pennsylvania; Amy Munns of Leash4Lease Inc. in Poulsbo, Washington; and Maris Sonnabend of House of Paws Pet Care in Eureka, Missouri.
Hilaire’s business, started in 2003, provides in-home services across Southern Maryland and the DMV area, including dog walks, cat visits, overnight boarding and small animal care. Clients book through an online dashboard for scheduling, payments and daily photo reports. The firm holds insurance and bonding, with staff handling medications and home checks during visits.
The finalists now submit records on operations, training, marketing and background checks for final review. The winner receives the honor in January 2026, following a process that weighs client testimonials, professional endorsements and education pursuits.
“The 2026 Pet Sitter of the Year will represent the professionalism, pet-care expertise and commitment to excellence that continue to elevate the pet-sitting industry worldwide,” said PSI President Beth Stultz-Hairston. “These top finalists not only excel in pet care and business operations, but they also model the ethical, compassionate practices that set professional pet-care businesses apart.”
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