The following
tips come from talking with pet sitters, dog walkers, and dog
daycare owners over the years, and hearing about situations that
they have faced with their clients. This may seem like a lengthy
list of things to remember, but if you keep these things in mind
you'll be helping your pet sitter, dog walker, or dog daycare
personnel provide the very best care possible for your pets. And
rest assured, the person caring for your pets has a much longer
list of things to do than you do!
Be prepared
for your initial meeting. When you meet with your pet care
provider for the first time, be sure to have the information available
that may have been requested. This will probably include paperwork
that was sent to in advance, keys, a garage door opener if necessary,
a gate, alarm codes, or key cards. You may also be asked to show
proof of vaccination.
If your pet
care provider sends you paperwork to complete in advance, it's
a good idea to highlight information you're unsure about, or simply
make a list to refer to when you meet the pet sitter for the first
time. And of course, if there's something not on the paperwork
that you have questions about, be sure to make a note of that
also. Completing the paperwork ahead of time will enable you and
your pet care professional to go over things in a more leisurely
way when you meet for the first time.
Being prepared
will make a good first impression on the person you ask to care
for your pets. And let's face it; people enjoy doing business
with people who are prepared…it'll make things go more smoothly
for everybody involved!
Be sure
to provide contact and emergency information. Give your pet
sitter or dog walker the phone number, email address, or other
contact information where you'll be while away so they will be
able to get in touch with you in case of emergency. Ideally this
should be in your pet care providers' hands before you ever leave
home.
Be honest
about your pets' health and behavior. When you meet with a
pet sitter, dog walker, or dog daycare for the first time, be
honest about your pets' health and behavior. If your dog tends
to be aggressive, withdrawn, afraid of storms, or has other characteristics
that are worrisome, your pet care professional will need to know
these things. It's understandable that as a pet owner, you may
be hesitant to mention these things but many pet care providers
have dealt with issues like these and will be able to work with
your pet. If not, they may be able to suggest alternatives that
will be more suited to you and your pet.
Book services
at least 2 weeks in advance. Whenever possible, call your
pet sitter at least 2 weeks prior to the time you'll need their
services. For pet sitting services during the holidays, even more
notice is advisable since most pet sitters end up turning clients
away at this time of year. Please don't assume that because you've
used a particular pet sitter in the past that she'll have room
for you if you call at the last minute.
Cancel
services as far in advance as possible. Everyone knows that
things happen and that plans change at the last minute, but whenever
possible be sure to cancel with your pet sitter or dog walker
as soon as you know you won't need their services. In essence,
you have reserved a certain amount of time with your pet care
provider; time they cannot spend with someone else's pets. The
courtesy of canceling early allows them to book someone else at
that time. Keep in mind, that many dog walkers and pet sitters
will charge a fee if cancellation is made within a certain number
of days of the scheduled service, so be sure to ask about their
cancellation policy.
Be flexible
with your requests. While your pet care professional's goal
may very likely be to give you and your pets such wonderful service
that you'll feel like you're her only client, chances are she
has many others. When you speak with her, let your preferences
be known but know that flexibility is the key. Her goal is to
give you and your pets the best possible care. Although it may
be your preference to have someone visit your pets at 7 a.m. sharp
every morning during your absence, she may have five or six other
morning clients and will need to schedule her visits according
to route, pets' needs, and time. And at any time, unforeseen circumstances
may arise that would prevent your pet sitter or dog walker from
arriving at the exact specified time. Rest assured though, they
will do their best to see to it that your needs and preferences
are met.
Understand
that extra services require extra time. Pet sitters and dog
walkers are constantly budgeting their time and readjusting their
schedule to accommodate things that come up unexpectedly. And
while many will offer to do extras to make your home look lived
in, their main focus is on your pets. Unless you've spoken with
your pet sitter in advance about additional services, don't assume
she'll be available to do them if you leave a laundry list of
items without asking first. It puts her in an uncomfortable position,
and because of time involved, could compromise the time she spends
with your pets.
While most
pet sitters are more than happy to do extra services on occasion,
keep in mind that there may be extra charges involved. It's not
that your pet sitter is trying to nickel and dime you, but some
tasks that take you no time at all, may take more time for her
simply because they're not routine tasks for her.
Inform
your pet sitter or dog walker of any houseguests. If anyone
will be in your home while you're away, discuss it with your pet
sitter or dog walker. Many will not enter a home if they see someone
is at your home that they don't know or aren't expecting. At first
this may seem unreasonable but there are some very good reasons
why pet sitters have this policy.
The number
one issue is safety, for the pet sitter and for your pets. If
your pet sitter or dog walker were to walk into a home that's
being robbed it could prove deadly. He or she may also walk in
on someone who is at the home for legitimate reasons, creating
at best an awkward encounter, requiring an explanation by both
parties.
In addition
to the safety reasons for not wanting to enter a home when someone
is there, it puts your pet sitter in an uncomfortable position
if your houseguest says they'll care for your pets. They may mean
well, but keep in mind that you've contracted service with your
pet sitter or dog walker, and the decision to cancel that service
can only come from you unless you've made other arrangements with
your pet care provider.
Confirm
your travel plans and pet sitting services. Call your pet
sitter before you leave town as one last confirmation that your
trip is going as scheduled. There have been cases involving pet
owners booking the wrong dates by mistake, or the pet care business
adding them to their calendar on the incorrect dates. Calling
your pet sitter just before you leave will ensure that you both
have the correct dates.
Be sure
your pet sitter or dog walker has the necessities. Make sure
you leave enough food, medications, treats, or other food items
your pet will need while you're away. Other supplies that your
pet sitter may need might include paper towels, leashes, carrying
cases or other items. See our Pet Owner's Checklist to help jog
your memory.
Keep your
pet sitter, dog walker, or dog daycare informed of any changes.
If you call on the services of a professional pet care business
repeatedly, you'll want to be sure they are aware of any changes
in your pets' health, feeding instructions, or behavior. It's
also important to inform them of any changes in your home such
as a new alarm system, new keys, lighting, etc.
Pay your
pet care bill as agreed. Many pet sitting businesses will
require payment to be left for them to pick up on their first
visit with your pets. Dog walkers and dog daycares often request
payment in advance. Find out what the policy is for the pet care
business that will be caring for your pets and be sure to pay
your bill as requested. If it becomes necessary to contract last
minute or extra services, be sure to check what the payment method
will be for those as well, as they may be handled differently
than regularly scheduled services.
If you
have concerns, contact your pet care provider as soon as possible.
Whether you return home after a two-week vacation or a long day
at work and notice something that concerns you, call your pet
care professional immediately. You and the person caring for your
pets will be better able to help resolve any issues or misunderstandings
if you're able to talk about it while it's fresh in your minds.
Chances are
pretty good that your pets have already won the hearts of the
person who'll be taking care of them. With a little bit of planning
and understanding you can do the same!
Additional information: Be sure to take a look at our quick list
of ways to prepare your home and pet
for your pet care professional.
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