As pet sitting
gains in popularity so do the number of people wanting to jump
on the bandwagon and put a "pet sitter for hire" shingle
out. Every day it seems there are new pet sitters coming out of
the woodwork to give pet owners "the best pet sitting service"
ever. What saddens me is that many of these people are just in
it because they think it will be a fun job, and an easy way to
make money. Unfortunately for them, and for their clients, they
do not take the time to learn about the responsibility that comes
along with the job. The truth of the matter is that pet sitting
can be a tough, tiring, very involved business. Sure, pet sitters
get to hang with pets and have a good time, but there's a heck
of a lot more to it than that.
Professional
pet sitters vs. hobby pet sitters
Pet sitters
who contract to care for a client's pets and home when they're
gone are responsible for the health and welfare of that pet's
life. They are the one who will ensure that pet's life goes on
in an uninterrupted manner - making sure he gets food, water,
necessary medications, exercise, and that his home stays comfortable
and safe. That person is also responsible, in many cases, for
all the worldly possessions their client owns - their home and
all of its contents. Granted, the chances of anything terribly
drastic going wrong are not all that great, but they're probably
greater than one might think. Many pet sitters, including me,
have had to deal with such pet issues as illness and injury, death,
dogs getting out of a yard, dog fights, and more. And, when it
comes to housing issues, I know of pet sitters who have been faced
with break-ins, fires, floods, broken water pipes, etc. Taking
these responsibilities seriously and knowing how to handle the
unexpected in an efficient, professional manner is one thing that
sets the professional pet sitters apart from the hobby sitters,
or KND (kid next door).
Other factors
that differentiate professional pet sitters from the hobby sitters
is that they will understand the importance of insurance (and
possibly bonding), they will seek out ongoing training or other
ways to expand their knowledge of pets in such things as pet first
aid, cat and dog behavior, how to handle birds, reptiles or other
animals, etc. They may belong to local or national pet sitting
or other business-related organizations. And on the business end,
they will operate in a structured, business-like manner which
includes having a service contract, obtaining health and behavior
histories of the pets they care for, managing keys in a secure
way, setting up policies and ensuring clients are made aware of
them, and much more. The bottom line is that professional pet
sitters operate in a manner that shows their clients they have
a good head on their shoulders and are professional, yet caring.
Hobby sitters
come and go. As I mentioned earlier, many people get into pet
sitting because they think it will be a fun way to make some money.
Although their intentions are good, they dive in without doing
enough research on the business. Once they get into it and realize
there is actual work involved, they lose their passion and it
most often shows in the care they give the pets. They may cut
visits short, may not scoop a litter box, or unfortunately may
even skip a visit because they have something else they would
rather do. Additionally, oftentimes they will come across issues
they are not prepared to handle and become frazzled, causing them
to make inappropriate decisions. Because of their lack of planning,
inexperience, or simply because they are overwhelmed they let
their clients down, the pets they are caring for, and themselves.
Out of this comes the decision that pet sitting isn't for them
and they move on to something else. Frankly, at that point, the
decision to stop pet sitting is probably the best decision they've
made in regards to the business. Had they done some work ahead
of time, and investigated the business thoroughly before jumping
in they could have saved themselves, and others, a lot of headaches.
First impressions
I see pet
sitters popping up all over, especially on the Internet. Quite
often it's readily apparent that they have done their research
before opening their doors. They have contracts and other forms,
insurance, policies that are clearly spelled out, training in
pet first aid or other pet care, and present themselves in a business
like manner. I see others who list their names on websites and
say they will petsit, babysit, do yard work, or other various
and sundry errands. They make no mention of any type of insurance
or training, and definitely do not come across in a professional
manner.
As with any
other business there are those who have the appearance of being
professional and in the end, are not. However, I believe the vast
majority of pet owners would be more likely to interview someone
who starts off making a good first impression rather than someone
who does not take the time put forth a positive and professional
image.
What to
look for in a pet sitter
When looking
for a professional pet sitter to care for your pets, there are
many factors a pet owner should consider during the research and
interview process. Listed below are some of the more important
points:
- Do they
have insurance, and are they able to provide proof? Some pet
sitters may also be bonded, especially if they have employees.
- Are they
able to offer references?
- Do they
offer an easy way to contact them and receive a response in
a timely manner, especially when you are away?
- Ask about
their experience. Have they cared for pets in the past, and
if so what types of pets and in what manner?
- Do they
make their services and expectations clear, including payment?
- Do they
have a secure way of storing and coding your keys?
- They should
offer a written contract, and forms that will gather information
on your pet's history and care, emergency vet care, your home,
contact numbers for you and emergency contacts.
- Do they
have a backup plan should they become ill or injured during
the time your pets are under their care?
- Look at
their website and/or other printed material. Do they sound literate
and thorough? Someone who has misspellings and poor grammar
on their printed material may not pay attention to details,
something that is important in the care of your pets and home.
- Do they
belong to any local or national pet sitting organizations? While
this is not must, it does show a certain amount of professionalism.
- Do they
have pet first aid training? Not all professional pet sitters
go through this training but it is becoming more and more prevalent.
Using the
Internet as a tool to find pet sitters
When it comes
to your initial search for a pet sitter, the Internet is a great
place to start. There are some very good websites, such as PetsitUSA.com,
that have been established specifically for pet care providers
to advertise their businesses. And, because people who know the
industry have established some of these websites, they have included
valuable information for pet sitters and pet owners alike. Websites
such as these are an excellent place to find professional pet
sitters in your area and to learn more about the services they
offer. They are also a great resource for people who are researching
the industry as a possible career.
Most websites
that are specifically set up as pet care provider directories,
such as PetsitUSA.com, allow free access to their advertisers'
contact information. They may charge a fee for businesses to advertise
but do not restrict access to anyone who is seeking information
on pet care. Others however, require visitors to their websites
to pay a fee to access this information. Keep in mind that you,
as a consumer, should not be asked to pay to obtain contact information
for pet care providers. If a website does not offer you free and
immediate access to contact information for these businesses in
your area, move on to one that allows you unrestricted access.
A growing
industry
The pet care
industry is evolving and growing, and because of that, pet sitters,
dog walkers, dog runners, and dog daycares who are truly professional
are going to raise the bar in the quality of services they offer
and in client expectations. Those who are in the pet sitting business
simply for the fun of it will either need to take their service
to the next level or move onto something that suits their personality
better.
There are
many excellent pet sitters, dog walkers, dog runners, and dog
daycare operators out there who are eager to care for your pets
and will do it in a professional and caring manner. They take
their career seriously and pride themselves in their professionalism,
attention to detail, excellent service, and stellar reputations.
With a bit of research pet owners should be able to find someone
they feel comfortable with; who suits their needs and those of
their pets; and in many cases, exceeds their expectations.
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