As the national economy tanked a number of years ago, pet owner's across the country have searched the high and low for alternative pet care options. In fact, many are foregoing even the traditional dog and cat kennels or the newly formed pet motels. Rather, pet owner's are seeking out the neighborhood teen or their child's babysitter. "Value" is the name of the game when searching for what pet owner's feel is appropriate vacation pet care on the cheap.
Although, when returning from that long deserved week's vacation, the pet owner returns to a home full of preventable problems. First on their list of duties, the carpet and furniture cleaner, the handyman, the weekly cleaning service, the lawn service. Why? Because the immature and inexperienced "pet sitter" (at that age) doesn't have the capacity, yet, to handle these types of situations, alone. Furthermore, these "on the cheap" pet sitters don't have a true obligation to the pet owner or the house.
Case in point, several years back, a client related the time she and her husband hired a friend's college graduate to oversee two dogs and their home for three weeks. The young lady's duties were simply to allow the dogs in and out of the house, all day long, and lounge around their backyard swimming pool - that's it. Trust me on this story, I've since taken care of the loveable dogs and this is a pet sitter's dream reservation! The couple's lovely to work with, the dogs are a joy, and the swimming is a treat.
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The couple came home to discover the young woman was not attentive to the dogs needs, and two years later, one of the dogs is still suffering from his experience with this sitter's non-compliance. "Value" - I think not. What's that old adage, "penny wise and pound foolish"?
Over the 22 years of pet sitting, I've receive calls from frantic pet owner's, just a few days from leaving on vacation, search for professional pet sitter. The pet care provider ducked out at the last minute. When I inquire as to why, the owner doesn't always have an answer! Additionally, this very scenario has popped up: the family decided to leave on vacation, so the "pet sitter" chose to leave, also.
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Where's the "value" when a clean up crew needs to follow behind? The "pet sitter" ducks out, because she/he could care less about repsonsibility.
Websites such as Dogvacay.com, Care.com, and Sittercity.com, list a mirad of so called "pet sitters", young, old, and all shout: "I just love pets," "I've had pets all my life," "I would just love to work with pets". What? Need I say more with these websites? Other than one word "value". I think not.
On the other hand, professional pet sitters take great pride in their chosen profession. The signs of a professional pet sitter is endless. This is just a short list that sets the professional pet sitter/business owner from those on the previously mentioned websites:
- Pet Sitters liability insurance
- dishonesty bond for their business
- Solid, detailed contract
- Belongs to at least one professional organization; i.e, Pet Sitters International, NAAPS
- attends pet sitters convention provided by their professional organization
- abides by the professional organizations rules
- keeps pet owner abreast of upcoming pet sitting reservations, changes in the pets, home situation, etc.
- working knowledge of all pets in charge
- "Meet & Greet" with all new client's & old clients as necessary
- good, solid pet sitting and business reputation
- years of experience operating a business
- respects the privacy of the pet owner
- flexible to the needs of their clients & their pets
- realistic regarding his/her abilities
- business Owner's are invested in their businesses
- website announcing their pet sitting business
- Years of experience as a professional pet sitter
A word of caution when searching for a professional pet sitter, we ARE NOT required by any state in the union to be "licensed". Too often, pet sitters will advertise they are "licensed" implying they are superior to competitors.
Actually, it's false advertising! As a business owner, some states/county/local governments will require a business license to operate in that town. And as a consumer, stay alert to those who state, imply or otherwise. And my suggestion - steer clear!
The foundation of a professional pet sitting business:
- Mature decision-making
- Responsible
- Polite
- Respectful
- Professional
- Privacy
- Carrying
- Truthful
- Solid business experience
Therefore, when searching for a professional pet care provider, look for these qualities through their website, their contract, references, if possible, on the phone, email's, but most of all, at the "Meet & Greet". Let your instincts guide your decision on what service best fits your pet need's
