Pet Sitters Speak Out
Our recent post on pet sitters brought a great response from numerous readers.
Two are set out below:
..."It amazes me how many people consider their pets children yet don't think they have to pay for pet sitting services, especially if you stay at their home. While being able to stay "for free," when you are taking care of a pet your time is not your own. You have to accommodate the pets' schedule of walks and feedings. I really don't understand why people don't think
pet sitters deserve to be compensated for putting their pets first..."
..."I am a pet sitter and these are very good tips to give travelers. I also require my pet sitting clients to fill out a veterinary release form authorizing me to seek medical care should the need arise while the owners are away..."
You thoughts are still welcome.
Readers React to Pet Sitter Rules
I received some very different comments from pet owners regarding their experiences with pet sitters.
Also, some professional pet sitters joined the discussion.
Some of the comments of one sitter are below:
"It's nice to see you write about pet sitters. You have great points. I started my pet sitting business seven years ago and I have seen a lot of new pet sitters come and go. Pet sitting sounds like a lot of fun and it is, but there is a LOT of responsibility. Most of us love our pets like our children. They are family. One thing other than meeting the sitter and feeling comfortable with them is the sitter should have liability insurance. I have several sitters so we are all bonded and insured.
I do background checks on my sitters too."
Pet sitters should be professional and not a neighbor doing a favor.
What Are The Requirements for a Good Pet Sitter
One of the most frequently asked questions that we hear concerns the use of a pet sitter when traveling.
When you engage someone to care after you pet, you should consider the following:
Your Name;
Your email address;
Your cell phone numbers;
Your travel plans and dates;
The name of the hotel or location you are visiting along with all local email, cell phone and facsimile information;
The name and address of your veterinarian;
The business and cell phone of your veterinarian;
Driving instructions to you veterinarian;
The name and number of a local personal contact for emergency purposes, and
An updated power of attorney for that local contact.
There are many qualified pet sitters. Make sure that yours is one of them.
Hire A Professional Sitter to Protect Your Pet
More and more pet owners are utilizing the services of a professional pet sitter for their pets, rather just asking a neighbor to “check in” on their furry families.
If you choose this route, be sure to provide at a minimum, the following information.
Your Name;
Your email address;
Your cell phone numbers;
Your travel plans and dates;
The name of the hotel or location you are visiting along with all local email, cell phone and facsimile information;
The name and address of your veterinarian;
The business and cell phone of your veterinarian;
Driving instructions to you veterinarian;
The name and number of a local personal contact for emergency purposes, and
An updated power of attorney for that local contact.
Plan ahead and the emergencies will be minimized.
Are Pet Sitters Licensed?
I am looking for a pet sitter for my two dogs Buster and Billie. I personally know some neighbors that provide this service. I have read some information on your blog and am curious as to the issues of bonding and insurance for the protection of my pets.
Tommy East Lansing, MI
Tommy, unfortunately most state do not have any specific regulations regarding pet walkers or pet sitters. It is probably not even necessary to have a business license in most jurisdictions.
I found some excellent information for you to review at Petsitusa,com.
They discuss bonding, licenses and insurance:
Insurance
Pet sitter liability insurance works much like any other insurance. It covers accidents that may affect the client’s pets or property while the pet sitter is on an assignment.
Bonding
Bonding is most appropriate for companies that hire employees. A fidelity bond (or dishonesty bond) usually insures a business in the event that an employee steals from a client. If this happens, and the employee is found guilty of theft, the bonding company will pay for the stolen items. Many sole-proprietors are bonded, but this is mostly for their clients’ peace of mind.
Licenses
A business license and a professional license are quite different, and anyone who hires a pet sitter should know what those differences are.
You can read the rest of the article here.
Pet sitters or walkers have a great deal of responsibility for your pets.
Make sure that you know these individuals and are comfortable with their skill levels and concern for your pets.
More Pet Sitter Tips
I recently provided some tips for those of you who will be utilizing a pet sitter in the upcoming holiday season.
You can see the previous post here.
Today we continue with some additional tips from ** Pet Sitters International;
"Does the sitter have a clean criminal history?
Ask for third-party credentials that verify the sitter has a history of honesty and integrity. Official verification documents will contain current annual dates (within one year) and certified seals. PSI offers its members background checks certified through CastleBranch, Inc. and CertifiedBackground. Remember, the person you choose to hire will have access to your property and your beloved animal companion(s). This documentation can provide the peace of mind you seek when admitting a new pet care provider to your home.
Does the pet sitter meet with you and your pet(s) in advance? Is there a charge for this in-home meeting?
Initial interviews allow the pet sitter to meet with you in your home, interact with your pets and discuss services and business policies. These visits are highly recommended for both pet owner and pet sitter. Pet sitters offer this service at no charge, while others charge a nominal fee for their time and travel expenses.
How much experience does the pet sitter have in caring for your particular type of pet?
Experience in caring for special needs pets or unusual types of pets is helpful if that is what you need. Pet sitters who have completed PSI’s Accreditation Program have the resources on hand to care for a wide variety of companion animal species.
Does the pet sitter willingly and happily provide references?
PSI recommends that all of its members have a list of references for potential clients to contact.
Does the pet sitter use a service contract that spells out services performed and fees for doing so?
A well-written contract outlines the details associated with each service the sitter will provide. The contract includes all fees along with the expected amount of time that will be spent with your pet(s). This ensures that both you and your sitter have agreed on and understand the level of service being provided in your absence
How much time does the pet sitter spend in your home to care for your pet(s)?
The average in-home visit to care for one pet is 30 minutes, but additional time may be required if you request special services such as dog walking, pet grooming, etc. or have a multiple pet household.
Does the pet sitter have a Web site that you may peruse?
Many pet sitters have Web sites to communicate with current and potential clients. It is an excellent way to provide information to pet owners and to offer the option of e-mail communication between owners and sitters.
What contingency plan does the pet sitter have in the event of inclement weather or natural disaster while caring for your pet(s)?
Every professional pet sitter should have a written Disaster Plan that addresses natural or man-made disasters, as well as a contingency plan to provide for your pet’s care if anything prevents the sitter from completing the assignment.)
What does the pet sitter do if medical care is needed for your pet?
Arrangements should be made with your veterinarian and/or local emergency veterinary clinic to allow the sitter to seek medical attention for your pet while you are away.
How does the pet sitting agency screen and train their pet sitters?
When a pet-sitting business owner uses staff sitters, a careful employment screening process should be used to ensure that any of the company’s personnel who care for your pet are trained and equipped to provide the high-quality care you and your pet deserve.
During the in-home interview, does the pet sitter exhibit a positive attitude and seem comfortable and competent in caring for your pet(s)?
A positive attitude goes hand in hand with experience when it comes to in-home pet care. As a result, you can feel at ease and look forward to the in-home pet-care a professional pet sitter provides.
How will the pet sitter confirm your safe return home for the care of your pet(s)?
Your pet sitter should call to confirm that you have returned home at the expected time or ask that you call to confirm your return.
Will the pet sitter provide you with an evaluation or rating form of their services?
A service rating form is the hallmark of a professional pet sitter who wants to ensure client satisfaction.
What are the payment terms?
Some pet sitters require payment in full for first time customers while others require a deposit upon reservation and balance paid at the end of the assignment. There is no industry standard for payment terms, so be sure you understand in advance the terms of the pet sitting business you utilize..."
You have the responsibility for the safety and well being of your pets. Exercise that responsibility.
**Pettrustlawblog.com does not endorse or recommend Pet Sitters International in any manner, but offers their advise for your review and consideration.
Interview Your Potential Pet Sitter
As many of us will be way from home for short time periods, as well as on extended travel during the holiday periods, I recently wrote about some basic information that you should provide to your Pet Sitter, before you turn over your pet and leave your home.
According to their Mission statement, Pet Sitters International is dedicated to educating professional pet sitters and promoting, supporting and recognizing excellence in pet sitting.
They suggest that you carefully interview your potential Pet Sitter as cautiously as you would for a family member.
Among their suggestion are the following tips:
"Does the pet sitter (or agency) keep regular office hours?
A Professional pet sitter should have a schedule of office hours. A larger business may have additional personnel to answer phone calls or e-mails, but many pet sitters are sole proprietors who use answering machines to field inquiries.
If you left a message inquiring about services, how soon was it returned?
All phone calls should be returned within 24 hours.
How much notice does the pet sitter (or agency) need in order to schedule your request for a pet sitter?
Most pet sitters request at least two weeks notice, but may be able to accommodate an occasional short-notice assignment. Sometimes there is an additional charge for short-notice assignments.
Does the pet sitter (or agency) have established fees for pet care they can quote over the phone and/or in company literature?
A professional pet sitter should have a published list of fees that cover the most common pet-care requests. Fees for special services may be worked out on a case-by-case basis.
Is the pet sitter bonded and insured?
Ask for proof of coverage. PSI members have access to group rates on policies specifically for pet sitters and are provided insurance cards...."
We will provide some additional tips on this important issue next week.
Provide Basic Information for Your Pet Sitter
Many of you will be traveling for extended periods in the next few weeks with the holiday season fast approaching.
If you choose not to take your pets with you, the two logical choices for their care are the use of your veterinarian for boarding or a pet sitter.
You probably already have a set routine with your vet. He or she has all of your contact information and emergency numbers as well as a solid full background and history of your pet’s needs and desires.
However, the pet sitter may not readily have this information.
Generally, they will look to you for the specific instructions as for the care and well-being of our pet.
Be sure to provide at a minimum, the following information.
Your Name;
Your email address;
Your cell phone numbers;
Your travel plans and dates;
The name of the hotel or location you are visiting along with all local email, cell phone and facsimile information;
The name and address of your veterinarian;
The business and cell phone of your veterinarian;
Driving instructions to you veterinarian;
The name and number of a local personal contact for emergency purposes, and
An updated power of attorney for that local contact.
The list of necessary information could well include additional items, but at minimum, the above should be left with the sitter.
