Tips for Conducting a Professional Pet Sitter Interview

 Selecting a pet sitter not only means the care and feeding of your pet but also the safety and security of your home. Pets have become our treasured family members and we want to give them the best we can. Take some time early in the selection process to determine the pet sitter best suited for your situation. Once you’ve made the best selection, we hope you’ll agree with the multitudes of other pet owners who say, “My pet sitter is worth her (or his) weight in gold!”

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. There are policies specifically for pet sitters and are provided insurance cards.

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.
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. Some 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. Ask for experience with your particular breed if there is reason to.

Does the pet sitter willingly and happily provide references? A pet sitter should always 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.

When you engage the services of a professional pet sitter, use this checklist and make sure all of your questions are answered to your satisfaction. This ensures that you can leave your beloved pets with the peace of mind knowing that they will be well cared for. That’s a win-win-win situation for you, your pets and your pet sitter.

Salmonella: Contagious Diseases People can catch from Pets

Domestic animals, including dogs, cats, cattle, horses, poultry, sheep, and swine can transmit a variety of diseases to people. These are called Zoonotic Diseases. Noteworthy Zoonotic diseases include: Cat Scratch Fever, Wool Sorters Diseases, Milker’s Nodules, Q Fever, Ringworm, and Rabies. Anthrax, Parrot Fever and Salmonella also fall into this group.

Salmonella is a bacteria that causes severe diarrhea, and is a common cause of food poisoning. Chicken eggs can carry salmonella. Dogs, cats, birds and reptiles can also be carriers. Pets that carry Salmonella may or may not show signs but people become very ill. People that contract Salmonella are usually plagued with severe vomiting and intractable diarrhea which in some cases can be fatal. Transmission is by direct contact with pets, pet cages, living areas or food contaminated by Salmonella.

Preventative measures include, cleaning your pet’s living area thoroughly and washing your hands well with soap and water after handling contaminated pets, food or living areas. Be sure to contact your veterinarian and family physician for treatment.

Why Use a Professional Pet Sitter

If you’re like most pet lovers, you hate leaving your pet in unfamiliar surroundings when you travel. You can arrange for friends and neighbors to take care of your pet at home, but often, they’re too busy, and you don’t like to impose. Our service provides your dog, cat, and/or other pets the care they need  while you’re away - right in your own home. Creature Comforts truly loves animals. With us, you are assured reliable and responsible service.

Your pets will:

• stay in a secure, familiar environment.
• follow their customary routine and diet.
• avoid exposure to illness from other animals.
• receive loving individual attention.

You can leave home with peace of mind knowing that you’ve left your home and pet in our good
hands.

With Creature Comforts Pet Sitting, you and your pet/s can enjoy.

• No Travel Trauma. Your pet won’t be upset and you won’t be inconvenienced by the need
  for transportation to a kennel or boarding facility. 
• No Interruptions. Your pet will stay right at home and enjoy its familiar surroundings,
  exercise routines, toys, mealtimes and much more. 
• No Worries. Pet care and home security come in one package when you hire a pet sitter to
  care for your pets and look after your home while you are away.

Good Morning World

It's cold outside so bundle up for your holiday shopping. Keep your doggies, kitties and other furry family members warm and cozy.

Today is going to be a wonderfully busy day. I get to see all kinds of four legged friends. They're all a joy to visit and I'm looking forward to it.

I hope everyone is having a safe and happy holiday season. So far, so good for me :)

Monday Monday

It's a great Monday morning with the sun trying to make it's way into the sky. The trees are silhouetted against the light of the sun sitting below the horizon.

Today will be a busy day for this pet sitter. I will meet two new pet families and take care of some dogs of pet families I've known for a long time.

This week I'll be baking some homemade holiday treats to share with my furry family members as well as my extended furry family.

I hope everyone has a wonderful day and enjoys each minute!

Help with Selecting Pet Insurance Policies

Help with Selecting Pet Insurance Policies

Another Late Night

All is quiet in the Facklam household and is an opportune time to blog.

It's been a good day. I met a few sweet dogs and a couple of cute kitties. Susan will be taking care of some of the pets and is looking forward to it. She's a great animal lover and an all around good person. She was great with our new client and gave them peace of mind knowing their pets will be well taken care of.

Plans for tomorrow are to go see a few big dogs and take the best care of them they can have compared to mom and dad :)

Wag More, Bark Less!