The following article was written by Marjorie Ciolli, TLC… While You’re Away, a professional Pet Sitting Service in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Finding a “Professional” pet sitter may not be as easy as one might think. There are several individuals and services that may appear to be professional on the surface; but, may not actually be able to provide your pet & home with the level of service required on a consistent basis. The ten questions below may help you find a pet sitting company that will fit your needs.
Question One: Are they incorporated?
A business that takes the time to file with the government as either a corporation (Inc.) or partnership (LLC) is a sign that they are serious about this profession and intend to stay in the business. Just creating a name like “Mary’s Pet Sitting” then making some business cards does not constitute a serious business.
Question Two: Are they insured & a member of a national association?
A business that makes the financial investment required to become a member of an association and more importantly provide pet sitting insurance, shows that they are taking the necessary precautions to educate themselves and protect their clients against any possible negligence.
Question Three: Do they answer the phone and return messages? If yes, with the name of the business or just “hello”?
This is really an easy way to discover whether of not the service is reliable and dependable. Clients while on a trip may want to call and check on how things are going or may have a flight delay and need extra visits. If the service does not answer the phone when you are in town, they will probably not answer the phone when you are out of town.
Question Four: Do they have references?
Make sure you check references. Any one can find five “people” to say nice things about them. You want to ask references questions that only a true client would know the answer to. Example: How often & at what time do they usually arrive? How much do they charge you? how long have you been using them? Do they pick up poop in the yard?
Question Five: Is there a team of sitters or are they a one person business?
It is important for a sitting service to have atleast back up for emergencies. If for some reason (car breaks down, sickness) they are unable to continue providing service when your out of town, someone else needs to step in. Pets need food, water and bathroom breaks. Since you are out of town, finding a replacement may be impossible.
I recommend services that work in teams of four. Pet sitting is a 365 day a year business and no one can work seven days a week indefinitely. Furthermore, breakfast and dinner visits should be ideally twelve hours apart. This would require a sitter to wake up early in the morning and finish late in the evening. Burn out would be inevitable and quality of service would reflect that over time.
Question Six: Do they provide a complimentary initial orientation?
A reputable service will not only offer a free initial consultation, but insist on one. The purpose of the orientation is for both parties (the client & the sitter) to get acquainted, meet the pets, explain the service and decide it their is a good fit. Some sitting services only charge for the initial visit if the client does not sign up for service. 98% of the initial orientations conducted by TLC..While You’re Away have become clients. A great sitting service, that signs up clients, has no reason to charge for an initial consultation. Beware or services that do: Maybe they are not that impressive in person.
Question Seven: Do they require signed contracts? instruction sheets? etc.
A professional company will be organized. They will have official contracts and instruction sheets for the client to sign or fill out. A contract is binding by both parties. It is security that the services will be provided.
Question Eight: Do they have a set list of prices? Do they insist on payment in full prior to service?
Pet sitting rates should be quantifiable. A visit should be a specified period of time. A good service will make sure that a pet sitter has enough time to do the chores (clean dishes, etc.) and still have time to give love to the pets. There should be a minimum length of time (30 min.) and a minimum number of visits per day (depending on type of pet/needs).
The first time a client uses a good service, a service that knows the client will be happy when they return home from their trip, will only ask for 50% down prior to departure. The remaining balance should be paid within ten days of return.
Question Nine: How are they with your pets?
Do not pay too much attention to how your pet interacts with the sitter during the initial orientation. This might sound strange; but, pets act completely different when the owners are not home. The “real” relationship starts on the first visit when you are out of town. The initial consultation is designed for the human client to get comfortable with the sitters professionalism and overall demeanor. Of course do not hire a service that is rude or unloving to your pets; however, an experienced sitter knows to establish an “alpha” role immediately. That requires a bit of aloofness which equals confidence in pet language.
Question Ten: Do you have a good feeling about the person?
You need to trust your instincts. If you do not feel comfortable with the service you have hired, you will not enjoy your trip!
TLC…While You’re Away, Inc. is the name to trust for pet sitting in Arizona. They service Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and North East Phoenix. The website is www.gotaleash.com
