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How To Be An Ideal Client And Win Your Pet Sitter's Heart!
| Posted on 12 August, 2014 at 17:56 |
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How to Be
an Ideal Client and Win Your Pet Care Professional's Heart!  The
following tips come from talking with pet sitters, dog walkers, and
dog daycare owners over the years, and hearing about situations that
they have faced with their clients. This may seem like a lengthy list
of things to remember, but if you keep these things in mind you'll be
helping your pet sitter, dog walker, or dog daycare personnel provide
the very best care possible for your pets. And rest assured, the
person caring for your pets has a much longer list of things to do
than you do! Be prepared for your initial meeting. When
you meet with your pet care provider for the first time, be sure to
have the information available that may have been requested. This
will probably include paperwork that was sent to in advance, keys, a
garage door opener if necessary, a gate, alarm codes, or key cards.
You may also be asked to show proof of vaccination. If
your pet care provider sends you paperwork to complete in advance,
it's a good idea to highlight information you're unsure about, or
simply make a list to refer to when you meet the pet sitter for the
first time. And of course, if there's something not on the paperwork
that you have questions about, be sure to make a note of that also.
Completing the paperwork ahead of time will enable you and your pet
care professional to go over things in a more leisurely way when you
meet for the first time. Being
prepared will make a good first impression on the person you ask to
care for your pets. And let's face it; people enjoy doing business
with people who are prepared…it'll make things go more smoothly for
everybody involved! Be sure to provide contact and emergency information. Give
your pet sitter or dog walker the phone number, email address, or
other contact information where you'll be while away so they will be
able to get in touch with you in case of emergency. Ideally this
should be in your pet care providers' hands before you ever leave
home. Be honest about your pets' health and behavior. When
you meet with a pet sitter, dog walker, or dog daycare for the first
time, be honest about your pets' health and behavior. If your dog
tends to be aggressive, withdrawn, afraid of storms, or has other
characteristics that are worrisome, your pet care professional will
need to know these things. It's understandable that as a pet owner,
you may be hesitant to mention these things but many pet care
providers have dealt with issues like these and will be able to work
with your pet. If not, they may be able to suggest alternatives that
will be more suited to you and your pet. Book services at least 2 weeks in advance. Whenever
possible, call your pet sitter at least 2 weeks prior to the time
you'll need their services. For pet sitting services during the
holidays, even more notice is advisable since most pet sitters end up
turning clients away at this time of year. Please don't assume that
because you've used a particular pet sitter in the past that she'll
have room for you if you call at the last minute. Cancel services as far in advance as possible. Everyone
knows that things happen and that plans change at the last minute,
but whenever possible be sure to cancel with your pet sitter or dog
walker as soon as you know you won't need their services. In essence,
you have reserved a certain amount of time with your pet care
provider; time they cannot spend with someone else's pets. The
courtesy of canceling early allows them to book someone else at that
time. Keep in mind, that many dog walkers and pet sitters will charge
a fee if cancellation is made within a certain number of days of the
scheduled service, so be sure to ask about their cancellation policy. Be flexible with your requests. While your pet
care professional's goal may very likely be to give you and your pets
such wonderful service that you'll feel like you're her only client,
chances are she has many others. When you speak with her, let your
preferences be known but know that flexibility is the key. Her goal
is to give you and your pets the best possible care. Although it may
be your preference to have someone visit your pets at 7 a.m. sharp
every morning during your absence, she may have five or six other
morning clients and will need to schedule her visits according to
route, pets' needs, and time. And at any time, unforeseen
circumstances may arise that would prevent your pet sitter or dog
walker from arriving at the exact specified time. Rest assured
though, they will do their best to see to it that your needs and
preferences are met. Understand that extra services require extra time. Pet sitters and
dog walkers are constantly budgeting their time and readjusting their
schedule to accommodate things that come up unexpectedly. And while
many will offer to do extras to make your home look lived in, their
main focus is on your pets. Unless you've spoken with your pet sitter
in advance about additional services, don't assume she'll be
available to do them if you leave a laundry list of items without
asking first. It puts her in an uncomfortable position, and because
of time involved, could compromise the time she spends with your
pets. While
most pet sitters are more than happy to do extra services on
occasion, keep in mind that there may be extra charges involved. It's
not that your pet sitter is trying to nickel and dime you, but some
tasks that take you no time at all, may take more time for her simply
because they're not routine tasks for her. Inform your pet sitter or dog walker of any
houseguests. If
anyone will be in your home while you're away, discuss it with your
pet sitter or dog walker. Many will not enter a home if they see
someone is at your home that they don't know or aren't expecting. At
first this may seem unreasonable but there are some very good reasons
why pet sitters have this policy. The
number one issue is safety, for the pet sitter and for your pets. If
your pet sitter or dog walker were to walk into a home that's being
robbed it could prove deadly. He or she may also walk in on someone
who is at the home for legitimate reasons, creating at best an
awkward encounter, requiring an explanation by both parties. In
addition to the safety reasons for not wanting to enter a home when
someone is there, it puts your pet sitter in an uncomfortable
position if your houseguest says they'll care for your pets. They may
mean well, but keep in mind that you've contracted service with your
pet sitter or dog walker, and the decision to cancel that service can
only come from you unless you've made other arrangements with your
pet care provider. Confirm your travel plans and pet sitting services. Call
or TEXT your pet sitter before you leave town as one last
confirmation that your trip is going as scheduled. There have been
cases involving pet owners booking the wrong dates by mistake, or the
pet care business adding them to their calendar on the incorrect
dates. Calling your pet sitter just before you leave will ensure that
you both have the correct dates. Be sure your pet sitter or dog walker has the
necessities. Make
sure you leave enough food, medications, treats, or other food items
your pet will need while you're away. Other supplies that your pet
sitter may need might include paper towels, leashes, carrying cases
or other items. See our Pet Owner's Checklist to help jog your
memory. Keep your pet sitter, dog walker, or dog daycare
informed of any changes. If
you call on the services of a professional pet care business
repeatedly, you'll want to be sure they are aware of any changes in
your pets' health, feeding instructions, or behavior. It's also
important to inform them of any changes in your home such as a new
alarm system, new keys, lighting, etc. Pay your pet care bill as agreed. Many
pet sitting businesses will require payment to be left for them to
pick up on their first visit with your pets. Dog walkers and dog
daycares often request payment in advance. Find out what the policy
is for the pet care business that will be caring for your pets and be
sure to pay your bill as requested. If it becomes necessary to
contract last minute or extra services, be sure to check what the
payment method will be for those as well, as they may be handled
differently than regularly scheduled services. If you have concerns, contact your pet care provider
as soon as possible. Whether
you return home after a two-week vacation or a long day at work and
notice something that concerns you, call your pet care professional
immediately. You and the person caring for your pets will be better
able to help resolve any issues or misunderstandings if you're able
to talk about it while it's fresh in your minds. Chances
are pretty good that your pets have already won the hearts of the
person who'll be taking care of them. With a little bit of planning
and understanding you can do the same! Kelly's Pet Sitting is a Licensed Business, Insured and Bonded to protect your pets and home, as well as Pet First Aid Trained. We offer pet sitting in your home for cats, dogs and other pets, dog walking and overnight house and pet sitting. Call us today and find out why so many clients feel they couldn't do without us! 541-601-7461 Text courtesy of Pet Sit USA |
Kennel Tragedy in Gilbert, Arizona. June 24, 2014
| Posted on 30 July, 2014 at 17:01 |
comments (194)
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Tragedy in Gilbert, Arizona. June 24, 2014 By now you
must have heard about the horrible tragedy that took place in
Gilbert, Arizona at the Green Acre Dog Boarding Facility. If not, you
certainly will be in for a shock. Kelly's Pet Sitting LLC is located
in Medford, Oregon. Why then you ask, am I writing about a kennel
located in Arizona? Because I am absolutely sickened and horrified by
what took place and continues to take place by the owners of this
facility. The Story. The original
story was that one of the dogs allegedly bit through a cable and
knocked out the air conditioning. After which, all 20 boarded dogs
perished from heat exhaustion. Do some research on google.com and you
will see that after investigating, this is proving to be false. The
owners of the facility piled these dogs up on top of each other like
pieces of stacked wood in their shed. They didn’t contact the
owners right away but instead tried to hide what was happening. The
Reality. Past clients
are now coming forward stating that when they had previously boarded
their dogs, that they were told “they had run away”. What???
Clients are stating that while that tragedy unfolded, they were
booking NEW reservations and the owners were accepting them. Not one
word was mentioned about what was taking place behind the scenes. Not
one! One particular client was referred to Green Acres Dog
Boarding facility by Rover.com. The reality is, this boarding
facility was in way over their heads and were not the least bit
professional in any way. Pet
Care Services That brings
me to my next problem. I mentioned before that rover.com referred one
of the clients to Green Acre’s Dog Boarding. These “services”
such as Care.com, Rover.com, DogVacay.com do not know who is working
for them and do not always offer a safe place for your pets. These
sites are popping up all over the place and they mention how easy it
is to watch a few dogs. Let me be the first to tell you that it is
not always “easy”. There is so much more than meets the eye with
a business such as what I am running or a legitimate kennel runs. Hard
Work, Dedication, Honesty and Trust Let me say
that those of us who consider ourselves “professionals” would
never, ever act in such a way as this kennel operator (s) is doing
now. They are placing the blame everywhere but where it squarely
needs to be and that is on them. As a business owner, I have put
everything I have into this business to make it what it is
today. Yes, it has been very hard work. Lots of sweat and tears
have taken place. Above all else, I run this business on honesty and
trust. I get to know my clients and their families and pets. The
people that I hire to work for me must pass background checks, have
knowledge of animal behavior and have exemplary customer service
skills as well. It’s not enough to say “I’ve lived with dogs my
whole life”. Granted, a lot of people get into this business
because of their love of animals. That is not enough!! It simply
isn’t. Loving dogs or cats doesn’t mean you can handle a crisis
if it comes up. Do you trust a “hobby” pet sitter with your home
and pets? Certainly that is not to say that everyone that posts on
the above sites I mentioned isn’t trustworthy, but most are trying
to make quick money. The
Final Point My final
point is that you MUST do your homework and check out the people you
are leaving your pets with. They are family members, right? I know
that some of you can’t afford a professional pet sitting and dog
walking company like Kelly's Pet Sitting. That doesn’t mean you
should pick the first person you find online. It doesn’t mean that
the local dog boarding facility is the right place for your dog or
cat. Ask hard questions. How would they handle an emergency? Do they
update you daily? Would they take your pet to the vet and stay with
them until further instruction? Does the kennel have people on site
at all times? Most don’t! All I can say is do your homework. It is
your responsibility to make sure you are making the best decision
possible for your pets. May the 20
dogs that perished at Green Acres Dog Boarding in Gilbert, Arizona
rest in peace. Your death will not be in vain. We must have stricter
laws to protect our pets, our family members. Want further
information on this story? You can log into facebook and go the
following
page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Tragedy-at-Green-Acre-Dog-Boarding-Gilbert-AZ/1523156181236576.  If
you are in need of a PROFESSIONAL pet sitting service, please give
Kelly's Pet Sitting a call at 541-601-7461. You can also find us on
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kellys-Pet-Sitting/113658275375055?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark Or
on our Website: www.kellyspetsitting.net |
How Does Your Pet React to Fireworks?
| Posted on 23 June, 2014 at 0:54 |
comments (978)
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 Does Your Dog Get Anxious During
Fireworks? Here are 7 ways to help calm your dog or other pet. July 4 is a celebration of our Nation's
Freedom, and the festivities almost always include fireworks. Fun for
people, but not so much for our animal companions. Fear and anxiety
can set in. So what is a caring pet owner to do?
Kelly's Pet Sitting,
Medford, OR. Loving Care When You Can't Be There. 541-601-7461. Web:
www.kellyspetsitting.net |
Why Should I Schedule Pet Sitting in Advance?
| Posted on 20 May, 2014 at 23:15 |
comments (340)
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Why Should I Schedule My Pet Sitting Services In Advance?
May 20, 2014 - By Kelly’s Pet
Sitting At a
minimum you should schedule your pet sitting visits at least a week in advance
when it’s not a holiday, at least 2-4 weeks when you will be needing visits
during a holiday period. Summer is also a high demand time when people schedule vacations. What is the point to scheduling early? First
and foremost it greatly increases
your chances of your pet sitter having availability. Pet sitting is scheduled
on a “first come, first serve” basis because we only have so many hours in the
day and can’t be everywhere at one time. If you get on the books far in
advance, you don’t have to worry about your sitter being available or not. Secondly,
it is courteous. Contrary to popular belief pet sitters do have lives outside
of taking care of everyone’s pets all day. We have friends, family and other
personal obligations that we do our best to schedule around our pet sitting
visits. When a last minute request for pet sitting comes in, often times in
order to meet those needs your pet sitter has to give up something they had
already planned. While
we, and the vast majority of pet sitters, do our best to accommodate last
minute requests we so greatly appreciate and value the clients who take the
time to be prepared and schedule their pet sitting services 1-4 weeks ahead of
time. |
What Should Pet Parents Look for in a Pet Sitter?
| Posted on 17 March, 2014 at 1:19 |
comments (355)
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What Should Pet Parents
Look for in a Pet Sitter?  Pet Sitters
International (PSI), the world’s leading educational association for
professional pet sitters, encourages pet owners to only use the services of a
professional pet sitter when they need pet care. Recent news reports described
the horror of a dog left to starve to death by a family friend while the owner
was helping his wife at a hospital in another state. Reports of theft, pet
injuries or property damage at the hands of a person asked to provide pet care
are, unfortunately, not uncommon. “Oftentimes, pet owners, and
even news outlets, use the term ‘pet sitter’ carelessly, referring to
anyone—from a family friend to the neighborhood teenager asked to walk a dog—as
a ‘pet sitter,’” explained PSI President Patti J. Moran. “It is important pet
owners understand that pet sitting is a professional career and professional
pet sitters offer peace of mind that other pet-care options cannot.” “The good news is that with
the growth of the pet-sitting industry, pet owners do not have to rely on
untrained or unwilling friends, family members or neighbors when travel or long
work hours keep them from their pets,” added Moran. PSI advises pet owners to ask
five important questions when interviewing a professional pet sitter: 1.
Is the pet sitter insured and bonded? 2.
Can the pet sitter provide proof of clear criminal history? 3.
Does the pet sitter provide client references? 4.
Will the pet sitter use a pet-sitting services agreement or
contract? 5.
Is the
pet sitter a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) and/or has he or she participated in pet-care training, such as pet first aid? “Pet owners must realize
that although friends and family may be willing to watch your pets, they often
do not have the education or credentials to offer quality, reliable care for
your pets,” said Moran. “What’s more, they are also not insured should any
damage to your home or injury to your pets occur while they are caring for
them.” PSI recommends pet owners
schedule an initial consultation with a potential pet sitter prior to booking
services and offers a Pet
Sitter Interview checklist on
its Web site to guide pet owners in the interview process. Pet owners in need of
pet-sitting services in 2014 can visit PSI’s Official Pet Sitter Locator™ at http://www.petsit.com/locate to find pet sitters in their areas and
download the Pet Sitter Interview checklist. Kelly’s Pet
Sitting in Medford, OR is a family owned and operated pet
sitting and dog walking company. We are proud to be members of Pet Sitters
International (PSI). We are all professional pet sitters and we are bonded,
insured, pet first aid certified/trained.
We also have current background checks. Excellent client references
available on request. Visit our website at www.kellyspetsitting.net and give
us a call today! |
TOP 5 REASONS YOUR CAT REALLY DOES NEED A PET SITTER
| Posted on 9 March, 2014 at 0:48 |
comments (206)
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TOP 5 REASONS YOUR CAT REALLY DOES NEED A PET SITTER  Does your cat really
need a pet sitter? I often hear from people who have a cat, “My cat is very
independent. Just check food, water and
litter box every other day.” Or even worse, “I would like to have pet sitting
for my dog, but you don’t have to do anything for the cat.” Now, I’ll be the first to admit that many years ago, if I left
for a weekend, I would set out extra cat food and water and another litter box
and thought they would be “just fine.” Now that I have more knowledge and
experience with cat care, health, and behavior I would NEVER leave my cats
alone without an experienced pet sitter! Why, you ask? I believe that cats need at least one visit
per day from a pet sitter for the following reasons: 1. FOOD: Some people free feed
their cats and this may work for you if your cat is a healthy weight. But, if your cat is used to getting
specific amounts of food once or twice a day, he/she may gorge
themselves. This could result in
vomiting on your floor or carpet or a sick cat. What if your cat stops eating
altogether? You would not know
until you return and you may find your sweet kitty seriously ill,
requiring an expensive trip to the vet. Some people leave automatic food dispensers, but I have seen these malfunction and the cat gets NO food at all. An experienced, professional pet sitter will check on your cat
daily, making sure he/she is eating properly. 2. WATER: What happens if your
cat tips over the water bowl or gets trapped in another room and has nothing to drink? Dehydration can lead to serious health
issues very quickly. Your pet sitter will ease your mind by providing
fresh water daily and monitoring your cat’s water intake. 3. LITTER BOX: Leaving your cat
with a dirty litter box (even for 1 day) is unhealthy, unsanitary for your home after your cat walks in it, and may result in your cat not using the litter box and instead using the rest of your home for his bathroom. Your cat sitter will keep the box clean and will also notice if
your kitty has diarrhea or other problems. 4. HEALTH & SAFETY: Many cat health problems can come on
quickly and escalate. Your professional pet sitter has the experience and
knowledge of cat health and behavior.
Catching health problems early can help prevent costly veterinarian
visits and possibly save your cat’s life. Cats have been known to squeeze
into and behind small spaces and get stuck, or get locked into a room or garage
by the housekeeper. Or to get tangled up tightly in the string to their feather
toy or the cords on your blinds. I know you wouldn’t want your cat hanging from
the strings on your blinds for 48 hours! Or stuck somewhere without food and
water. By visiting your kitty once or twice per day your pet sitter can prevent
many disasters that could happen while you are gone. 5. COMFORT & COMPANIONSHIP:
Many cats feel stressed and lonely when their owners are away. Your pet sitter will visit your home
once or twice a day and provide loving attention, whether it be playing
with their favorite toy, petting and brushing, or some lap time. Just
food, water and litter box is not enough for most cats – they thrive with
human companionship. A comfortable cat is less likely to show stress
behaviors such as having diarrhea or eliminating outside the litter box. At Kelly’s Pet Sitting in Medford, Oregon,
we love and understand cats! We know how
to give them the tender, loving care that they need. We understand that some
cats need space. Some cats just want to play. Others want nothing more than to
purr in your lap and be petted. We provide them with loving care when you can’t
be there. Your kitty will thank you for hiring a professional pet sitter to care for them. Visit our website at www.kellyspetsitting.net for our services and contact information. |