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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 Comments comments (397)
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 If your dog tends to be aggressive, withdrawn, afraid of storms, or has other characteristics that are worrisome, your pet care professional will need to know these things.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 comments (247)
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.

Your Professional Pet Sitter in Medford, OR




If you are in need of a PROFESSIONAL pet sitting service, please give Kelly's Pet Sitting a call at 541-601-7461.






Or on our Website: www.kellyspetsitting.net




THE DAILY DOG WALK-3 Ways Kelly's Pet Sitting Can Help You With Your Dog's Mental and Physical Needs

Posted on 29 July, 2014 at 15:56 Comments comments (130)
THE DAILY DOG WALK-    3 Ways Kelly's Pet Sitting Can Help You With Your Dog's Mental and Physical Needs

OK, I know we are all so busy these days and we really do care about our pets well-being. But ask yourself: Do you walk your dog daily or have a dog walker?
Have you thought about the benefits? Even if you have a big back yard with plenty of room for your dog to run in, that is simply not enough. Here are some of the reasons your dog should be walked every day. Daily dog walks provide many health benefits for your dog. It also results in improved behavior and strengthens the bond between you and your faithful furry friend. Read on to learn more.

One benefit to walking your dog every day is that exercise keeps him physically healthy. Just like you, your dog needs daily exercise to build strong bones and muscles. Strong bones and muscles aid in mobility and reduce your dog’s risk of osteoarthritis as he ages. Weak bones make your dog more susceptible to falls and fractures. Exercise also keeps your dog healthy by keeping his weight under control. An overweight dog is more likely to develop other medical issues such as cardiovascular disease, liver disease and insulin resistance. So, the daily dog walks result in better health and longevity. Who doesn’t want their beloved companion around as long as possible?

Another benefit to walking your dog every day is that it stimulates him mentally. He needs to be out of his yard, be able to sniff and experience a different environment. This can reduce destructive and frustrated behavior. Let’s face it, dogs instinctively scavenge, hunt, and explore. If they’re allowed to receive the physical and mental exercise from a good walk that allows them to explore the sights and sounds as nature intended, it releases pent up energy resulting a calm, better behaved dog. The reduction of excess energy will make your pooch less likely to chew on your favorite shoes, furniture, or other items when you’re not at home. Dogs that exercise spend less time demanding human attention in inappropriate ways such as incessant barking and whining, jumping on people and restlessness at bedtime when you need your beauty sleep. A calm dog results in a more lovable and enjoyable companion.

An additional benefit to walking your dog every day is that it aids in the socialization process. All dogs must be socialized, not just puppies. One of the best ways to accomplish this is on a walk where he can be exposed to the sights and sounds of the world. Neglecting to socialize your dog will result in a fearful dog that responds to people and noise as a threat. This will produce other undesirable, territorial behaviors such as constant barking and possibly attempts at biting other people and animals. Dogs are social creatures and naturally crave interaction. If you help him out by taking him for walks, he will develop the confidence and trust to interact in the world around him. Just like humans, dogs need to be socialized starting at a young age.

In conclusion, daily dog walks make for a happier, healthier canine companion. Provide your dog with daily dog walks, and he’ll give you many years of love and devotion in return. That is a small price to pay, don’t you agree? Many of us work long hours during the day and are too tired to provide the much needed mental and physical release that a dog walk provides. Do yourself, and your pup a favor and contact Kelly's Pet Sitting in Medford, Oregon. We also do pet sitting, dog walking, and overnight house/pet sitting while you are on vacation. 541-601-7461


How Does Your Pet React to Fireworks?

Posted on 23 June, 2014 at 0:54 Comments comments (1077)
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?

    1) Do not take your dog to fireworks displays. This is just too much for most dogs and you don't want a frantic pet while you are trying to enjoy yourself. You could also traumatize your pet by putting him in this kind of situation. This is one time to leave your pooch at home.

    2) Never leave your pet outside on 4 of July. This is when so many dogs escape their yards and end up running away and scared. Don't let your pet wind up at the local Animal Shelter, or even worse, on the loose! It is best to have your dog, cat and other pets securely in your home.

    3) Make sure your pets have ID tags and micro chipped with current owner information. In case they do get out, you will have a much better chance of being reunited with your precious pet.

    4) Manage the environment. By this, I mean making your home as stress-free as possible during all the noise. Close the drapes and windows to reduce the loud sounds and reflections from fireworks. Turn on the TV or soothing music on the radio. Check out "Calm Your Dog" station on U-Tube. All of my pets seem to relax with this playing and so do I. Also, you can try running a fan to help muffle the noise.

    5) Stay home with your pet. Sometimes just having you there to comfort them can help. You can try distracting your pet with favorite toys or load up a Kong ball with treats to give them something else to think about.

    6) Try other ways to calm your dog. Thundershirts are a calming vest that wrap tightly around your dog's body (kind of like swaddling a baby) and can help ease anxiety. These help a lot of dogs and cats with stressful events and separation anxiety. Go to for thundershirt.com for more info. Other things to try are Bach's Remedy. These are drops you put into the dog's mouth which help calm them. There are also calming pills and chews that reduce stress that you can give to your dog, available at your pet store. In severe cases, you may need to speak to your veterinarian about prescribing something stronger to help with anxiety and stress.

    7) Hire a professional pet sitter to stay with your pet while you go out and enjoy the festivities. At Kelly's Pet Sitting we are experienced pet care providers and we have experience with a variety of pets. We can help your pets to relax, and can check in with them to make sure they are doing alright.

Kelly's Pet Sitting, Medford, OR. Loving Care When You Can't Be There.

541-601-7461. Web: www.kellyspetsitting.net

3 Ways Having A Great Pet Sitter Can Change Your Life

Posted on 19 June, 2014 at 1:37 Comments comments (376)
3 Ways Having A Great Pet Sitter Can Change Your Life!

Lately, I have had some new clients tell me that having Kelly's Pet Sitting service has changed their lives! My response: Really?? Well, I do know that our clients are very happy and they have peace of mind when they travel. We have many testimonials telling us they are so grateful for what we do. But, change their life?

Let me give a couple of scenarios and see if any of these describe YOU in some way.

Scenario #1

You never go anywhere because you're afraid to leave your pets and you don't want to kennel them. You can't remember the last time you took a real vacation (unless your pets could go too).

Scenario #2

You come home from work every day to let your dog out. Even, when you would rather be having lunch with friends, or doing errands, or just reading a book! Or, you rush home after work, declining invitations, because you have to get home to feed your dog (and let them out again). Or, when you get home from a long day at work you are just too tired to walk your dog.

Scenario #3

You have had friends or neighbors care for your pet in the past but it was a disaster, (or less than satisfactory), OR they canceled on you last minute, OR you feel you may be imposing on them (again!)

If you can relate to any of these 3 scenarios, just keep reading and I will tell you how having a great pet sitter can change your life!

*At Kelly's Pet Sitting, we LOVE pets!

Caring for your pet is our #1 priority. We keep detailed care instructions to make sure your pet is cared for exactly the way you want. We give your pets the love and attention they need, as if they were our own. We have the time to walk your dog because that is what we do!

*We Do This For A Living

Pet Sitting is not a hobby for us that we do in our spare time or when it is convenient for us. We provide quality pet care 7 days per week, 365 days per year, EVEN Holidays! That way you can go on that Dream Vacation, go visit Family or Friends during the holidays, go to that out of town Wedding, Graduation, etc. Sometimes it's just not appropriate or convenient to bring your pet along.

*We Have The Experience And Background You Can Trust

We have many years of experience caring for all types of pets We are Pet First Aid Certified to be better prepared to handle emergencies. We will even take your pet to the veterinarian if necessary. We have current background checks for extra peace of mind.

*We Are Bonded and Insured

Our bond and insurance protects your home and your pets while in our care.

Our satisfied clients are our proof that HAVING A GREAT PET SITTER CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

So GO and LIVE, TRAVEL, ENJOY LIFE! And leave the Pet Sitting to Us!


For all of your pet sitting, dog walking, overnight pet and house sitting needs, give us a call today at: 541-601-7461. Or send an email to: [email protected]. We will set up your complimentary “Meet and Greet” so we can get to know you and your pets and get you on our schedule! 

Senior Pets Need Love Too!

Posted on 15 June, 2014 at 4:40 Comments comments (1446)
SENIOR PET CARE TIPS
That sweet look; that graying muzzle, those fading eyes that still adore you. If your pet is now a senior it is time to return the favor for all of the faithful years of unconditional love they have given you. Read the following tips on how to take care of your senior pet, and of course, consult your veterinarian to make your pet's final years as healthy and productive as possible. 

Preventative care

Taking care of a senior pet can be difficult, but there are many things you can do to make the process a manageable one. Below are a few preventative tips to help manage the aging process.

Annual visits to the veterinarian for protection from distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and kennel cough. Annual heartworm and intestinal parasite checks are also important.

Good nutrition is critical to good health at all ages, so be sure your pet is on a proper diet.

For dogs, exercise is imperative to keeping them in good shape. Exercise can mean adding years on to a dog’s life.
Other steps a pet owner can take to delay the onset of aging in their pets include:teeth cleaning to prevent gum disease; grooming to keep the skin and coat healthy and to be aware of any problems such as dry skin, thin or brittle coat, thin coat, body odor, or sore spots; and checking the ears for odor or gunk produced by infecting organisms.

Signs of aging

Extremes in temperature and changes in surroundings can affect aging pets.
Skin and coat can also change as the skin loses pliability and the capacity of the oil-producing sebaceous glands diminishes. Wounds heal more slowly, allergies often worsen, non-malignant tumors may appear in the mouth or on or under the skin, and infestations of intestinal parasite may occur.
If your pet is stiff, let them walk it out; don't rush them to get up. Be aware of when they last went to the bathroom and remind them when they need to go out.

If your pet’s coat and skin dry out, brush them more frequently to stimulate the production of natural oils and ask your veterinarian for shampoo and skin care recommendations.

Reduce calorie intake, if necessary, to prevent your pet from becoming overweight. Ask your veterinarian about a special diet if your pet needs to lose weight.

Most importantly, be aware of your pet's increased special requirements as an aging animal. Your pet may not remember to go to the bathroom outside or to eat, so you may need to remind them. And above all, be patient. With these simple tips, your pet may live years longer and better enjoy his/her time with the family.

And if you have a senior pet that needs some TLC or takes medications, we love and understand older pets and give them the love and attention they need. Contact Kelly's Pet Sitting in Medford Oregon at 541-601-7461 for your pet sitting, dog walking and overnight pet and house sitting needs. Our website is www.kellyspetsitting.net




YOUR DOG RAN OFF, NOW WHAT?

Posted on 15 June, 2014 at 3:18 Comments comments (1934)
Your Dog Ran Off, Now What?

Lost Dogs

You know that feeling when your dog is not where he is supposed to be? In your yard or home? Or maybe you (or someone else) opened the door and your dog darted through. Or what if you find a loose dog without tags? Do you know what to do?

Steps to Take

What are some of the steps you should take if your dog has run off? First, time is of the essence! The first several hours are the most critical in a dog search. But even if your dog has been missing for weeks or months, do not give up hope.

*One of the most important steps is to not chase or run after the dog. Even if the dog knows you, their instinct is to run. Our instinct is to run after them, but a dog's instinct is to continue running away. If you see the dog, you might try crouching low or sitting on the ground, talking to the dog in a soft voice, offering some food.

*Do not YELL the dog's name. Yes, that is correct! If you are yelling out your dog's name really loud, the dog may think they are being yelled AT. They don't understand you are calling them to bring them home. You want to lower your voice and speak in soft, gentle tones.

*Bring smelly, high reward treats. Examples would be hamburgers, bacon, chicken, hot dogs, or anything that would bring your dog to you.

*Leave an article of clothing, a blanket or toy near the locations where the dogs was lost (something with a familiar scent of the dog or human)

*Tell everyone you know! Post on Facebook to let people know your dog ran off. Give location, date, time, as well as photo and description with your contact info. There is also a Pet Amber Alert system that will call everyone in your neighborhood. Call the local police and animal shelters. Post pictures of your pet around your neighborhood and even go door-to-door to let neighbors know your pet is missing. Offer a reward for your missing pet. Calling the post office to alert local postal carriers, as well as UPS & Fed Ex may help as they are on the road all day and may spot your dog. Call local veterinarian offices in case your dog becomes injured and brought in.

*Make sure you have recent photos of your pet to get out to everyone. You also want a recent picture of your pet with yourself for proving this is your dog.

*Make sure any and all notifications have a contact person name and phone number to contact you regarding any sightings. It is a good idea to have a cell phone number as well as home number on pet's tag since you may be out looking for your pet and not at home to answer calls.

*Gather a search party together to comb small areas. Remember to be quiet and calm while out searching. Running, chasing and yelling will only chase a scared dog farther away.

*If you know the area your dog (or cat) is in, get a humane trap and place food inside and wait.

Taking Precautions to Avoid Escape

Most important: make sure your dogs (cats) have proper collars, ID tags and microchips. This is the first means of someone being able to identify your pet and call you! If the collar comes off, then the microchip can help return your pet to you. Without these, if your dog winds up at the shelter, or even a caring person, the likelihood of recovering your dog becomes much slimmer. There is no way for them to ID your dog and know that it is yours!

Watch your doors! Watch your gates in your yard. If your dog is a “door darter” teach your dog the command “back”. Keeping your dog “back” from the door is invaluable. If you know your dog has a tendency to want to open gates, put a lock on it. Make sure to check gates regularly. If your dog is a fence jumper, stay in the yard with your dog! It only takes a second and they can be gone.

For more tips about pet care, check out our Kelly's Pet Sitting Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kellys-Pet-Sitting/113658275375055

You can find us on the web at www.kellyspetsitting.net or you can give us a call for all your dog walking and pet sitting needs at 541-601-7461. Kelly's Pet Sitting services Medford Oregon and surrounding areas.




5 Reasons Why This Medford Pet Sitter Will Not Cancel On You.

Posted on 22 May, 2014 at 20:20 Comments comments (299)
5 Reasons Why This Medford Pet Sitter Will Not Cancel On You.

I cannot believe the amount of calls I have been getting with “My pet sitter canceled on me.”  After further questioning I find out one of two things:

1 - The “pet sitter” was actually a friend or family member who made other plans last minute and then became unavailable to pet sit.

2 – Their pet sitter was a “hobby sitter” meaning that they did pet sitting on the side, usually for the short term, just because they love pets. While there is nothing wrong with this, they often have other priorities in life: work, school, family, etc. that may come before your pet sitting needs.


So… Here are 5 reasons why Kelly’s Pet Sitting will never cancel on you:


#1 – We have a reputation to uphold.  We are in our 4 year pet sitting full time and we have served over 80 clients and growing. Our clients give us rave reviews, online testimonials, and serve as references to prospective clients. The common thread is that they are so happy they found us and that they can now travel (or work) worry-free knowing their pets get the best care available.

#2 – Life happens. Your pet sitter could get sick, need time off for a family emergency or other reasons. But at Kelly’s Pet Sitting we have built-in backup in place.  Not just anyone, but qualified, professional pet sitters to ensure your pet’s care will not be interrupted.
 
#3 – We care too much. We care so much about you and your four legged kid that we have made a life style out of being professional pet sitters. Caring for pets is our #1 priority and we are dedicated to you 365 days a year, even on holidays. Sometimes that means getting up very early and not resting our head (usually with a pet next to us) until 10pm.  Not only do we care about you and your pets, but pet sitting is what puts the food in our mouths and the roof over our head. Make sense? 

#4 – When we make a commitment, we honor it. I was brought up that your word is your bond and you say what you mean. The only thing that will be left when we leave this planet is our legacy. That’s pretty important to me and all my staff.

#5 – We have a reliable scheduling system.  This enables us to view, update and change our schedules in real time. These schedules are on the computer, printed out and are also mobile-ready on our phones, so no worries about it getting misplaced, or having it blow out the window of the car!  

Pet sitting is a full time, highly serious business. While you can get non professionals to care for your home and pets while you are away, you may not get the peace of mind from them as you would get with us. We provide our clients with complimentary text messages or emails each day just to ease their minds, and to let them know how their pets are doing each day.  We love what we do and and we will do everything to provide you with worry-free pet and home care while you are away.

Thank you to all of our clients who have put their trust in us. We do not take it lightly.

Why Should I Schedule Pet Sitting in Advance?

Posted on 20 May, 2014 at 23:15 Comments comments (635)
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 comments (708)
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!

 


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