Dear Pet Parents,
You are finalizing your long-awaited and well-deserved vacation plans. Tickets are purchased, bags are packed, and the “Out of Office” message is set, but what about your pets? Who will care for your beloved fur babies while you’re away?
You’ve just spent a pretty penny on your vacation, so now your budget is tight, and you need something quick and cheap, like the next-door kid or those Lyft-type sites. After all, your pet “just needs” food and a potty break.
However, while the quick and cheap solution is to hire a neighbor, college student, or even an adorable, retired couple or a stay-at-home parent who’s listed a free profile on a “pet care” site, isn’t your peace of mind and your pet’s life worth more?
Let’s paws a moment and ask ourselves:
Can they spot possible early signs of an illness or injury and transport them to the vet while you are on vacation?
Do they know how to respond if suspicious activities occur in your home? What if your pets went missing?
What happens if there is damage to the home?
The quick and cheap come at a high price—the price of your peace of mind, your relaxation time, and your pet’s well-being.
Here are a few horror stories I hear from clients of their experience with unprofessional pet sitters:
A family left for Disney for seven days and hired the teen next door. On the way back, the family texted the teen, letting her know they were on the way back. The teen responded, “I thought you were leaving next week!” Their three dogs were never cared for during those seven days!
A conversation between two college students at a bar:
I forgot to care for this cat for four days and went by the day before the family returned. The cat was fine, and I got paid $200!
Here are a couple of stories from those pet care sites:
The family was gone for ten days, and the pet sitter washed ten loads of laundry, using up their supplies and causing their water and electric bills to go up!
A young lady entered the home and began exploring every room. She then proceeded to dance around the house in the nude, not realizing the family had cameras in the home. All the while, the pets were ignored.
These scenarios seem farfetched and unbelievable, but the harsh reality is that they happen more often than you think.
Here’s peace of mind: Professional small businesses in the pet care industry exist! These small businesses are committed to continuing education and training, maintaining the proper business credentials, and increasing communication with their clients to ensure they offer the best professional pet-sitting services possible. They are a reliable resource for pet parents and become mom and dad #2 to your pets.
Here’s how to differentiate a professional small business from the “hobby” pet sitter:
Does the business have the proper business license/permit, if required by your state/city/province?
Is the business insured and bonded?
Does the business screen its staff with proper background checks?
Can the business provide client references?
Does the business use service agreements or contracts?
Has the business received training in pet first aid and CPR? Any certifications?
Is the pet-sitting business a member of a professional organization or educational association such as Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters?
As a pet parent, you can choose which pet-care option works best. However, not all who advertise as a “pet-loving” pet sitter are reliable, qualified, or professional. (A teen loves pets.)
What might suit another pet parent may not work for you. However, I want to ensure that you make an informed decision and that professional options are available. Pet care should be a top priority the next time you plan a vacation.
As a final thought, when you hire a small business, you boost the economy and contribute to a sense of community and diversity. Each time you hire a small business, you support the dreams and passions of the individuals behind it.
Many tail wags,
Ruby Ballesteros, Owner/Pack Alpha
RubyRed’s Pet Care, LLC
Comments