Meet & Greet Consultation - The professional pet sitter / dog walker vs the hobbyist
Why a Meet & Greet Consultation conducted by a Professional Pet Sitter / Dog Walker is imperative!
With new website listing hobbyist pet sitters / dog walkers, it's becoming even more crucial to hire a
professional!
This
important consultation is not only the first opportunity for you to meet your
new sitter/dog walker. It is also an important occasion when your pet(s) and
sitter/dog walker will become acquainted for the first time. However it should
not end there!
Let’s compare a Meet
& Greet with a professional vs the hobbyist.
Professional Pet Sitter / Dog Walker |
Hobbyist Pet Sitter / Dog Walker |
Professional Service Agreement will be completed with all the pertinent
information about your pet(s), the care to be provided, and home information.
|
No Service Agreement. Might
use a note pad with very general information that lacks detail and
consistency from one client to another.
|
Terms & Conditions: This contract is essential to lay out expectations, procedures, and
policies. It shows you the level of professionalism the company has and how
it operates, in a transparent manner.
|
Did not pay a lawyer to create and/or establish transparent
expectations, procedures, and policies for you.
|
Veterinarian & Emergency Contact Notification
Cards: Completing these cards is an indicator of how
being prepared for emergencies is important. It can
offer clarity in these types of stressful situations, and help to expedite
matters in the way you outline for your pet.Your veterinarian will
greatly appreciate receiving it!
|
These are not utilized by the hobbyist
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What if your pet(s) needs medications? If offered, they will have proper training in
administering and monitoring medical conditions. Having the proper documents
to be completed is crucial to ensure accuracy of the treatment.
|
Is the hobbyist experienced in administering
medications? Does she/he have adequate medical knowledge to monitor your
pet(s) condition? Most likely not!
|
Pet First Aid & CPR and Emergency Preparedness: Hands-on training, not an online course! Also having a plan in place in the event of an emergency!
|
Probably didn’t invest in a course or did an online course that is not renewed yearly. Most likely does not have a procedure in place should an emergency arise!
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Touring the home: Professionals value the importance of touring the home for various
pet supplies, hiding spots, and home utilities such as the location of the
water shut off valve or fuse box, etc.
|
They don’t usually think about such things.
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Insurance: A professional will be fully insured and bonded.
|
One of the biggest mistakes a hobbyist makes is not
obtaining insurance!
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Quality Assurance & Standards of Excellence: A professional company will commit to ensuring
client satisfaction.
|
What if you aren’t happy with the service/care you
received?
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Continuing education: During the M&G your sitter/dog walker can discuss how the
company provides opportunities for continuing education.
|
Hobbyist usually doesn’t value continuing education
in our industry.
|
Perks and/or Loyalty program: Companies usually have newsletters that include educational articles, promotions
and/or giveaways.
|
No newsletter or loyalty program - no budget for
perks.
|
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