Essential Things To Check When Hiring A Pet Sitter
Legal Compliance: Do they operate a professional, legal, registered business complying with state laws? Check for a website or at a minimum a FB business page that is active.
Liability Insurance: Do they hold insurance and bonding for unforeseen incidents to cover both the pet parent & the sitter? Ask to see the certificate.
Formal Contract: Do they utilize a contract outlining services, policies, and expectations for both parties? Make sure you both agree.
Modern Scheduling: Do they utilize software for scheduling, tracking, and communication? If not, how can you view your schedule and how can they guarantee visits won't be missed?
Backup Plan: Do they have a contingency backup plan for emergencies or unforeseen events? What is that plan?
First Aid & CPR Certified: Are they certified in pet first aid & CPR? Ask them to show you their certification.
Client Reviews: Do they have "real" reviews from actual pet parents showcasing a consistent track record of success? Reviews on some "pet sitting" platforms can be faked.
Rates & Cancellations: Do they clearly outline rates, fees, and services in a professional manner? What is their cancellation policy?
Ethical Standards: Do they adhere to a code of conduct for pet care and professionalism?
Tips on Choosing the Right Pet Sitter
Discover the unmatched advantages of choosing a professional pet sitter over amateurs. Learn why Kim's Backyard & Barnyard Pet Sitting offers top-tier expertise, reliability, and tailored care for your pets. Explore below for insights on why professional care matters!
Expertise Matters
Professional pet sitters are trained by industry leaders and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience. They can identify subtle shifts in a pet's behavior that might indicate stress, illness, or discomfort. With a trained eye, they know how to detect signs of illness or if a pet is struggling and assess when a vet visit is necessary.
Amateurs (hobby sitters, teens, neighbors, etc.) mean well, but due to their lack of professional training, experience, and lack of awareness, may fail to notice changes in behavior, or dismiss them as temporary, which could lead to prolonged suffering or even worse for your pet.
Reliable & Dedicated
Professional pet sitters run their businesses as their careers, not side hustles. They generally utilize state-of-the-art software to communicate and manage every aspect of business. This means, no missed visits and no guessing if they were there. Committed to reliability, you can trust that they'll be there when they say they will.
Amateurs (hobby sitters, teens, neighbors, etc.) might not match the availability and reliability your pets need. Their commitment might fluctuate based on other commitments or availability. Hanging out with friends may be more important, while your pets are alone at home for 12 hours!
Prepared For Crisis
Hiring a professional pet sitter means you're not just hiring them for the visit where everything goes right. You're hiring them for the visit where everything goes wrong and their experience, insurance, and thorough training will make a difference, guaranteed! They can act swiftly performing necessary care as needed.
Amateurs (hobby sitters, teens, neighbors, etc.) can feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do, resulting in delayed response or improper handling of the emergency, potentially aggravating the pet's condition. For instance, missing the signs of bloat, heatstroke, seizure or a UTI.
Choose Wisely: Final Thoughts
As you consider entrusting someone with the care of your pets, remember that not all pet sitters are created equal. The distinction between a professional and an amateur goes beyond the title. It’s about expertise, preparedness, and the ability to safeguard your pet's well-being. Take the time to conduct thorough research, ask pertinent questions, and truly understand who you're welcoming into your home.
Your pets deserve the very best care. Ensure you choose wisely – because peace of mind and your pet's happiness depend on it!
Service Area
Primary service area (green) roughly 5-7 miles from the office located at 3901 Yokley Street, Winston-Salem. Extended service area (red) roughly 7.1 - 10 miles from the office includes an extended area service fee.
Service areas include:
- Wallburg
- Winston-Salem (27107 only)
- Midway areas closest to Wallburg
- Kernersville except for areas north of downtown
- Limited areas of Colfax, High Point & Thomasville
Map is for reference only and is not exact. Services may vary depending on location. Contact me to discuss.
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OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Saturday: 9am - 7pm
Sunday: Closed
