Loving, Dependable Pet Care Services You Can Relay On!

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Dog walks, and feedings, cat care, overnight care, giving medication, including shots.

Q. Describe three recent jobs you've completed.

A. Care for a Dog who had cancer surgery- post-operative care providing dispensing oral medications and injections, subcutaneous fluids and changing of bandages.

Walk and train a very hyper Jack Russell Terrier, successfully able to calm him during the walks.

Care for two cats while their parents were on vacation.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Make sure that you use a professional pet sitter. Who better to entrust your loved one with. Someone who knows what to do if there's a problem. Who would you leave your 5 year-old child with? A 10 year-old needing Summer work? Also, make sure that they are insured and have references. Be sure to meet them, BEFORE you leave so that if you're not comfortable with them, you can find someone else.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. That it's a service that people really should use. Leaving our pets home alone for more than 5-6 hours- expecting them to be alright- this is not fair to the animals. Especially for dogs who have to go outside to relieve themselves. With a pet sitting service, it relieves any stress that your animals(s) are safe and taken care of. So, be a kind and smart parent and have a professional pet sitter- like me! come by and take care of your loved ones, when you cannot be there.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. Ask for at least three references and call each one.

Ask about the person's temperament, how they interact around your pets, and what they will do in case of an emergency.

Are they insured, bonded?

Who do they use as backup if they are not available during the committed time.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Who I'm connected with, e.g. If I'm an Independent Contractor and/or working for a company, am I insured, do I have references, what are my charges, can the person take care of my pet if they have health problems, and can the pet sitter take care of the pet's needs?

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I truly have a love and passion for animals, and making sure that they are safe, happy, and well taken care of. I also work closely with their parents, as part of the team, to make sure that all of their pet sitting needs are taken care of. I leave notes, and send text photos every day that I am there so that they know what happened while they were gone. This is instrumental in their peace of mind that their pet(s) are truly being taken care of in the best way possible.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. When I come into the residence and the Dogs and Cats come running up to me, they're so happy that I'm there. I love the greetings!

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Q. How long have I been providing pet sitting services?
A. I've been taking care of animals most of my life. I grew up with lots of animals. I started providing professional pet sitting services in the early 1990's. I started with Dogs on the Run in 2007. I've stayed with them because they are an excellent company who will back me up with I need any type of assistance.

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. One of my recent clients is a very cute and manipulative Shih Tzu who loves to be outside. I was walking her for the first time, and when we crossed the street, she ran to the grass under a shady tree- It was warm out that day. She flops down and just lays there....she wouldn't budge. She was playing dead. I kept coaxing her gently with the leash attached, her "dead" body slid down the hill to the sidewalk. She didn't open her eyes or move. It was one of the funniest things I've ever seen. Her Mama said that she does this all of the time, and loves to lay in that area.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. That I am a very caring, professional, trusting and a firm animal care taker. I love my job and treat every one of my clients with love and the attention that they deserve- like they were my own. I truly love this job and my clients can attest to this.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I've always had a love for animals since I was a child and it just worked into this job.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I was walking a dog and we came around the corner. There was a loose dog who saw us and started to get down and growl. Luckily, my dog didn't bark. I tightened up on the leash and pulled my dog close to my side, not taking my eye off of the other dog. I slowly crossed the street, telling my dog "Good Girl, good girl..." I kept her attention on moving along. I also walked very fast. Luckily, the other dog stopped and walked away.

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I always read the latest pet sitting information on different websites, and also subscribe to the Humane Societies website. I read anything that has to do with domesticated animals. I also stay up on my Animal CPR class.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. More people are using pet sitters, not just for their dogs and cats. People are also using in-home boarding rather than taking their pets to a Kennel. It's so much more comforting to stay home and have someone stop by to take care of them. And finally, getting a pet sitter for their cats! Don't assume that they'll be alright if you're gone for the weekend, and you left out lots of food and water.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. Walk two Boxers for one hour, around the neighborhood and to the local park. Play time and games to keep them interested. I charge the client $30.00/hour.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. It varies depending on what the client needs. Go to our Website for a complete pricing list: www.dogsontherun.com

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. You have to LOVE animals and they are number 1. You're there for them. Work for a company first to see if this is what you want to do. Shadow a pet sitter to see what's important in a visit. Read up on what it's like to be a great pet sitter from the various websites out there. Take a pet CPR class at your local Humane Society.

Q. What is your greatest strength?

A. Love and compassion for animals. I treat all my clients with respect. Also, that I am in control at all times, and give them guidance and I am firm, but supportive of them when they act up. Always use positive reinforcement at all times!

Q. What are you currently working on improving?

A. How to calm a dog that is very hyper and constantly barks. I am treating his correct behaviors and ignoring much of the barking. Also, to make sure that he sits and is calm before we go out for the walk. He loves treats so he gets lots of these when his behaviors are correct, and it is working. I'm also learning to be patient with him, as this will take more time to correct.

Q. Write your own question and answer it.

A. Q. How can I be a better client for my pet sitter?

A. Listen to the pet sitter when they give you a suggestion. Many times we have a reason for why we make a recommendation on why something could be better for the pet, especially if it involves their health.