Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.
A. Taking dogs out for an afternoon walk and going 2-3 times a day to a residence while the owners are away, either traveling, working, or dealing with a last-minute emergency.
Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A. Keep yourself informed about dogs, cats, or whatever animal lives in your household.
During the summer, it's crucial you keep companion animals hydrated, near the shade, and away from concrete and tar. Grass and dirt helps prevent paw burns. Also, when going for a walk, pack ice-cold water and bring a collapsible bowl. If you're at home, a damp, cold towel helps relieve heat for cats- a water hose outdoors can be both fun and cooling for canines.
Don't forget to clean up after your dog! And when traveling in the family vehicle, get a harness or a booster seat. Car accidents also affect our four-legged pals.
Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?
A. 1) Habits
2) Personality and mood
3) Feeding times and portions
4) Favorite places to take a walk
5) Emergency contacts
6) Health information
7) Up to date shots
8) Signs of aggression towards strangers
9) Conditions, like allergies
10) Specific rules, like where the animal isn't allowed to go in the house, how many treats he or she can eat per day, etc.
11) Anything that would make the experience more comfortable for the pet.
12) Favorite toys
13) Hiding spots
14) Favorite treats
15) Favorite games
16) Amount of time spent on activities, like play time and grooming.
17) How to get in touch with owner.
18) Anything that comes to mind! I like being well-informed!
Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?
A. I blog for an animal organization about dog and cat health, tips, and news.
I've always been an animal lover and helped out neighbors, friends, and family with their barking and meowing pals.
Q. What do you like most about your job?
A. Helping individuals give their companion animals the time and care they need for happier and fuller lives. I understand many of us consider our "pets" part of the family. When we're unable to take them out for walks or when we have to leave them for a while due to traveling, it breaks our hearts. I enjoy being there for these animals to show they're loved and cared for even when their parents are away.
Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A. Usually I don't get a lot of questions. People are more concerned about whether or not I've been doing petsitting or dog walking for a while and why I like doing it. It's completely understandable since I would want an animal loving and responsible person to take care of my two cats.
Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?
A. Every encounter with animals is fantastic. The best part is when they get to know you better and get excited when you finally get there. Having someone greet you with such devotion and happiness is worth everything!
Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?
A. Working with animals is a blessing. Sure, the economy is tough and we're all struggling to pay bills- but in the end, when a cat comes up to you with a friendly meow and a dog wags its tail at your sight, the companion animal comes first.
Animals offer nothing in return for their endless love and support- the least we can do is make them comfortable and happy while their human parents are away! A game of fetch, a scratch behind the ear, a treat, a clean litter box, fresh water and food, and a chance to stretch those four legs goes a long way when Fifi and Fido are missing the owners.
Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?
A. I love animals. I blog about them all the time, especially strays who need homes. After going to college, the amount of loans that needed paying started building up. So did the bills. Since writers don't get much out of their work, I decided to add what I enjoy doing: meeting and taking care of animals. Petsitting and dog walking are pretty popular in bigger cities, but the Merrimack area in MA doesn't have many individuals willing to do the job for reasonable prices. Leaving your pet in a kennel at some random place costs money- animals like familiar surroundings and routine. I wanted to provide what I expect from a petsitter if he or she were to take care of my cats. Knowing your loved one is in good hands while you're away helps with the list of stress inducing situations and circumstances.
