Pet Sitter

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

A. Be picky. It's your pet, your house, your time and your money so get what you want out of it. A good pet sitter will have a lot of experience working with animals, but I'd recommend making sure they've held other employment too so you know they're responsible and trustworthy. A background check is also a good way to find out some more about your pet sitter. Look for someone who's not just experienced but who also enjoys being with animal. And always, always, always have your pet meet your sitter first! Animals are great judges of character and since they're going to be spending the most time with the sitter, they need to like them and trust them too.

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

A. If I were a customer I'd be really curious as to what the sitter does in my house while I was away. So here's my inside (of your house) secret:
I operate and encourage all people seeking sitters to operate on an "open door" policy. This means that if a door is open in your home, i'm allowed in. If a door is shut, I keep out. This policy helps build trust and respect amongst my clients. I've worked for companies who have had to fire sitters for snooping in peoples things or even stealing. It's important to know that that kind of stuff does happen, but never ever does it happen with me.

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

A. It's always a good idea to get to know someone who's going to be in your home on a personal level as well as a professional level. Asking a mixture of both personal and professional questions can help you, the consumer, weed out people who aren't right for the job. Ask probing questions to get the details you want on who, what, when, where, and how care is given.

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

A. It's always important to consider your pet. Some pets do much better in their own homes in the absences of their owners. Other pets however get extremely anxious, nervous, and even fearful- tearing up furniture, going to the bathroom where they shouldn't, and other frowned upon behaviors. I have great skills for coping with pets such as those but i'm more concerned with the welfare of the animal, and your home. So make sure that you've always got what's best in mind for your pet when deciding what to do with them while you're away!

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

A. My work stands out because of my level of commitment and care. I've worked as a personal cat sitter both with a company and on my own. I've also worked as a dog handler at a doggy daycare in St.Paul. I've never had a complaint filed against me, an accusation made for loss of property or incomplete care, or anything else close. I've been trained on administering medications, handling animals when fearful or aggressive, and even on small things like how to brush a wire haired dog versus a silky, and nail clipping for all animals. All in all i'm well rounded, honest, personable, professional, and caring.