In-home dog walking, pet sitting, and dog training

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

A. Puppy training, behavior solutions, obedience, pet sitting for dogs and cats, overnight care.

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

A. 1. What are their qualifications? Are they certified? Did they attend college? Just because they have a pet at home or belong to an organization doesn't make them qualified. Most pet industry organizations are really just clubs that anyone with a few hundred dollars can join.

2.Are they knowledgeable? Do they understand animal behavior, first aid, nutrition and emergency procedures? Don't be afraid to ask them questions or invent scenarios. How do they handle questions they don’t know? Do they try to fudge answers? Or do they admit they don't know and try to learn the right information? Being a pet guardian themselves does not make them knowledgable. This is expecially important if you have a pet with special needs.

3.Can they provide references? Ask them for references and use them!!!!!

4.Can you check their background and do they do background checks on all of their employees? Some Pet Sitters may seem great when you meet them and say all of the right things. You are entrusting them with your beloved pets as well as the privacy/security of your home.

5.Will you have the same Pet Sitter every time? Are they all trained by the same person? Do they all have the same qualifications?

6.How do they protect the security of your home? Do they make copies of your key? Where do they keep key(s)/codes/your information? Who has access to it?

7.What is their Work Ethic and Professional reputation in your community? Do they look, dress, and act professional? Have you observed them on the job? Are they texting or are they interacting with the pets?

8.What type of equipment do they use? Do they bring their own or use yours? Do they know how to use it properly? Do they use choke chains? Choke chains are for training not walking, damage is being done every time a dog pulls while wearing one.

9.Do they understand Dog Training? Can they be consistent with any training programs you may be implementing?

10. Do they honor the times and lenghts of visits agreed upon? Are they using the equipment they said they would? Is it the same person? Are they respecting your home? If you decide to hire them make sure to ask a neighbor to keep an eye out.

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

A. My work stands out because I'm a Certified Dog Trainer in addition to a Pet Care Professional. These skills enable me to provide a superior level of care.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. The peace of mind I'm able to give to guardians is the most satisfying part of my job.