Professional Pet Sitting & Dog Walking

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

A. Most of my jobs involve dogs and cats but I really enjoy pet sitting for exotic pets.

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

A. Ask lots of questions!!! Your are entrusting your pet sitter with your pets and your home! Ask about experience, insurance, and emergency plans. What if your pet sitter ends up in the hospital? Do they have an action plan? How do they file your keys? Do they ensure that your information is secure?

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

A. It is VERY important to be sure that your pet sitter is insured. Ask your pet sitter where they get their insurance from and what it covers. A professional should be covered if an accident occurs. My insurance not only covers pet injuries but also covers me if I break something in your house.

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

A. Many of my clients tell me that they can tell that animals are drawn to me. I've had a special connection with animals ever since I was a child. Also, I have experience with a wide variety of exotics.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. I love to hear people say how much more at peace they are since they have found somebody they trust with their pets. Our animals aren't just pets, but they are part of the family. It can be stressful finding care for our animals while we are away. I do my best to make every client feel that their pets are safe and happy.

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

A. Clients often come to me for advice on nutrition and behavior. My answer varies based on the pet but I am happy to help or do research whenever I can.

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

A. While I love cats, I never thought I would own one while I had a rabbit living with me. However, one day I was out in the back yard with my beagle clients when a kitten crawled under the fence and walked across the yard. The boys, being the curious hunters they are, ran to the corner to see who had crept into the yard. The poor kitten was cornered and was too young to climb over the fence. After fighting the dogs away, the kitten climbed into my arms. It was love at first sight but I never thought I would be able to keep her. Although I searched for the owners, nobody ever claimed her. I decided to see what my rabbit thought. Surprisingly, she did really well. They had a few squabbles in the beginning but now they actually play together.

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

A. People are surprised to hear that there are pet sitting associations and classes for pet first aid. I am always seeking to continue my education. I am involved with several groups where I can learn about animal behavior, nutrition, and health.

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

A. I have always had a special bond with animals. Like many kids, I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian but I realized that I couldn't handle surgeries. I started doing research on alternative careers working with animals and realized there was a need for pet care providers. I interviewed other pet sitting businesses and researched information online and decided it was the perfect career for me.

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

A. I recently completed my second first aid class through Pet Tech http://www.pettech.net/. I am also a member of organizations such as Denton County Pet Sitter's Association and About Pet Sitting.

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

A. Be prepared to work crazy hours and in all kinds of weather! I love what I do but I REALLY don't like cold! Still, dogs need to potty and excercize no matter what the conditions are outside.