FAQs
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Currently I am providing overnights for a senior pet and human client that travels often. I also am providing mid day visits. While providing mid day visits I have taken care of pets in renal failure which I've carried (25lbs) home after she started the visit just fine but could not continue. I've also transported pets to vets offices, paid for vet visits (being allowed to sign for client listed) sat with very ill pets after surgery and administered oral medicine. All in a day of pet sitting which I love!
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
An important thing to look for is a professional pet sitter with current references and someone that has a backup plan if the weather becomes dangerous. Also, a pet sitter that is insured and bonded. Solo Pet Sitters suffer Burn Our frequently. Using a pet sitting service with independent contractors as backup staff isn't ideal because in the state of Texas an independent contractor can't be 'told' how to perform the job and does not have to show up to work because Texas considers them their own entity. A pet sitting service with employees as backup pet sitters is ideal because they perform service to your specifications and the owner carries workers compensation insurance on staff which means your homeowners insurance will not suffer if a pet sitter/employee has an accident at your home.
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Why are pet sitting prices all over the map? Have you ever wondered? It makes a difference if a pet sitter is an independent contractor (less expensive per visit) or an employee (more expensive per visit because of taxes, workers comp) Do you really think that trusting your loved one(s) and your worldly possessions with a stranger, or a hobby sitter, that is not an employee of a company, or not insured and bonded with a background check is the smartest thing to do?! Within the the pet sitting industry, in the state of Texas all independent contractors are considered ÃÂÃÂtheir own businessÃÂÃÂ and must carry their own bond and liability insurance. How many pet sitting companies require their staff of independent contractors to do this? After all, they are not employees and are not required to service your pet sitting job (or even show up to do the job) because most likely you as a client of a pet sitting business contracted with the business. NOT the independent contractor. Have you your self thought to ask if the pet sitting staff of IC'S have their own liability/bond insurance? YOU SHOULD! Say a pet sitter becomes hurt in your home or apartment? How do you feel about paying for an injury that a pet sitter sustained while in your home? ThatÃÂÃÂs right, your homeowners insurance or renters insurance will become involved to pay for an independent contractor if he/she is hurt in your home. Unless a pet sitter is an employee and has workers compensation through their employer, this is the only way for you as a client to be in "The Clear" Don't believe that if the owner contracts with the independent contractor that the owner can tell pet sitter what to do! Or, how to service the job, or when to show up to pet sit, or anything else! By law they can not. There are many sources on this subject: This is only one, the rest are very easy to find! http://texaslawhelp.org/resource/independent-contractors-vs-employees