FAQs
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
I have a small non for profit I started in 2008 that assists patients with pet care while they recover. Others asked me if they could board their pets with me while they go on vacation, etc.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Ask for a free playdate, it's your furry baby! I encourage boarders of any stay to bring their pet, then go shopping, see a movie or go home and relax. Your pet will tell you when you come back how they feel. Never leave your pet for any stay, anywhere without the opportunity to get THEIR input. Check their fencing, ask how pets are fed, safely crated for a meal, do they go for an afternoon stroll of 2 pets together or 5 pets, it makes a difference in the pets perception of fun, I think. Do they roam free in the center, can they settle at night in a cozier spot than a crate alone? Dogs are pack animals and once they have friends, they generally like to flock together. Sometimes my sofa turn from blue denim to multicolor fur and all are laying upside down, a sign of ultimate trust and just happy to be together. Are your pets safely crated with the provider needs to run an errand and who else is there to help your pets? Does your pet vetting authorization make you give your credit information or can you privately set up billing with your vet or the vet local to the day care location. Security like this makes a difference in your boarding arrangements. I ask for an authorization to take your pet to my local vet within the event they become ill or injured, but your if your vet is within a 15 mile radius, we can go there for continuant care. Your vet billing is private to you and your vet or the practice assigned if your coming a distance. I require only your pets current medical to care for them like my own. In an emergency, with small pets, timing is of the essence, they dehydrate quickly. I don't generally take a wait and see attitude, I make it a priority to have them attended too ASAP, for their best health and to assure the safety to my other boarders as well, in the event of a communicable illness event arises. If you don't make a day, can you get a credit to make up the time that week or month or carry over to the next month, which is what I do. Can you pay with Cash, check or Paypal on a credit card. Where ever you board your beloved pet ask the important questions that matter?
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
In my 39 years of being with companion pets, I know all dogs are like kids in fur coats and require reassurance. Just like toddlers, they need to feel welcome and safe while your away. Please don't send small or medically frail dogs to large kennels or the vets's office (unless they require more intense medical care) while you are away. If you have large dogs, I can network you to wonderful care givers in the area. Have you ever talked to toy breeds on their level? Try it sometime.