FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing system is not difficult. I charge one price to walk one dog, and a bit more for two dogs at one time. I charge more for overnight stays, but feel as though I am very reasonable, in fact, I am too reasonable, as I am worth more than I am charging, but am trying to be fair, but still make a fare wage for my services. I stay competitive with the other pet sitters out there and get the assignments. The more experience I get, the better and easier it is to get more positions. My pricing for kitty cats is lower than it is for dogs as I don't have to walk them, which is great, especially in bad weather! Again, it is one rate if I am just visiting them a couple of times a day, and a higher rate if I stay overnight. Dispensing medication(s) is a separate rate pending on the procedure(s).
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
It starts out with the potential customer asking me all kinds of questions. When they are finished I ask them about their method of training for their dog so that I can do the same as they do. I do not want to confuse the dog by giving him or her the wrong commands. I find out what their favorite toy is, what they like to do best and then I make every effort to keep things on track. I do what the customer asks of me and more.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
None, but I have over 50 years of experience with many different types of animals that I have had growing up, mostly dogs, but we had a bunny, a pussycat, and even some pigeons who were frozen from a very bad snow storm. My experience is wide ranged. I took care of my neighbors pets (and still do) while I was growing up. Animals seem to be drawn to me. I have not had one single bad experience with a dog or a cat yet. I may consider going to school to learn how to train pets so I have more to offer at the table, but have not done so to date.