10 Characteristics of a Professional Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Top 10 Characteristics of a Professional Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
Have you done your research on the pet care company that you’re about to hire to walk your dog each day? Here are 10 Characteristics to consider when hiring a dog walker or pet sitter.
1. A Professional Runs a Legitimate Business.
These days, anyone can say they are a dog walker, but a Professional Dog Walker and Pet Sitter is running a real business. A professional dog walking company running a legitimate business should have:
- A website
- Be a registered business with the government
- An Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Be able to provide information on who works for them
- Plenty of references from current and previous clientele
- Their contact information listed publicly as a business
- A proper billing and account management system in place to store your account records and information on your home, your pet and pet care needs
2. A Professional Hires Employees.
Do you know what the difference is between an Employee and an Independent Contractor? Do you know what it means to you?
When a company hires a Independent Contractor (IC’s), they are farming work out to other pet sitters and dog walkers that run their own smaller pet sitting business. IC’s have their own policies and procedures for things and the company has little control over their staff and how they operate.
When a company hires Employees, the company is offering higher accountability to their clients and their pets. With employees, a company is able to screen, background check, and train their staff with proper policies, procedures and company core values in order to provide your pet with the best care possible.
3. A Professional has Workman’s Compensation.
Do you understand the importance of Workman’s Compensation and how a dog walker or pet sitter’s injury could affect you? A professional dog walking or pet sitting company ensures that each of their staff are properly covered with Workman’s Compensation, so that in case of an emergency, the injured staff can receive proper medical care.
Did you know that if your dog walker or pet sitter is not covered with Workman’s Compensation and is seriously injured while walking your dog or caring for your pet, you could be liable for medical bills, lost income, or even lawsuits that may occur as a result of an injury. How scary is that?
4. A Professional is Fully Insured and Bonded.
You’ve probably heard the lingo “Fully Insured and Bonded”, but what does it mean anyway? When a professional dog walker or pet sitter says they are “Fully Insured and Bonded”, they are telling you your pets, keys, and property are all covered. Insurance and Bonding covers:
- If your dog bites someone or another pet while out and about with the dog walker
- If a pet sitter looses your keys and your home needs locks
- Property damage, should it occur
- If you pet needs veterinary care due to an accident
5. A Professional Can Provide References and Testimonials.
You shouldn’t have to dig hard for references and testimonials from the company. A professional should be able to provide you with references from current and previous clients. They should also be able to provide you with various testimonials. Perhaps you can find them on Yelp!, Facebook, Google+ or even their own website.
6. A Professional Communicates with their Customers.
You shouldn’t have to wonder whether or not your pet was cared for properly. Trusty Tails Pet Care uses Precise Pet Care for all scheduling and communications between sitter and customer. Trusty Tails staff are equipped technology that that provides you with a verified GPS map of the walker/sitter’s arrival and departure. A professional business should also have clear business hours, answer the phone and respond to email to your emails in a timely manner.
7. A Professional Has a Backup Plan.
Let’s face it, things happen. Blizzards happen. People get sick. Public transportation can be delayed. A car can break down. Relatives pass away. A professional dog walker or pet sitter has a plan in place when these things happen so your pet receives the proper care she needs and your dog still gets his walk on time.
8. A Professional Offers Excellent Customer Service.
A professional pet care company is there to help and make your life easier and your pet’s life happier when you can’t be there.
9. A Professional Pays Taxes to the State and Federal Government.
Let’s face it, no one likes to pay taxes, but a professional dog walker does things “on the record”, has an EIN number and pays their taxes responsibly to the ‘big guy’ just like every other legitimate business.
10. A Professional is Responsible and has a True Passion for Animals.
And finally, we can’t forget the importance of responsibility and the love of animals. A Professional has a Proven Track Record of Responsibility. How long have they been in business? Trusty Tails Pet Care is well-established and has proven their true love of animals since 2006.
Who would you trust your fur kids with a professional dog walker or a hobby pet sitter?
Helpful Read: Top Websites for Hiring Pet Sitters & Hiring Dog Walkers
