Choosing a Professional Pet Sitter: Why It Matters More Than You Think
As a pet sitting software company, we support professional pet sitters and dog walkers across the USA. Over the years, we've heard countless stories about the risks pets face when left in the care of hobby sitters. But what exactly is a hobby sitter? When we asked our community of pet professionals, the answers were alarming:
"It could be the kid next door or a newly laid-off office worker who loves animals."
"Someone who doesn't understand that a pet is like a human child—a part of the family who should be treated as such."
"Untrained, without any knowledge of pet care, like pet CPR."
"Unreliable—canceling at the last minute or simply not showing up, putting the pet's health and safety at risk."
Pet owners often only realize the importance of hiring a professional after experiencing these challenges firsthand. Sadly, by that time, the damage to the pet may already be done—hopefully, nothing too serious.
The Frustration of Competing with Hobby Sitters
For professional pet sitters, dog walkers, dog runners and dog daycares who have studied, gained experience, and worked hard to earn a pet owner's trust, this is a tough pill to swallow. Not only do they have to sell their services, but they also find themselves advocating for the safety and well-being of pets—highlighting the risks of trusting a hobby sitter.
Caring for Pets Requires More Than Just Love
Caring for pets—keeping them healthy, happy, and well-exercised while their owners are away—requires more than just a love for animals. It requires dedication, expertise, and an understanding of the responsibilities involved. A professional pet service business can offer a level of reliability and organization that hobby sitters simply can't match.
Identifying a Professional Pet Service Business
So, how can pet owners make an informed choice when there are so many options available? In this article, we'll discuss the top indicators of a professional pet service business to help pet owners make the best decision for their furry friends.
Before we dive in, there is one special case where these guidelines may not fully apply: referrals from other trusted pet owners. If someone you know and trust has used a specific sitter for a long time, that's often a strong indicator that they're reliable (in our humble opinion). However, it's still wise to check online reviews to ensure others feel the same way.
Where Pet Owners Turn to Find Sitters and Walkers
In today's digital age, pet owners often turn to platforms like Rover, WAG, or Meowtel when looking for a pet sitter or dog walker. A quick online search for "dog walking" or "pet sitting" will usually bring these platforms to the top of the results. They advertise local services such as dog walking, pet sitting, and boarding at attractive rates, which can be tempting for pet owners looking for convenience and savings.
But here's something many people don't realize: Rover, WAG, and Meowtel are not pet care companies. They are tech platforms—essentially directories—that connect pet owners with independent service providers in their area. While these platforms can help connect pet owners to sitters, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The Hidden Risks of Relying on Tech Listing Platforms
While many of our clients use these platforms to gain new customers, the biggest issue is that it can be difficult to distinguish between a true professional and someone simply looking for gig work. Beyond customer reviews (the more recent and numerous, the better), these platforms don't offer an easy way to verify the qualifications or professionalism of the service providers.
In contrast, a professional pet service business often has its own website where clients can review services, book appointments, and fill out important forms. This online presence, along with a thoughtful approach to customer interactions, reassures pet owners that they're dealing with a serious, established business.
Professional Pet Service Companies VS Listings
To help pet owners make an informed decision, here are four key differences between hiring a dedicated pet service company and using listings from tech platforms like Rover or WAG:
Key Differences
1. Training and Certification Professional pet sitters and dog walkers invest in their education, often taking courses on pet care, first aid, and animal behavior. Many even vobtain certifications like Pet CPR or Fear Free training, ensuring they can handle emergencies and keep pets comfortable.
2. Reliability and Accountability
Pet service companies are established businesses with a reputation to uphold. They have policies in place to ensure reliability—no last-minute cancellations or no-shows. A hobby sitter, on the other hand, might not prioritize your pet's needs as carefully.
3. Insurance and Bonding
A reputable pet sitter company will have insurance and bonding to protect their property or home, and themselves in case something goes wrong.
4. Dedicated Website
Experienced pet service companies have their own professional looking website and a Google and social network presence.
Key Similarities
1. Additional Coverage When using a gig economy platform, you might not receive the same level of protection as you would with a professional pet sitter. However, there are some similarities in coverage. Both the insurance and bonding provided by professional sitters and the protections offered by listing platforms typically include coverage for your pet's medical needs and financial protection in case of damage to your home caused by the sitter or their pet. Additionally, some coverage extends to medical costs for injuries caused to third parties.
2. Reviews as Proof of Quality
Both professional pet service companies and listing platforms emphasize showcasing reviews as one of the best ways to demonstrate the quality of their services. Reviews provide potential clients with real insights from past customers, helping distinguish trusted professionals from inexperienced or potentially unreliable dog walkers who may make superficial claims without proven results.
The Importance Of Contracts And Forms
Another crucial aspect that sets professional pet sitting businesses apart is the use of detailed contracts and relevant forms.
These documents aren't just paperwork; they're designed to protect both you, your pet and the business, ensuring clarity about the services provided and setting expectations from the start, to name a few.
A professional pet sitter will typically have you sign a contract that outlines the services they can provide, as well as what they are not responsible for.
This level of transparency helps prevent any misunderstandings and ensures that both parties are on the same page. To further ensure their paper trail is accurate and the process is respectful of everyone's time, many pet sitters use digital forms software, like the one illustrated below from Easy Busy Pets:
You'll likely encounter forms covering important topics such as:
Veterinary Emergencies
Clear instructions about how to handle emergencies if your pet needs medical attention while you're away.
Entry and Exit Procedures
Guidelines for safely and securely entering and exiting your home, which is essential for your home's security and your pet's well-being.
Vaccination Records
Ensuring your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date helps minimize the risk of illness or spread of disease when interacting with other pets.
These contracts and forms allow pet sitters to provide the best possible care for your pet, especially when they are coming into your home.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to finding the right pet sitter or dog walker, it's worth taking the time to evaluate your options carefully. While platforms like Rover and WAG provide convenience, they may not always offer the level of expertise and care that professional pet service companies do. Your pet is a part of your family, and ensuring they receive professional, reliable, and personalized care should always be a priority.
The pet care industry is continually expanding, and as a result, truly dedicated pet sitters, dog walkers, dog runners, and dog daycares are stepping up their game to meet higher standards in both service quality and client expectations. Those who are in the business for fun or as a hobby will either need to elevate their services or transition to something more aligned with their personality.
Take the time to research, ask questions, and look beyond just price when deciding who will care for your furry friend. It could make all the difference in keeping them safe, happy, and well-cared-for while you're away. Many professional businesses even use software to manage bookings, contracts, and client reviews, providing a seamless and trustworthy experience.
