9 Ways NOT To Get Fired!

Want to know what seriously bums out pet owners looking for dog walkers and pet sitters? Check out what "pet parents" say are the most important factors in hiring (or firing!) a pet caregiver. These are need-to-know items for keeping or landing a job! Post a comment to tell us how you seal the deal and keep your customers loyal!

1. Be Available--If you’re going to be a professional pet sitter, dog walker, cat sitter or groomer—-even part-time—make sure you have regular availability and at least some free dates or open slots in your calendar at all times. Remember, you're building a business, and in business, strong relationships are everything.

2. Be There--Show up at your appointments! If you think no one will notice if you blow-off an interview or show up late to walk your clients, think again.  Keep being a no-show and you won't get work in your neighborhood—pet owners talk and bad news travels fast! Got a real conflict? Pick up the phone and say so.

3. Be Clear--If you can only visit your pet clients once a day because you have other obligations, and the owner really wants you to visit twice, then let them know when you're taking the job. Don't drop a bomb on them the night they're leaving for their trip when they're expecting you to take care of 100% of their pet's needs while they're gone!

4. Be Responsible--If you really have to cancel a pet sitting job, give your employer as much notice as possible, and maybe or suggest a friend or colleague who might be able to take your place. Why would you cancel? You might be sick—really sick—or have a scheduling conflict or a family emergency.  Running late or stuck in traffic?  Call, call,  call! Pet sitters are expected to be weathered to the elements, so snow or rain is absolutely NOT an excuse for canceling. If they've got to go, you've got to go—that's your job!

5. Be Interested-- Act friendly, professionally, and be genuinely interested in connecting with this dog, cat, gerbil, hamster, or dodo bird.  It's a true downer for pet lovers if they can tell that your heart isn't in it. When you're with their beloved pets, they want to Fifi or Felix to be highest on your list of priorities.

6. Be Honest--Pet owners appreciate pet sitters and dog walkers who are honest and upfront.  Leave a note letting them know if you had to use their bathroom, if you broke something, or if their dog or cat had an accident and you cleaned it up. Trust us, they'll understand—and will trust you even more for telling them about it.

7. Be Creative-- Pet owners love cat sitters and dog walkers who seem to genuinely love hanging out with their pets, take it seriously, and have fun with it—and them. Leave cute notes or journal about what the pet(s) did in their owner's absence, what games you played, how they ate, if they played with other pets at the park, etc. It will score major cuteness points and build loyalty in your services.

8. Be Calm--You MUST be able to handle an emergency—even if it means just staying cool and dialing 911 or calling the vet. Let your client know that you're ready for anything by asking them to leave contact numbers and information you might need in an emergency, like the name and address of their veterinarian. Need more information about when to call the vet? Check out Preparing for a Pet Care Emergency.

9. Be Prepared-- Let parents know if you have up-to-date certifications from a pet first aid course or other safety or behavioral training.  They will love that you’re thinking ahead! 

10. BONUS TIP: Be Appropriate--You would DIE if we told you what pet owners have seen in this department, from bad manners to wardrobe malfunctions.  Long story very short—don't talk badly about your clients (human or animal) to other pet owners, pick up pet messes if you see them so the pet's owner doesn't step in it, and don't pull a Paris when bending down to pooper scoop in public!

How do you seal the deal and keep your customers loyal? Post a comment to share your professional advice with your fellow Care.com pet caregivers!

Comments

[miki ross]

My clients love it when I send a phone photo with a cute text message under it.

[Terry Kendall]

When you're just starting your pet sitting business, research your competitors prices first, then make your price list for services,accordingly. Then, stick with those prices! Don't keep changing them, per customer because you're afraid of losing a new client. I learned this the hard way, and word does get around. It really pays to research, then draw up a precise plan for your service, being clear in your services and prices.

[Lori]

Know what you can and can't handle, do not lie about your experience.

I recently had an overnight pet sitting client who told me she hired a pet sitter in her 20's who said she had experience with over night pet sitting. In the middle of the night she got scared because she wasn't used to staying in a big house by herself. She left and went home, leaving the dog alone. Now this client tells everyone about her experience with her. If it's not something you want to do or feel you are comfortable with don't say yes to the client just because they ask.

[Anne]

After a day of walking dogs or cat sitting, I always send an e-mail to the owner with an update on what we did, or where we went, or who we met. Pet owners love hearing the day to day activities, of their pet. Very often, funny things happen and I make the most of it by being very entertaining. I love my work and my "friends".

[Judy Dixon]

Having a doggie day care and doing over night for my little furry friends, I make sure that I am very vocal with the owners about their pets day. I take pics and give them something to take home with them. They love seeing them swimming in the doggie pool or playing in the sprinkler or napping next to one of my cats. Making sure they are very special to me , which they are. Holidays are the best. All clients visiting for the holidays get stockings with their names on them.Home made treats (good for them) are a big part of the day. If overweight doggies needs treats I use low fat products for them and have special needs for others as well. Always have a close client relationship. They will love you for it and you will always have jobs.

[Karen H]

Be very wary of who you have stand in for you. I went to see my son off to Iraq and had a local pet sitter, who had great recommendations, and who had even taken care of my babies, look after a long-time client's dogs. While on my trip, I received a call from the client very upset that the puppy had been left out of his crate and his expensive leather sofa had been ruined. The costs were covered; but I never got a return call from a good client. My loss...and I will only hire others who have several references before taking over a valued client. Lesson learned!