Expections of a Pet Sitter?

[Cowgirl in the Sand]

I am a licensed, insured professional pet sitter I only go to clients homes, as less stress on the pet. Client pays for everything for the pet except for doggie bags. I do overnight house sitting as well. In addition to the pet getting cared for, mail, newspapers, trash service, plants etc. are cared for. Even have one client who has me start his cars and run them so the batteries will not die.
I charge the same for one pet as I do for several, as long as the work can be done in half an hour. Cats are groomed and played with, if they are so inclined..some are too lazy to lift a paw. LOL. Dogs are walked or played with depending on client wishes. No extra fee for giving oral RX or injections. (I have had several insulin dependent pets, mostly cats but did have one dog).

Caged animals depends on owner's request if they are taken out & handled. . I am not a bird person, so those I will not take out. I have know some very aggressive ones and never enjoyed caring for them if I had to reach inside the cage using a shield. Prefer cages with parrots where bowls can be removed without reaching inside the cage. If you don't feel comfortable with a certain pet, then don't take them on. You want to enjoy your work. If an owner says they have to wear gloves...then you know it will be a challenge! (don't understand why someone wants a pet that is not nice...always felt sorry for the bird, as it never got out cause it was not handled and tame).

I have a release form for client signs, an emergency contact sheet that they leave out in case of household emergency, such as tree coming down on house, broken pipe, alarm company, pool, etc. Pet info is on my sitter's worksheet.

If you board animals in your home, you must be sure none are contagious, the temperature in the home is suitable for that particular species, no drafts, no loud noises that might stress out the pets. Do you have transportation to take them to a veterinarian if necessary?

I have found people who price shop for the cheapest rate are often the most demanding, often adding more duties or longer walks after I have made a quote & have agreed to care for their pet. So be specific in what is included and don't let them walk all over you...back out politely, saying you are not comfortable or have the extra time they added for new duties that were not discussed before the quote. If they said they have gone through other pet sitters, beware!

I hope you don't mind a suggestion, but maybe working part time at a veterinary clinic, boarding kennel, pet shop, etc. might be feasible. You could learn new skills and knowledge about caring for different species. I got my start working in a small animal hosp. which then I went to school, & became a registered Animal Health Tech. (now known as veterinary technicians). 20+ years working in the field including 10 years at a vet. emer. clinic gave me an excellent knowledge of medical conditions and what to do in an emergency.

It didn't sound like you were doing it for the money, so another possibility would be to take in some rescue animals, not sure what rescue groups there are in your area, but often they need more people to home and socialize before the pets are ready for adoption into a forever home.


My rates are at my website.

[moosmom]

Great advice Cowgirlinthesand!!! Gives me some insight.