
I made it a priority to talk about the difference between professional pet sitters and those who are simply not that professional in my last BLOG.
There is a reason why I keep pondering the issue! Unfortunately, in this uncertain economy with high unemployment rates, many have turned to halfhearted efforts to make a few $$$ as fast as they can without being serious - or even worse, those con-artists who make you believe to be professional - who are a far cry from that!
As I learned recently , there was an incident in Scottsdale Arizona, which did not end up as “purrfect” as the case The Purrfect Nanny was involved in. Read our story on our BLOG.
Now back to the case in Arizona. It was probably an easy decision to hire Amanda. Amanda, who represented herself as a professional pet sitter to the owners of four lovely dogs. Those owners trusted Amanda with the life or their dogs and the safety of their home. What could possibly go wrong? Amanda presented herself as a trustworthy individual with a professional website. I’m sure those folks thought they found the perfect person to take care of their pets. Instead they ran into a con-artist. Be aware, there is nothing easier nowadays than to create a website, many companies even provide free templates! A website alone, does not mean you are dealing with a professional!
Amanda did not do what she was supposed to do. Indeed, she is suspected of having locked out two of the dogs in the yard during the night, resulting in their horrible death.
Read the story, published by AZ Family below!
But before you do that, let me tell you what is an essential part of the hiring process, so you can make an educated decision, whether or not the company you are hiring is a professional pet sitting service.
- Ask family and friends for recommendations.
- Do a web search and find out as much as possible about the company you are planing to hire.
- Invite the pet sitter for a complimentary visit and find out if you and the sitter are a fit.
- Ask the company if there has been a background check performed on the sitter.
- Ask the company for insurance and bonding. If you are not 100% sure you can trust them - let them show you prove of the aforementioned.
- Check if the company is a member in good standing of professional associations, such as NAPPS and ASPE.
- If you feel good about the pet sitter and the company they represent, don’t be shy to ask for references. Any company with good client relations will be able to provide you with at least 3 client recommendations.
- Make sure you get a call, text, or e-mail a day or two before your sitting starts - confirming the sitting one last time.
- Make sure you read the company policies and pay your bill if the company requires payment upfront.
- Ask your sitter to keep you update on your pets well-being while you are gone.
And now, read the story and let me know if you will follow my advise next time! Read the rest of this entry »