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Checklists for Pet Sitters
- By Mary Shaw
Whether you are new to the pet sitting business or an old pro, you know that there are always so many things to remember. Each pet that you care for has its own personality, its own habits, and its own individual requirements for care and feeding.
Use the checklists below (one for use with new clients and one for use with repeat clients) to ensure that you've got all the tools you'll need to do the job, and that you'll come across as the true professional you are!
Checklist for New Clients
- Get acquainted. Well in advance of the day you begin the job, visit the home and get to know the pets and their owners. Make sure that you are comfortable in the home, comfortable with the pets, and comfortable with the owners. If you are uncomfortable in any way, it might be best to trust your instincts and decline the job. Your safety and peace of mind are of the utmost importance.
- Make the terms of service clear. Make sure that you and the client agree on what services you will provide and when. Will you be staying in the home or commuting there once or twice per day? If you will be staying there, what are the house rules (and the client's expectations) regarding such things as visitation by your friends, use of appliances, food, etc.?
- Agree on payment. Preferably in writing, make sure that both parties agree on the amount that you will receive per day or per visit, amount to be paid in advance (if any), terms for final payment, etc.
- Get clear instructions for the care and feeding of each pet. Preferably in writing, have the client describe the care that he or she expects you to provide for each pet in each of the following areas:
- Feeding: Have the client provide detailed feeding instructions for each pet, including who, when, where, what, and how; for example: What are the preferred feeding times? Where should the food be placed? What food should be given to each pet? What should you do if multiple pets compete for food? Should you wait around until the food is gone and then clean up the dishes immediately, or should the food be left out unattended for the evening or overnight?
- Medication: If a pet is on medication, get complete instructions for administering the medication; for example: Where is the medication stored? At what time(s) each day should the medication be given? What is the dosage? How is the medication administered? If possible, have the client demonstrate the process during your initial visit, and then, if possible, administer the medication yourself in the client's presence at least once.
- Exercise: Get detailed instructions for exercising each pet. How often should the dog(s) be walked? How should you clean up after the dog(s)? Should the cat(s) have interactive playtime each day?
- Get clear instructions for any household tasks that you are expected to perform. How often should the litter box be cleaned, and how? Where should the daily mail be placed? Does the client expect you to take out the garbage? If the phone rings, should you answer it? Also, if the home has a burglar alarm system, ensure that the client shows you how to operate it and what to do in the case of a false alarm.
- Get contact information. Hopefully nothing will go wrong while the client is away, but it's best to be prepared. Be sure that the client provides you with emergency contact information, including the following:
- The client's whereabouts: If possible, get the client's detailed itinerary, including hotel contact information and cell phone numbers.
- Local contacts: Ask the client for the names and phone numbers of at least one local contact who can help in an emergency. This can be a local relative, a trusted neighbor, or a close friend.
- Veterinarian: Be sure to get their veterinarian's name, address, and phone number. Also, if the veterinarian uses an after-hours emergency service, get contact information for that service as well.
- Verify the schedule. Ensure that you know the exact date that you are to begin the job and exactly when the client is expected to return. Provide the client with a phone number through which he or she can contact you if the itinerary changes.
- Record any additional considerations for this client and his or her pets.
Checklist for Repeat Clients
- Get reacquainted. If possible, visit the home before the owners leave. Meet any new pets and get reacquainted with the pets you've already worked with. You, the client, and the pets will al be more comfortable if you can reinforce the good chemistry between everyone involved.
- Review the terms of service. Make sure that you and the client agree on what services you will provide and when. Will you be staying in the home or commuting there once or twice per day? If you will be staying there, what are the house rules (and the client's expectations) regarding such things as visitation by your friends, use of appliances, food, etc.?
- Review your payment arrangements. Preferably in writing, make sure that both parties agree on the amount that you will receive per day or per visit, amount to be paid in advance (if any), terms for final payment, etc.
- Review the instructions for the care and feeding of each pet. Get instructions for any new pet, and any updates for pets you've already worked with, in each of the following areas:
- Feeding: Review the feeding instructions for each pet, including who, when, where, what, and how; for example: What are the preferred feeding times? Where should the food be placed? What food should be given to each pet? What should you do if multiple pets compete for food? Should you wait around until the food is gone and then clean up the dishes immediately, or should the food be left out unattended for the evening or overnight?
- Medication: If a pet is on medication, review the instructions for administering the medication; for example: Where is the medication stored? At what time(s) each day should the medication be given? What is the dosage? How is the medication administered? If possible, have the client demonstrate the process for administering any new medications, and then, if possible, administer the medication yourself in the client's presence at least once.
- Exercise: Review the instructions for exercising each pet. How often should the dog(s) be walked? How should you clean up after the dog(s)? Should the cat(s) have interactive playtime each day?
- Review the instructions for any household tasks that you are expected to perform. How often should the litter box be cleaned, and how? Where should the daily mail be placed? Does the client expect you to take out the garbage? If the phone rings, should you answer it? Also, if the home has a burglar alarm system, review the procedures for how to operate it and what to do in the case of a false alarm.
- Review the client's contact information. Hopefully nothing will go wrong while the client is away, but it's best to be prepared. Make sure that you have up-to-date information for all emergency contacts, including the following:
- The client's whereabouts: If possible, get the client's detailed itinerary, including hotel contact information and cell phone numbers.
- Local contacts: Review your list of local emergency contact numbers for the client.
- Veterinarian: Verify the veterinarian's name, address, and phone number. Also, if the veterinarian uses an after-hours emergency service, make sure that you have up-to-date contact information for that service as well.
- Verify the schedule. Ensure that you know the exact date that you are to begin the job and exactly when the client is expected to return. Provide the client with a phone number through which he or she can contact you if the itinerary changes.
- Record any additional considerations for this client and his or her pets.
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