Being a successful petsitter means being flexible. It also means
keeping track of lots of little details. Over the years, I have gotten all
kinds of requests. Some are simple details like, “please use the service
elevator only” to “please, change my dog’s diaper.” Yes, some dogs wear
diapers. Each time I hear something specific I make a mental note, a physical
note, but also update our client records on those details. That way any sitter
filling in has the latest information on each pet. I take all requests
seriously no matter how unusual they might seem.
To some, petsitting might seem like an “easy” job or a fun one.
What people don’t realize is that despite the fun that comes with bonding with
your pet, there’s a lot to keep straight. There’s allergies, medications,
behavioral issues, destructiveness...the list goes on and on. I can’t even
count how many times people will come up to me and say, “I wish I could quit my
job and just become a dog walker. You have it so easy.” Anyone who juggles a
full route, can tell you it’s definitely not as easy it seems. Don’t get me
wrong, I do think I have one of the coolest jobs on the planet. I just know not
everyone is cut out for this. First, there is the handling. A lot of people who
have had dogs as pets think they are dog experts. Just because you were a
loving pet owner doesn’t mean dog walking is for you. You have to imagine the
biggest, most unruly dog and ask yourself if you’re willing to go into a house
with alarms going off, the dog barking and the key getting stuck in the door.
The reason? You may encounter this. Granted, it may not be all at once, but we
have these kinds of days. You have to be prepared and accept the possibility of
being bit. Generally, most companies will not accept a client with a
people-aggressive dog, but some slip through the cracks. I can tell you it’s a
rare thing, but we’ve all been bit once or twice.
The other big issue is being calm under fire. Sometimes dog
walking is super rewarding and other times it feels like a thankless job. What
I mean is, a lot of pet owners forget to acknowledge us when everything is
going smoothly, but are quick to point out when we mess up. We are only human
and yes, things go wrong. But, I am a firm believer in owning up to your
mistakes and communicating with the client right away. It eliminates a lot of
frustration and hassle down the road. One of the biggest complaints I hear
about other sitters is that they don’t keep the client in the loop. Just think
about how you would feel if you left town and you didn’t even get a text from
the sitter to say they made it to your house ok? I really hate leaving someone
wondering. A quality sitter will always communicate. In addition, sending
updates with pictures and video will make the client feel extra comfortable.
After all, smart phones make this a lot easier. When I started dog walking all
we used were pagers. I don’t know how I got around, which leads me to my next
point.
A good sitter is a well-prepared sitter. I always map out my
route to the client’s house ahead of time via google maps either on the
computer or my iPhone. It will tell you about how long it will take to get
there and give you directions. I always look it up again right before leaving
the house because the timing could have changed due to traffic or some
unforeseen circumstance. In LA, there’s always some unforeseen circumstance, so
it’s best to check. Smart phones and GPS systems are a lifesaver, especially
for a sitter who is new to the area.
Another important attribute is paying attention. A good dog
walker doesn’t text, read books or listen to their headphones while walking
your pet. Granted, we’ve all had something come through that we couldn’t wait
to answer, but it’s best to be fully focused on the pet you are caring for.
Often times, just being alert has helped me avoid a dog fight or a dog eating
something they shouldn’t. In the Los Angeles area there’s also coyotes who are
not shy of humans, so it’s especially important to be alert during dusk. I also
try to look over a pet’s body at some point. I can’t tell you how many times I
have noticed an injury, a wart or a tick on a pet. Going back to communication,
it’s important you tell the pet parent about it and/or your company right away
if you think it’s something serious.
Lastly, you need to know how you would deal with a dog dying or
getting terribly sick in your care. It’s not something we like to think about,
but it is a possibility. I have had puppies go into seizures in front of me. It’s
scary, but you have to know what to do and how to stay calm. Some sitters take
CPR classes to better prepare for emergency situations.
These are just some of the aspects of petsitting that most people
probably don’t think about. If you’re still intrigued about being a sitter,
than I say try it out. But, remember the more detail-oriented you are the
better. These are lives we are dealing with. It’s a much more delicate
situation than messing up someone’s latte order. If you still think you want to
do it, I say go for it. You’ll know right away if you feel comfortable.
Contributed by our dog walker extraordinaire, Mary C.
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