Do you have an emergency plan in case disaster strikes?
Ok, so it isn’t likely a cyclone will hit like some disaster plans my fellow pet sitters have to follow in other parts of the world but like they say… stuff happens! What if the car breaks down, you get stuck at work, or you are taken ill. Does Grandma Doris pick up the kids and Aunty Jane have the joy of their company overnight? But what about the furkids? Have you considered what will happen to the cat, the hamster, the dog or the parrot?
Let us be honest most of us won’t have considered a plan, why would you? It is hopefully one of those once in a blue moon happenings, but life is unpredictable. This week alone two of my clients have sadly been taken ill, one was prepared, and a quick text to me, and the dog was sorted. The second was in a major panic, let down by another sitter, owns exotics who need medication and specialist care. Instead of planning her hospital visit, she was left in a state of uncertainty and at the mercy of the first sitter who answered the phone (and then let her down). Luckily for her and us Poppy and Pals Pet Care Maidstone was able to help and we had a lovely weekend playing with some very well trained and lovely animals. But it could easily have ended so badly.
At short notice if you aren’t a daily or even monthly client it can be hard to find a reliable dog walker or small animal carer but if you take the time to build a trustworthy relationship with a reputable pet care provider they are more likely to make the effort to help you if an emergency strikes.
How to get a last minute sitter
1) Plan early. Do a meet and greet and fill out the paperwork. Did you know most pet sitters and dog walkers wouldn’t dream of taking on a new client without meeting the animal first? Why would we? It can be daunting walking into a house with a 10 stone dog even when we have met it before.
2) If they can’t help, ask them if they know someone who can. Did you know a lot of dog walkers and pet sitters network and share work? With social media your need for help can be beamed around the local carers within minutes, so even if one can’t help they may have a colleague who can.
3) You may not need care until that dratted emergency, but it doesn’t hurt to offer your sitter or walker some work once in a while. It is likely to make you more viable if that once in a blue moon moment strikes.
4) If the emergency strikes call, don’t text or email. If we don’t answer, leave a voice message! It is amazing how many people call us and expect a ring back even if we have no idea who it is or what they want. You wouldn’t imagine how many PPI and spam phone calls we receive a day. Make yourself accessible.
5) Don’t quibble about times. Your pets new carer is likely to have their own pets as well as many other daily and regular customers; be gracious and accept their help even if it isn’t at a time you usually care for your animals.
6) Don’t abuse your sitters’ help. Of course, you want to save some money but don’t set the ball rolling and then cancel at the last minute because you have managed to find a neighbour who will help out. Ask them before you ask the sitter!
