Client Relationships and Transparency in the Pet Care Industry

Below is an article released by NCAPPS, our local Pet Care network in the Mid-Atlantic tri-state area.

Becky's Pet Care is a partner in care for our Northern Virginia community and a part of this very important Pet Sitters network.

Sue G. was frantic on the phone when she called a professional pet sitter for help. Her neighbor who had been caring for her cat while she was traveling, had let the cat escape and then left for work.

Lori P. hired a college student to watch her dogs during a three-day trip but during her trip got a call that due to an important test the student needed a day off to study, would that be okay?

Our pets are valuable to us, so why not hire a service that delivers on value?

Pet ownership is on the rise and pet owners are no longer satisfied to leave their pets in the care of a neighbor or hobbyist. They are putting quality and value first when looking for a pet sitter or dog walker, even if that comes with a cost.  

When you are looking for pet care services, there are so many options that it can be overwhelming. But there is help available!

The National Capital Area Professional Pet Sitters Network is your best source to find a local, professional pet sitter, dog walker, or pet care provider. T

he relationship between the pet parent and the pet service provider needs to be based on trust and common ground. There needs to be clear and open communication as well as transparency for there to be trust.

Network members provide the highest standard of pet care services, commitment, and love to pets and their owners in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC.

All our members:

• Own and operate their business, and have credentials through the state, district and/or county in which they do business

• Are bonded and insured

• Are encouraged to obtain training for themselves and all staff in Pet First Aid & CPR

• Belong to a nationally recognized professional pet industry organization

• Have signed our Pledge of Professional Conduct which can be found at http://ncapetsitters.com/pledge-professional-conduct/.

Additionally, many of our members:

• Use cloud-based scheduling software giving consumers the flexibility and ease in scheduling the service they desire including online scheduling, walk tracking, and emailed journals that include photos

• Focus on continuing education for entire staff including the owner

• Offer the benefits of client and pet relationship building, support, transparency, consistency, education, and passion for their profession

• Conduct periodic background checks on their staff

• Have protocols and procedures in place to verify work is performed to company standards

• Are hands-on with their employees

• Encourage a positive company culture engaging staff and clients

• Are local small business owners

• Are safety focused with plans and preventative measures in place

• Provide open and professional communication before, during, and after service

More and more pet owners are using the services of professional pet sitters to take advantage of the benefits in-home pet care provides:

• Pets are happier and experience less stress at home

• Diet and exercise routines are uninterrupted

• Travel trauma for both owner and pet is eliminated

• Pets’ exposure to illness is minimized

• Untrained or unwilling friends/family/neighbors need not be called

• In-home professional pet care provides added peace of mind.

 As the pet-care industry grows, it is important that pet owners are more prudent than ever when selecting a pet sitter.

More and more online pet-sitter directories are available, so it is important to research any site you are considering to find a pet sitter and pay special attention to the capabilities, experience and training of the service providers listed. 

Consider these questions:

• Does the site have appropriate requirements for those pet care providers listing?

• Are the service providers listed professional businesses or does the site accept listings from kids, college students and other non-professional sitters?

• Does the site differentiate between professional and non-professional sitters?

The National Capital Area Professional Pet Sitters Network is here to educate pet owners about responsible pet ownership and the benefits of professional pet sitting services.

We also provide local pet sitting professionals with a support network and share educational opportunities and tools. We also support local shelters and rescue groups in the effort to care for and find responsible homes for pets.

For more information about The National Capital Area Professional Pet Sitters Network, email our President at president.ncapps@gmail.com or Vice-President at vicepresident.ncapps@gmail.com or visit our Network website at ncapetsitters.com