Number 1 - National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Transcription

Spring 2014
A Different Breed.
Spotlight on Rural Pet Sitters
Equipment for Dogs:
Collars & Leashes 101
Tips and Tricks to Medicating Cats
Celebrate NAPPS
Pet Parent’s Day April 27th
Caring for Backyard Chickens
Volume 24 · Number 1
Inside spring 2014 Professional Pet Sitter
Cover: Rural Pet Sitters,
A Breed Apart, 14-15
Cover photo by Robin Houseworth
Media Mewsings............................................ 2
President’s Message...................................... 3
Industry News of Interest................................ 4
2
Tips of the Trade
Preparing for the Spring................................. 5
Collars and Leashes 101................................ 6
Photo by Gerry Glenn
Professional Pet Sitter
Mission
S tat e m e n t
The mission of the Professional Pet Sitter is to
provide tools for members to enhance their
business, help them expand their knowledge
of professional pet sitting, and communicate
association news and events.
Copyright 2014. The Professional Pet Sitter is published four times a
year in March, June, September and December by NAPPS Headquarters:
15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. Periodical
mailing privilege pending at Mt. Laurel, NJ and additional mailing
offices. Postmaster: send change of address to the Professional Pet
Sitter c/o NAPPS Headquarters, 15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C,
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. The Professional Pet Sitter is free to National
Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Inc. members. No part of this
publication may be reproduced without written permission of the
publisher.
Editorial offices: 15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C.
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054.
6
BUSINESS
Closing the Gap – Insurance Review for
Professional Pet Sitters..................................... 8
How to Give Your Cat Medication.................... 10
NAPPS Pet Parent’s Day 2014........................ 12
OF INTEREST
Rural Pet Sitters: A Breed Apart................... 14
Trees for Pets............................................... 16
Backyard Chicken Sitting............................. 18
Connect with NAPPS
About Your Association................................... 20
NAPPS Chat Message Board........................ 21
NAPPS in the News..................................... 23
PetBox Affiliate Program............................... 24
12
16
18
Online all the time
www.petsitters.org
National Association of
Professional Pet Sitters, Inc.
15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Phone: (856) 439-0324 • Fax: (856) 439-0525
Email: NAPPS@petsitters.org • www.petsitters.org
www.petsitters.org Like us facebook.com/THENAPPS
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Join us @National Association of Professional Pet Sitters
1
Professional Pet Sitter · Spring 2014
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2
Cathe Delaney, Managing Editor
Please send all letters
to the editor: NAPPS@petsitters.org
Letters should include your name, address, and
daytime
telephone
Letters may
edited
with Safe
Humane,
call number.
312-409-4790.
Forebemore
for length
clarity.
Submissions
may
be site
mailed
information
on orBest
Friends,
visit their
Web
at or
emailed as a word document.
www.bestfriends.org. n
Professional Pet Sitter is published quarterly by the
National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), a
nonprofit organization, and is available through membership
subscription. No portion of the magazine may be reprinted
without the written consent of the National Association of
Professional Pet Sitters. The letters and advertisements
contained in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the
opinions of the association. NAPPS is not liable for validity
or correctness of any claim, express or implied, made in
advertisements or writings of this magazine.
Membership Services
NAPPS Headquarters
15000 Commerce Parkway, Suite C
Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
Phone: (856) 439-0324
Fax: (856) 439-0525
Email: NAPPS@petsitters.org
www.petsitters.org
Cathe Delaney
Administrative Director
Cocee Baker
Administrative Assistant
Caitlin Dougherty
Meeting and Exhibits Manager
Caitlin Watterson
Public Relations
cwatterson@petsitters.org
Business Insurers of the Carolinas
PO Box 2536, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2536
Phone: (800) 962-4611 ext. 224
www.petsitterinsurance.com
For Dishonesty Bond and/or
General Liability Insurance
The National Group Insurance Exchange
3210 Doolittle Dr., Northbrook, IL 60062
Phone: (800) 955-0418 Fax: (847) 559-9499
Email: tngie@aol.com
www.wwins.com
Contact: Alan Leafman
For Dental and Health Insurance
For pet sitting questions contact:
www.petsitters.org
www.petsitters.org
P r esi d en t ’ s M e s s a g e
By Sherry L. Suhosky, President
Less than a month. Old Man Winter has less than a month to leave.
For many of our NAPPS Members this winter has been a test of professionalism. Records were broken in many states as the mercury plummeted to subfreezing temperatures, often for days at a time. Kudos to all of you for having your emergency and contingency plans in place! I’d also like to applaud four
of our members who were officially recognized during our annual conference. Each year NAPPS recognizes individuals who go above and beyond for our
association.
Heather Branch
Heather Branch’s business, Best Friends Forever Pet Services, LLC in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, was selected
as the NAPPS 2014 Business of the Year. The success of her business demonstrates her passion and commitment to
advancing the industry and providing excellent customer service. Heather has helped set the standard of quality care in
the professional pet sitting industry. Congratulations Heather! Enjoy the year of accolades – you have earned it!
NAPPS is committed to offering quality education about the care and welfare of
animals, as well as sound and ethical business practices and procedures for pet sitting
professionals. Debra Farrington, owner of Debra Farrington’s Petsitting Etc., located
in Hershey, PA, is the recipient of the Commitment to NAPPS Award and has helped
honor that commitment. Due to Debra’s leadership and steadfastness NAPPS offers
more online education than any pet sitting association in the world. Besides our Professional Pet Sitter Certification
Course, NAPPS University offers five online courses, and the new Interactive Learning Course offers the opportunity to
study and network through social media with other pet sitters around a given subject area for a 12-month period . Let’s
face it; people learn differently, so let’s teach differently! Debra and her team are already gearing up for more classes, so be
sure to keep an eye out for what is next!
Debra Farrington
As a new NAPPS board member in 2010, I had a goal that NAPPS would someday offer a Pet Parent Membership. The
Pet Parent Resources Committee constructed the Pet Parent Membership Program from the ground floor to roll out last
year. I am very proud to honor Beverly Davis with the NAPPS Member in Action Award, which recognizes members for
outstanding service to NAPPS and NAPPS Members. Bev Davis, owner of East Bay Pet Care, LLC, located in Lafayette,
CA, is adamant about the success of this membership because she believes that it can truly make a difference in a pet’s
life. April 27, 2014 is NAPPS National Pet Parent’s Day and I hope that you will celebrate and honor your Pet Parents by
considering a gift of this special membership.
The President’s Award is bestowed by the President on a member who takes on tasks
others dare not tackle and then performs at a high level. When there are setbacks,
he/she adapts and figures out a way. In short, this person is a role model for others to follow. Isabel Alvarez, owner of
The Wag Pack located in Alexandria, VA, is that role model. Isabel and the Member Benefits Team have expanded our
Mentoring Teleconferences which now occur each month. New in 2013, this committee orchestrated Professional Pet
Sitting 1 through 4 which walk you through every aspect of your business. This type of member benefit is why NAPPS
stands out from the rest! Isabel and her team also made the time to develop the Biennial State of the Professional Pet
Sitting Industry Report which serves the needs of our members to learn and understand different pricing structures
while respecting the guidelines established by anti-trust laws. Thank you, Isabel, for providing our members with the
best and most complementary benefits of any pet sitting association!
Bev Davis
Isabel Alvarez
Committees are the backbone of the organization. Committee members work together to help run and shape the association while growing it into the
most powerful nonprofit in the in-home pet sitting industry. Join a committee and make a difference. You’ll benefit too!! By getting involved, you’ll gain
knowledge and insight into the pet sitting industry through the exchange of ideas and close interaction with colleagues. It’s a great way to connect with
other NAPPS members and to play an active role in the organization’s programs and activities. Remember, you have a voice, and what better way is there to
be heard than joining a committee? Simply go to our website and fill out a volunteer form today.
NAPPS is celebrating our 25th Anniversary in 2014. Yes, you belong to the oldest pet sitting association in the world! Throughout the year we’ll be
announcing different contests, spotlighting members, and enjoying some other surprises, so make sure you check and read your emails from Headquarters.
Also, make sure you stay connected via Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
The NAPPS Board of Directors and I would like to thank all our Members, and we hope that you’ll consider volunteering in OUR association.
www.petsitters.org 3
Kindest Regards,
Sherry L. Suhosky
President and Dedicated Volunteer
I nd u stry N e w s o f I n t e re s t
By Jill Hourihan
When Pet Becomes Predator: Domestic Pets as Invasive Species
T
he average pet sitter usually deals
primarily with dogs and cats, but what
about the scalier side of things? Did
you know there are an estimated 4.7 million
households in the United States that own
at least one reptile? The issues surrounding
reptiles are worth exploring.
Pythons for Pets?
In December of 2013, the United States
Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK) brought
suit against the United States Department
of Wildlife. The case centers around a 2012
ban that, under the “Lacey Conservation
Act”, prohibits the interstate sale or transport
of four kinds of large constricting snakes
deemed “injurious” to conservation efforts.
Those snakes include Burmese pythons, yellow
anacondas, and Northern and Southern African
pythons.
Is the Ban Too Much?
According to the filed complaint, USARK
objects to the federal ban for the following
reasons:
1. Economic: USARK says that
constrictor snake sales are
“overwhelmingly driven
economically,” and occur primarily at
trade shows that require interstate
commerce, which means the ban
significantly impacts the financial
viability of wholesale snake breeding.
2. Patriotic: The suit also utilizes a
more patriotic argument by imploring
that the court consider the needs
of our troops, claiming large snake
ownership is a particular niche of the
armed services demographic.
3. Necessity: Perhaps most central
to the case will be USARK’s claims
regarding the dubious validity of the
conservation claims needed to invoke
the Lacey Act, stating that reports
of snakes being able to sustain
themselves or have environmental
impact outside of Florida are
fabricated. New ownership of these
types of snakes is already illegal in
Florida, and current owners must
register and microchip their snakes
for tracking purposes.
Professional Pet Sitter · Spring 2014 Is the Ban Too Little Too Late?
On the other side of this battle, many
conservation and animal groups back the ban
as a much needed step.
in 1990 to almost 70 in 2012. While some of
these incidents occurred in Florida, attacks by
unidentified large snakes have occurred in 45
states, as far north as Montana and Maine.
Invasive Destruction
Fight to the Death
“I think it’s long overdue,” said Dan
Mackey, Fetch Pet Care Franchise Owner in
Ft. Lauderdale FL, NAPPS member, and former
wildlife rehabilitator. “The scientists are telling
us that these snakes are eating everything.”
While no one knows how the snakes
naturalized, many think the problem began
with Hurricane Andrew, whose destructive
path played a factor, allowing for rampant pet
python escape in 1992. With current population
estimates ranging up to 180,000 pythons
currently at large in the Florida Everglades,
the devastation to the local animal population
has been dramatic. One study from the
National Academy of Sciences estimated a
99% decrease in some
indigenous species, such
as raccoons, possums,
and white-tailed deer.
Dan Mackey feels
the current situation
requires these drastic
actions. He states,
“As a Floridian and an
environmentalist, it’s my
worst nightmare.”
With the evaporation of millions of dollars
in annual snake revenue on one side of the
argument, and the purported future life of the
Florida Everglades on the other, there is no
doubt that both parties will fight this court
battle to the end. In this case, it seems the law
of man will follow the laws of nature; for one
combatant to live on, the other must die. Will
the district court side with man or beast? Only
time will tell. n
Jill Hourihan is the owner of Running the Pack Dog
Walking and Pet Sitting in Boston. She is also the
Chair of the NAPPS Animal, Welfare and Law Action
Team.
Couldn’t Happen
Here?
While USARK
maintains that the
snake population is a
uniquely Floridian issue,
not worthy of Federal
regulation, there has
been a documented
increase in python
based injuries in the
northern states within
the warmer seasons. The
Humane Society of the
United States provides
a long and increasing
list of escaped large
snake attacks on their
website, increasing
from just a handful
4
Photo by Andrew Sutherland
www.petsitters.org
Ti ps o f t h e T r a d e
By Joyce Rheal
Preparing for the Spring
T
he winter came early for many of us! Many of
us have been dodging various winter storms
and arctic cold temperatures while tending to
clients’ pets. I know that I have had to walk dogs
in minus-zero temperatures while having to be
ever mindful that our pets can also fall victim to
the extreme cold, especially if they are not one of
the arctic breeds.
Spring is coming, however, and with warmer
weather your pet clients will want to be outside
even more. Your spring client schedule is probably
already starting to take off. So here are some tips
of the trade to enjoy the warmer weather:
• Carry plenty of water for yourself and
the pets under your care. Hydration
is important to maintaining good
health. Discourage your clients’ pets
from drinking out of mud puddles
or any standing water because of
potential bacteria. This can lead to
gastrointestinal upset or other ailments.
• Never under any circumstance leave pets
unattended in your car, even if you do
have an automatic starter that allows
for the air conditioning to stay on. The
automatic starter only runs for about 10
minutes and then it turns off. Also don’t
leave windows down thinking pets will
be protected from heat stroke. Leaving
the windows down may not protect
the pet from heat stroke, and it might
encourage the theft of the pet.
• Warm weather will also entice pets to
want to be outside more often. So take
extra precaution when opening and
closing doors to prevent accidental
escapes.
• Pet parent clients may be more inclined
to open windows and doors to allow
the fresh air in. Encourage your clients
to protect their pets from escaping or
falling by putting protective boards on
the windows. This way the pets cannot
accidentally push through the screens.
As a professional who is responsible for
pets, I would recommend that windows
and doors be locked before leaving to
protect the pets and the property.
• With spring arriving, so does springcleaning. Make sure that while pet
parents are away extra care is taken to
keep household cleaners and chemicals
out of reach of pets.
www.petsitters.org • How is your plant knowledge? Know
which species of houseplants, bushes,
flowers, and shrubs can poison pets.
This knowledge can be instrumental,
especially since dogs just love to eat
grass, and they may accidentally digest
poisonous plants growing in the same
vicinity. Last spring I noticed my own
lawn had more mushroom growth than
I have had in the past. I consistently
picked out mushrooms and threw them
out of the area my own dogs frequent.
• When out walking with pets, take note of
signs to stay off lawns due to chemical
use. It is best to keep pets off those
lawns. Pets walking on treated lawns
can easily get these chemicals on their
paws and then they lick the chemicals
off, thus digesting them. This can
cause illness or death.
• Some pets suffer from allergies in the
spring. If you observe your clients’
pets displaying allergy symptoms like
watery eyes, runny nose, coughing,
sneezing, scratching or chewing more
than normal, they may be allergic to
something. Encourage your clients’ pet
parents to keep Benadryl in both pill
and spray form on hand.
• Protect yourself and your clients while
out for walks. Some pets have a higher
risk of sunburn than others. So, check
them for visible redness and pink or
irritated skin around the face, nose,
and ears. There is sunscreen that is
animal-friendly at pet supply stores.
• Spring showers are quick to arrive.
Be prepared for drastically changing
weather including tornadoes, high
winds, hail, and lots of rain.
• Do you groom your clients’ pets? If so,
you’ll help to prevent hard-to-manage
tangles and it will help create a bond
with those pets while you are caring for
them. A pet that allows you to groom it
will have fewer mats and tangles.
• The arrival of warmer weather means
the returns of ticks, mosquitoes, biting
flies, and fleas. Encourage pet parents
to keep supplies on hand for you to deal
with these pests while they are away.
Be prepared and carry supplies that will
also protect you.
5
Photo by Emily Fisk
• Warmer weather awakens critters that we
need to be aware of. Have you heard of the
“old wives’ tale” that dogs with dewclaws
are resistant to a snake’s poison? I grew
up with this old wives’ tale and it is a
myth. Be familiar with the venomous
creatures in your region, ranging from
spiders and snakes to other reptiles like
toads, frogs, and salamanders. A bite
from a venomous creature can cause
severe illness, harm, and even death
to a pet. If you suspect a pet has been
bitten or has digested venom, get medical
treatment immediately.
• Let’s not forget bee and wasp stings. A
bee usually leaves its stinger behind,
a tiny spike with the venom sac at
the end. Scrape it out of the skin with
a fingernail or the edge of a credit
card, and take care not to squeeze the
sac. Do not use tweezers. Mix baking
soda with water and form a paste to
apply to the area. Some dogs can and
do die from bee and wasp stings. So
you may need to seek medical attention.
Keep in mind too, that the best thing pet
owners can do for their pets is to keep their Pet
CPR and First Aid up to date!
As winter exits and spring arrives, warmer
weather will entice you and pet clients to get
outside and enjoy the warmth. Be prepared for
changing conditions, including weather. You
are going to get busy, and being aware of your
changing environment means you can adapt your
schedule quickly. Enjoy the warm weather once it
is finally here, and have fun! n
Joyce Rheal, the Chair of NAPPS Emergency Planning
Action Team, is based in Southern Illinois and is a
nationally certified pet care consultant, trainer, and
the author of Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies and
Disasters and Disaster Plans: Preparing Your Pets for
Emergencies and Disasters.
Ti ps o f t h e T r a d e
Collars and Leashes 101
As a professional trainer with over three decades of experience,
I have often been approached by clients with questions about the type
of training equipment they need and how to use it properly. There
are a lot of choices. So here is a list of some of the basic equipment
available and how it is used.
What Every Dog Should Wear
All dogs should wear either a flat or rolled
leather or nylon collar or a harness. Personally, I
prefer a flat collar to a rolled one, as a flat collar
is less likely to come off. You should be able to
put one or two fingers under the collar after it is
fastened securely on the dog. If your fingers don’t
fit, then it is too tight. If you can fit more than
two fingers beneath it, then it is too loose. Keep in
mind that all collars have the potential to become
caught on something if the dog jumps up. This
can cause injury or even death. It is for this reason
that many pet parents today opt to put their dogs
on harnesses.
Regardless of whether your dog wears
a collar or harness, all dogs need tags which
identify the dog’s name, your phone number, and
preferably an address. Other appropriate tags
include information about rabies vaccinations,
dog licenses, and microchip implants.
Training Collars
Choke Chains: For many years, metal slip collars,
also known as “choke
chains,” were the
standard training
collar tool. This
collar is basically a
metal noose. It slips
over the dog’s neck
and when one end
(usually attached to
a leash) is pulled,
then the collar
tightens. In order
for this device to
be most effective it
Titan Chain Choke available
needs to fit snugly
at www.Wag.com.
just behind the
dog’s ears. Never leave a dog on a choke chain or
prong collar unattended! Leaving a choke chain
Professional Pet Sitter · Spring 2014 on a dog can be extremely dangerous. Dogs have
been known to jump up, catch the choke chain on
something, and strangle themselves. If you have a
client who leaves his dog on one of these, clearly
warn him of
the potential
dangers.
Pinch or
Prong collars:
This collar is
basically a
limited choke
chain. The
ring, typically
attached to
Herm Sprenger Pinch Collar
a leash, can be
available at www.Wag.com.
pulled to make the
collar tighten. Unlike a choke chain, a prong collar
consists of metal links, or prongs, with blunted
points. Although this collar looks worse than it
actually is, it can cause discomfort and pain to the
dog. Most trainers today don’t use them, and if you
elect to, make sure you work with a trainer
skilled in their use. Like choke chains, prong
collars come in many different sizes.
Harnesses: Due to potential trachea
injuries, some breeds
shouldn’t be trained on
collars. These include
pugs and small toy
breeds like miniature
poodles. Many trainers
use harnesses to train
not just small breeds,
but all breeds. The
harness allows you to control
the dog without putting undue
pressure on its neck. If you
chose a harness, make sure
6
The LEATHER Infinity Lead™ available at
www.BoldLeadDesigns.com.
you pick one that connects to the leash
to at the front (by the dog’s chest) not
the rear (by the dog’s shoulders). This
makes it far less likely for the dog to pull
you. Harnesses can be effective training
devices but require the assistance of an
experienced trainer to demonstrate how to
utilize them most effectively.
Head Halters: These products are
interesting. They fit around the dog’s head and
muzzle. The basic premise is that where the
animal’s head goes, the body will follow. Head
halters can very effectively allow you to control
large exuberant dogs with far less force and
strength than is required with a choke or prong
collar. They are likely safer, as well, since you
are not applying pressure to the dog’s neck.
Many trainers use these devices, and when used
correctly, they can be very effective. There are
some challenges though. First, most dogs need
to get used to wearing the collar and many find it
constricting. Second, overly
exuberant dogs who charge
full speed to the end of the
leash might have their heads
pulled in an
unnatural
fashion,
PetSafe Easy Walk Black
causing pain or
Dog Harness found on
neck injury.
www.PetCo.com.
www.petsitters.org
By Steve Appelbaum
CEO/ Director of Animal Behavior College, Inc.
Car Restraint Laws
Keep in mind as well that some states require restraints be in place for dogs that
are traveling in a vehicle. These states currently require restraints.
New Jersey: It is illegal to drive with an improperly restrained dog. Dogs are not
allowed to hang out of windows or ride in the beds of pickup trucks. Motorists are
required to buckle up dogs with restraints specifically designed for pets, or to safely
stow them in pet crates. Fines can range from $250 – $1,000 and drivers of cars
containing unrestrained dogs could potentially face charges under animal cruelty laws.
Lupo, of Felix and Fido Pet Boutique, modeling the
Linky Evolution Flat Collar, seen on
www.velcrodog.co.uk.
Arizona, Connecticut, & Maine: It is illegal to drive while being distracted by pets,
including having a pet in your lap. Flat collars for training: Some trainers simply
use a standard flat collar when training. This is
particularly common if the dog being trained is
relatively easy to work with and/or already has a
fair understanding of what is being taught. Pet
parents often like using these collars because they
already have them. Also make sure that if your dog
is over 45 pounds the ring on the collar is metal,
not plastic. Larger dogs might break a plastic
ring. The challenge with using flat collars is that
they can cause damage to the dog’s trachea. Also,
according to veterinarian and animal behaviorist
Dr. Sophia Yin, “A second downside to this type of
collar is that according to a study in the Journal of
the American Animal Hospital Association in 2006,
pressure generated when dogs pull while wearing
these collars raises the pressure in the eye. As a
result, it may worsen the clinical signs or disease
progression in dogs with glaucoma, thin corneas,
and other eye conditions where the pressure in the
eye is an issue.”
Hawaii: It is illegal to drive with a pet in your lap.
The bottom line of collars is this. There is
no one magical device that works with every dog
in every situation. In many instances I suggest
starting training on a flat collar with as few
distractions as possible. When the dog has
mastered its lessons in ideal circumstances, then
graduate to more distractions. If you find the dog
still pulls strongly and requires anything more
than minimal strength to control it, try a front
connecting harness or a head halter. Choke or
www.petsitters.org pinch collars should rarely ever be used, and if you
elect to do so, work with an experienced trainer
and observe him in action to ensure the methods
used are not heavy-handed.
Leashes
The best and most common leash for basic
training is a six foot leather, nylon or cotton web
leash. Cotton leashes are the softest on your
hands, although nylon will last longer. Some
people prefer leather. All are durable. Six feet is
a good length in that it allows you to get some
distance from the dog and still retain control.
Thickness should correspond to the size of the dog.
For small dogs lighter than 30 pounds, use a ¼
inch wide leash. You can use a ½ inch-wide leash
for dogs between 30 pounds and 60 pounds. If
the dog is over 60 pounds it is best to use a 5/8
inch-wide leash.
Remember that all the items described in
this article are tools. This means that even if you
pick the right tool for the right task, it is still only
as effective as the person using it. Work with a
professional trainer for the best results. n
Bungee Handle Big Wolf Dog Leash from
www.ekusa.com.
7
B u si ness
Closing the Gaps – Insurance Review
for Professional Pet Sitters
Most professional pet sitters today are aware of the need to be insured
and bonded. However, it is one thing to say you are insured and
bonded and quite another to actually be completely covered for all
your exposures. The following is a summary of the primary coverages
all pet sitters should carry to be adequately covered, along with claims
examples from pet sitters as demonstration.
General Liability Insurance
General Liability Insurance covers you and
your business for negligence resulting in bodily
injury and/or property damage to a third party.
Most all general liability policies carry varying
limits of liability, which is the amount of coverage
you have under your policy. Under the NAPPS
Liability Policy, policy limits are as follows:
• $2,000,000 General Aggregate
• $1,000,000 Products/Completed
Operations
• $1,000,000 Personal & Advertising
Injury
• $1,000,000 Each Occurrence
• $100,000 Fire Legal Liability
• $5,000 Medical Payments
• $2,500 Lost Key(s)
• $100 Deductible Per Claim
The “each occurrence” limit is the total
amount of coverage you have for any one
occurrence (claim), while the “general aggregate”
is the total amount of coverage you have under the
policy. This means that you could conceivably have
two $1,000,000 claims before you would run out
of coverage. Most of the larger pet sitter liability
claims turned in fall under the “each occurrence”
limit. A couple of examples are as follows (all of
these claims have occurred multiple times over
the years, so included is a range of pay outs):
• A dog in pet sitters care was startled by
a jogger who came up from behind. The
dog bit the jogger on his arm and hand.
Paid range = $2,743 - $66,096.
• Sitter flushed too much paper down the
toilet and left the client’s home. Upon
return, sitter found extensive water
damage to floor/ceiling below. Paid
range = $5,044 - $105,474.
The “products/completed operations” limit
is typically used to cover businesses that have
a tangible product. As a pet sitter, your product
is the service you provide. Therefore you do not
have much of a product liability exposure where a
tangible product causes bodily injury or property
damage, but you do have a completed operations
exposure. Should you be contracted by a client to
perform your service, but you fail to show up to let
the pets out or take care of the pets, you could be
considered negligent in performing your duties,
which could lead to a property damage claim.
Below is a common claim example:
• Pet sitter did not write the correct dates
on the calendar and subsequently
missed a full week of visits to a regular
client. The client’s dog missed 6 days of
medication and defecated throughout
the house. Paid range = $2,500 $15,000.
Care, Custody, and Control
Under a standard unendorsed general
liability policy, coverage for pets and personal
property of others in your care, custody and control
is excluded. Therefore it is extremely important
that you purchase a general liability policy which
also includes an endorsement covering the pets
and personal property of others in your care,
custody, and control. Under the NAPPS Liability
policy, care, custody and control coverage is
included with limit options ranging from $10,000
- $200,000. The endorsement provides coverage
for pets anywhere you go with them including
while in transport in a vehicle, pet taxi, and
other means. The only exception would be if you
were taking them to your personal residence
for overnight boarding. In this case, the NAPPS
Liability Policy offers an optional endorsement
covering this exposure as well. Veterinary medical
expenses are written into the care, custody and
8
control endorsement, and the policy pays claims
regardless of negligence/fault for accidental
injuries to pets.
It is important to recognize that the
NAPPS care, custody and control endorsement
also provides coverage for the contents of your
clients’ homes such as furnishings, electronics,
computers, etc. While some insurance companies
will provide coverage for pets, your client’s
personal property exposure is sometimes
overlooked.
“Care, custody and control” claims are by
far the most frequent type of claims that occur
against pet sitters. Examples are as follows:
• Sitter was taking care of 2 cats; one
was diabetic, one was not. Sitter gave
the wrong cat insulin, causing an
overdose, and failed to give insulin to
the diabetic cat. Both cats were taken
to the vet for treatment. Paid range =
$900 - $8,500.
• Client’s dog got away from the sitter
and ran into the road, where it was hit
by a car. Paid range = $350 - $19,250.
• Sitter was having a hard time getting
a dog back inside and was in a hurry.
Sitter finally got dog inside and shut
the door, but neglected to put pet
in designated room. Dog chewed up
client’s carpet and furnishings. Paid
range = $2,500 - $11,700.
Bonding
A standard dishonesty bond protects you
and your customers from loss as a result of
theft committed by you or your employees. Most
employee dishonesty bonds require a conviction
of the theft before the bond company will pay
restitution to your client, and will go after the
convicted employee to recoup the loss. However,
not all bonds are created equal.
NAPPS offers members a Pet Sitter
Dishonesty Bond via the Travelers Bond Crime
PLUS+® policy through BIC. This policy offers the
broadest definition of employee and includes all
owners and officers, full and part time employees,
independent contractors, and volunteers. This is
not the case with other bond policies, so be sure
to check your policy if you are covered elsewhere.
You are covered up to the policy limit of liability for
www.petsitters.org
By David Pearsall, CIC
each loss occurrence. Under the Travelers Bond,
limits range from $5,000 to $50,000.
The bond will apply only after establishment
of proof that the accused party has, in fact,
committed a criminal act. As opposed to other
bonds, the Travelers Bond does not contain a
clause that requires a conviction. After payment of
the claim to the client up to the limit of the bond,
the bonding company will seek restitution from the
guilty party.
Even if you are not concerned about the
possibility of theft, by having a bond in place you
demonstrate to your clientele that their property
is covered should a theft occur while you, your
employees, or your ICs are in their home. Just
as most people want to see that plumbers or
electricians are bonded before allowing them into
their homes, the same is true for a professional
pet sitter. As the following examples show, bond
claims do occur in the world of pet sitting:
• Employee stole laptop computer and
various household items totaling over
$10,000 from client’s home. Paid range
= $2,500 - $10,000.
• Pet sitter stole client’s medication and
clothing. Upon being confronted by the
client, sitter made confession. Paid
range = $2,500 - $10,000.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If you are driving your vehicle to and from
your clients’ homes and/or using your vehicle as a
pet taxi, you should be carrying a Commercial Auto
Policy. If you were to drive your personal vehicle
into client’s garage door or home, your personal
policy would cover you personally, but what if the
business is also sued and/or the damage to the
home is substantially more than the limit provided
on a personal policy? Most personal policies
limit you to no more than $250,000 in bodily
injury/$100,000 in property damage, and only
cover you personally. Commercial Auto policies
offer higher limits, and can cover the business
and you personally as an additional insured.
Commercial Auto Insurance will cover bodily
injury or property damage to a third party (person
or vehicle) caused by your vehicle up to the limit
you choose. A $1,000,000 limit is recommended
and is not much more than you would pay for a
lower limit. Under the policy there is the option
of “physical damage coverage” which is first
party coverage for your vehicle. It includes
comprehensive coverage for “acts of God” such
as wind or hail storms, hitting a deer, or theft of
the vehicle, and collision coverage for damage for
which you are at fault and want repaired. Claims
examples include if a dog in your care were to
chew up the interior (seats/seatbelts,) or if you
drive your vehicle into client’s garage or mailbox
and want your car repaired.
Other coverage options include “hired &
non-owned liability coverage.” Hired liability would
cover liability on a rented or “hired” vehicle. Nonowned liability protects your business should your
employee(s) drive their own vehicles on behalf of
the business. For example, suppose your employee
What to do in the event of a claim
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
If it is a bodily injury claim, immediately seek medical attention for the injured person(s). The
same goes for injured pets.
If a client’s property is damaged, take photos of damaged property. Do what is necessary to
prevent further damage to property.
If there is an auto accident claim: Stop immediately, but do not obstruct traffic. Note the make,
model, and license numbers of all vehicles involved. Make a rough drawing of the scene,
showing the positions of vehicles involved, and list details of how the accident occurred.
If it is a bond claim: Document phone conversations/letters/emails received from the client
alleging the theft of property. Document statements from employee(s) or independent
contractor(s) to determine if they acknowledge theft or if they feel they are wrongfully accused.
If relevant, contact the police to file a report and obtain a copy of the report.
Secure names, phone numbers and addresses of all injured persons, other parties involved, and
all witnesses to the incident.
Contact Business Insurers of the Carolinas at 1-800-962-4611 if you have the NAPPS Liability
policy, or your insurance agent/company if insured elsewhere.
Never discuss your claim with outside parties or on internet or social media while the claim is
open/ongoing.
Keep all information/photos/receipts etc. together/available to provide to the claims adjuster
upon request.
is involved in an accident causing bodily injury to
another while traveling from one client to the next.
The employee’s personal auto policy would be primary
and pay the claim, but if he did not carry a high
enough limit, the non-owned liability would pay the
remainder of the claim if the business were sued.
Worker’s Compensation/Occupational
Accident Insurance
Worker’s Compensation Insurance covers
the employer for occupational injuries sustained
by employees (and depending on state laws,
independent contractors) including on-the-job
injuries that occur “in the course of employment”
such as a dog bite, occupational diseases that
result from employment (for example, carpel
tunnel or rabies) and employer’s liability that
is excluded from employment (for example, if a
spouse or family member of an employee sues
alleging employer negligence). Occupational
Accident Insurance covers on-the-job accidents
that owner/operators or contracted pet service
professionals sustain while providing pet care
services. If you, your employee, or independent
contractor is injured on the job, worker’s
compensation and occupational accident
insurance are the only types of insurance that
will cover these claims. There is no coverage for
injuries to you, your employees or independent
contractors under the NAPPS Liability policy.
Both worker’s compensation and occupational
accident policies include coverage for medical bills
and lost wages (after a short waiting period) due
to being out of work for a significant period of time.
Below are a few claims examples:
• While playing with the client’s dogs, one
of the dogs jumped on the sitter and
knocked her to the ground, causing an
injury to her shoulder and lower back.
Paid range = $3,700 - $65,000.
• A sitter walking down steps to client’s
backyard slipped and severely sprained
her ankle. Many other claims involve
pulls, sprains, strains, and tears to ankles
or knees while on walks, hikes, and at dog
parks. Paid range = $1,100 - $58,500. n
David Pearsall, CIC, CWCA is Vice President/Co-owner
of Business Insurers of the Carolinas, a multi-line
commercial insurance agency specializing in insurance
for pet service professionals since 1995. He is a licensed
insurance agent in all 50 states and has held the Certified
Insurance Counselor (CIC) Designation and the Certified
Workers Compensation Advisor (CWCA) Designation since
2002. David can be reached at 1-800-962-4611 Ext
#214, or via email at DP@Business-Insurers.com
B u si ness
How to Give Your Cat Medication
There may be times when you need to give your cat medication —
and that can be a tricky task, especially if you’ve never done it before
or if your cat is uncooperative. Here is expert advice on how to get the
medicine down.
To get your cat to take his medicine, you may have to employ a few
sneaky tactics, whether the medicine is a pill, a capsule, or a liquid.
Luckily, there are a few simple things you can try to help you keep
your pet still so you can give him the medication that will make
him feel better. But first you must be clear on what the veterinarian
recommends.
1. Understanding the Medication
Instructions
When your veterinarian prescribes a new
medication, make sure you completely understand
the instructions before you leave the office. He
will likely explain the route of medication into the
body (by mouth, into the ears, or into the eyes,
for example) how often the medication should be
taken (once daily, every 12 hours, etc.), duration of
treatment (7 days, until gone), and other special
considerations (give with food, follow with water).
You should also ask how you can expect your pet to
respond to the treatment—and how quickly he will
be feeling better.
Some medications don’t have very
strict dosing instructions—for example, your
veterinarian may simply say you should administer
the drug as needed. Other times, you may be
able to give a medication once a day even though
the package says twice a day. But since other
dosing guidelines must be followed precisely,
you should always ask your veterinarian before
making adjustments. And don’t hesitate to speak
up if the dosing instructions don’t work with your
schedule—in some cases your veterinarian may
be able to recommend another medication that
can be given on a different timetable. For example,
if your work schedule does not permit dosing
2014
every 8 hours, your veterinarian may be able to
recommend a medication that can be given less
frequently.
To make sure you don’t forget any doses,
consider making a medication schedule for your
pet. Simply write the date and time that the
medication needs to be administered, along with
the last day of treatment. And even if your cat
is feeling better, you should still give him the
medication for the correct length of time. The
reason: Complications can occur if antibiotics
aren’t given for the full duration of recommended
treatment, plus some medications—such as
corticosteroids—will cause illness if they’re
discontinued.
Take care to follow all label directions
exactly, since seemingly minor factors, like
improper storage (for example, keeping a
refrigerated medication at room temperature)
can affect a medicine’s safety and effectiveness.
And if your pet experiences any side effects after
taking the medication, contact your veterinarian
promptly before making any changes to the dosing
schedule or discontinuing the medication.
2. Administering Pills
It can take some trial and error to get your
cat to swallow a pill. When your veterinarian
10
prescribes a medication, ask if it can be given
with food, as some cats take pills very readily if
they’re hidden inside a treat or given with a small
amount of canned cat food or in canned tuna or
salmon (simply crush pills or break and empty
capsules and mix into the food.) The downsides to
this method: Your cat must eat all of the food in
one sitting (to ensure he receives the full dose),
plus some coated pills and capsules have a bitter
taste when the capsule or coating is removed, and
if the medication makes the food taste bad, your
cat may refuse to eat it. You’ll probably know after
the first or second dosing if this method will work.
It’s a bit more challenging if you must give
your cat a pill directly by mouth. If your cat isn’t
used to having your hands around his mouth,
gradually introduce him to this by stroking the
face and neck area for a few moments to calm
him down. If you trust that your cat won’t try to
hurt you, try these tips to make it a bit easier.
(Warning: this technique takes practice and may
require more than one attempt to get your cat to
swallow the pill):
• If your cat is well-behaved, place a
towel across your lap and hold him
gently. If you think your cat may try
to scratch you or get away, consider
wrapping his body, feet, and legs in
a towel, leaving the head out so that
you can give the medication. (If you’re
worried that your cat will harm you, you
can always ask your veterinarian for
alternative medication options).
• If you’re right-handed, hold the pill
between the thumb and index finger of
your right hand.
• Using your left hand, reach over the
top of your cat’s head and squeeze your
thumb and middle finger between your
cat’s upper and lower teeth. Try to stay
close to the back of the mouth (near
the molars) and away from the canines
(the long, pointy teeth near the front of
the mouth). The sides of the upper lip
should curl in as your fingers go in your
cat’s mouth.
• Once your fingers are inside your cat’s
mouth, gently tilt his head back to
encourage him to open his mouth.
• When the mouth is open, use your right
www.petsitters.org
By Vetstreet.com
index finger and thumb to place the pill
near the base of the tongue, removing
your hands quickly so your cat can
swallow.
• Rub your cat’s throat lightly and offer
a small amount of water to encourage
swallowing.
3. Administering Liquid Medication
Some people prefer liquid medication because
it doesn’t require placing your fingers inside the
cat’s mouth, but not all cats will swallow the
liquid. Here, tips for making it easier:
• If your cat is well-behaved, place a
towel across your lap and hold him
gently on your lap. If you think he may
try to scratch or get away, consider
wrapping his body, feet, and legs in a
towel; leave the head out so that you
can give the medication.
• Draw the medication into the dropper
or syringe and, if you’re right-handed,
hold it in your right hand.
• Place your left hand behind your cat’s
head to stabilize it. You can gently
stroke the back of the head and speak
softly to your cat to distract and
comfort him.
• Using your right hand, insert the tip
of the dropper or syringe into the side
of your cat’s mouth. Try to stay close
to the back of the mouth (near the
molars) and away from the canines (the
long, pointy teeth near the front of the
mouth).
• Once the tip is in, empty the medication
into the mouth and release your cat’s
head.
• Rub the throat lightly to encourage
swallowing.
Pillars and syringes along with
eye-droppers can be invaluable tools.
• Seek out a different formulation: Some
medications are available in several
forms, including pills, liquid given
by mouth with an eye dropper or
syringe, chewable flavored treats, and
transdermal gels (the gel is applied to
your cat’s skin, where it’s absorbed into
the bloodstream). If one formulation
doesn’t work for you, ask your
veterinarian if there is another option.
• Consider calling in the pros: Some
veterinarians can arrange daily
outpatient appointments for a
technician or assistant to administer
your cat’s medication. If your schedule
doesn’t permit this, your veterinarian
may be able to board your cat so that
medication can be given until the
course of treatment is completed.
Hopefully giving your cat medication
will go smoothly, but if it doesn’t, or if you are
concerned about dosage or anything else, call your
veterinarian. n
Article courtesy of Vetstreet.com, the home of trusted,
veterinary-reviewed pet information.
4. Troubleshooting Tips
If you’re unable to administer medications to
your cat, try the following tips:
• Ask for help: If your cat won’t cooperate,
ask someone to help you restrain your
cat while you control the head and give
the medication.
• Don’t risk injury: If you’re unable to
administer medication or are worried
that your cat will bite, scratch
or otherwise injure you, call your
veterinarian and ask for advice.
B u si ness
NAPPS Pet Parent’s Day 2014:
Mark your calendar for the last Sunday in April.
National Pet Parent’s Day lands on April 27 this year!
N
APPS Pet Parent’s Day is all about
celebrating the Pet Parent! Pet Parents
schlep untold pounds of kibble, hay, corn,
and crickets. They’ve lost count of how many
different types of canned food they’ve tried for the
‘overly particular’ buddy. They’ve tirelessly dished
out said kibble, hay, corn and crickets, rain or
shine, day-in and day-out, to make sure the needs
of their furry, feathered, or scaled pet pal are met.
Actually, most pet parents not only meet the needs
of their pets but well exceed those needs.
Crazy about Pets
The Humane Society’s recent statistics show
that 83.3 million dogs and 95.6 million cats
reside with their Pet Parents. A February 2013
article in The Atlantic noted that “Americans
spent an estimated $52 billion on our animals
in 2012, according to the American Pet Products
fact: We spent $6.2 billion on grooming and treats
for our pets in 2012. That’s more money than
Facebook made in advertising revenue last year.”
There are ‘doggie’ bakeries, and shampoos
developed for a specific breed and hair/fur coat
type. There are members-only dog parks, yoga for
dogs and their people, gyms for dogs and their
people, Dog TV, and even Dog Scouts. The pet
industry has come a long way from a little bling
NAPPS Pet Parent’s Day
is all about celebrating
the Pet Parent!
on a collar and a fancy package of treats. Cats
can indulge in a variety of specially formulated
fish treats, and the variety of indoor ‘hang out’
spots has increased tremendously. There is music
Photo by Dana - Roseannadana
Association. That’s a lot of zeroes, so for
context: It’s more than we spend on coffee and
bottled water combined.” The article continues,
“Where exactly do our 50 billion pet dollars go?
Overwhelmingly to food and medicine. Also, fun
created to calm your pooch and there are DVDs
to entertain the kitty. Pet furniture and habitats
have really changed from the dog house in the
back yard from days gone by. The abodes, food,
treats and toys for our rodent friends made
12
huge changes in the past 5 years. Our pets have
clothing, a variety of leashes and collars, there are
‘walkies’ for dogs, some restaurants now offer dog
menus, and many hotels welcome pets. The list
goes on and on!
Celebrating with NAPPS
When possible, Pet Parents enjoy traveling
with their pets—whether running errands around
town, going on a weekend outing, or traveling for
the long awaited vacation, they love to have their
pets in tow. When not desired or possible, the
Professional Pet Sitter steps in to offer the love,
attention and care the Pet Parent showers on their
loved ones.
Here at NAPPS we are celebrating the Pet
Parent as well! Here are a couple of deals for
yourself and your favorite pooch.
How about this for convenience—Poop bags
delivered right to your door! Poop Bag Club has
recently become a NAPPS partner, and along with
this fantastic service, offers NAPPS members
(both Pet Sitter and Pet Parent) a discount when
signing up! Never run out of poop bags again!
All of us appreciate receiving a package of
goodies for a special occasion or just because,
but what about our dogs? How about a BarkBox
delivery? BarkBox, another NAPPS partner, offers
a box delivery brimming with treats and surprises
for that special dog in your life. It’s great for your
dog or for clients, friends, and family—check out
the Partners section of the NAPPS website.
Another great way to celebrate NAPPS Pet
Parent’s Day would be to send the devoted Pet
Parents in your life—whether they are clients,
friends or family—a NAPPS Pet Parent Resources
membership. NAPPS now offers membership for
the Pet Parent. The $10 gift membership offers Pet
Parents access to the virtual library, e-newsletters,
teleconferences, discounts, special offers, a
message board, and more. Simply log on to the
NAPPS website and from the ‘Members Only’ tab
across the top of the home page, and you will see
Pet Parent Membership on the drop down list.
Simply click on Pet Parent Membership and you’ll
see not only how easy it is to purchase the gift
membership, but also that you can download a
www.petsitters.org
By Bev Davis
Professional Pet Sitter, care and
appreciate them.
gift certificate for the recipient. It’s as
easy as 1-2-3.
Celebrating Our Clients
Fun and Relevant Marketing
So, how else does one celebrate
NAPPS Pet Parent’s Day? As Professional
Pet Sitters, we can let the Pet Parents in
our lives know how much they mean to
their ‘fur kids’.
• A sweet or silly note from
Rascal or Sweetie Pie
reminding ‘mom’ and/or ‘dad’
how much the pet appreciates
what their parents do for them
on a daily basis—including
having Pet Sitter visits!
• Perhaps a gift card for a cup of
coffee at a local café that allows
Pets
pets on the patio.
Photo by Canoozle
• You may be able to reserve space
teach your dog, local dog
or time on NAPPS Pet Parent’s Day
parks or open space allowing off
at a local restaurant or café—perhaps
leash running, emergency 24/7
even a pet store. Invite some (or all) of
local veterinarians, or other info
your clients, set up inside/outside and
that a Pet Parent would want to
provide a token:
keep on hand.
– Homemade treats.
– Write a press release for your local
– 5-minute private belly rub.
papers.
– Take a photo to send to them or
– …The possibilities are endless!
print/create a card.
– Flyers with your contact info and
Start thinking about how to celebrate now.
information about easy tricks to
Many email systems
are set up to ‘send
later’. You can create
a beautiful meaningful
email (it’s free!) with a
detailed and personal
note to the Pet Parents
in your life, perhaps
include a picture,
and—voila—a lovely
thoughtful gift and a
reminder that you, the
Including NAPPS Pet
Parent‘s Day in your marketing
kit is a great way to let your
clients know that not only do
their pets appreciate them and
all they do for them, but that
you appreciate them as well.
Remind them of the little and
large things they do for their
pets, and perhaps how you
appreciate and admire them
as well. Also, although some
of your clients may be superorganized and are reserving
service for their summer
vacations now, this would be a
timely reminder to have them contact you to make
those reservations.
For my perfect NAPPS Pet Parent’s Day, I
imagine my little dog bringing me coffee in bed
(after she’s made her own breakfast) along with
the paper. I’d have a lazy sleep in. She would take
herself for a walk and then she would have a day
full of surprises for me. First we’d go to breakfast
at one of our favorite dog friendly spots; she would
pick up the tab. She’d take me shopping and treat
me to a little something special. We would go for
a nice walk on the trail and she wouldn’t bark at
anyone or anything, and for goodness sake, she
would leave the squirrels alone. Then we would
head back home for a nice quiet evening of pizza
and a good movie.
Whatever you chose to do for NAPPS Pet
Parent’s Day, remember to reward yourself with a
little something special too! n
Bev Davis is the Chair of the Pet Parent Resources SubCommittee, and the owner of East Bay Pet Care, LLC in
Lafayette, CA
Including Pet NAPPS Parent’s Day in your
marketing kit is a great way to let your
clients know that not only do their pets
appreciate them and all they do for them,
but that you appreciate them as well.
Photo by Canoozle Pets
Rural
Pet
Sitters:
A Breed
Apart
By Rebecca K. O’Connor
I
f your daily pet sitting tasks involve carting hay, milking
a goat, and a scenic view, you might be a rural pet sitter!
Rural sitting isn’t for everyone, but for those who love
the open air and large animals it is a dream job. So who
are these sitters, how did they get started, and what
does a normal day entail? We interviewed a few sitters and
got the scoop on the fun, the challenges, and the surprises!
Going Rural
For some sitters, working in a rural area means working near home. For
others, an affinity for the farm life and big open spaces brought them to their
specialty. When Christi Moore, who owns Paws ‘n Ponies Pet Sitting Services
moved back to Central Oregon to care for her mother, she found herself in a
very rural area. It was a big change from the Phoenix metro area where she
had previously been pet sitting, but she saw big possibilities. “I thought a rural
area would be tremendous, both for the fun and satisfying work and for the
animals big and small,” says Moore. “I saw potential for making a good living
here as there are thousands of domestic animals of all sizes in this area.”
Renee Lewis, who owns Renee Lewis Pet Sitting in Altoona, Fla., says that
she lives in a rural area by choice. Growing up with farm animals and raising
Appaloosa horses, she knew rural sitting was a perfect choice for her. “I
wanted to be a large animal veterinarian…a dream not realized,” she says. “So
after 31 years of working in ‘corporate America’ I finally realized my dream of
caring for animals.”
Getting Started
Just as with any new business, the biggest challenge of getting started in
a rural area is reaching out to potential clients. Renee Lewis says, “I sought
out the other pet sitters in the area. There are some who have no desire to
work with livestock. Forging alliances with other pet sitters is as important as
Professional Pet Sitter · Spring 2014 Photo by Gerry Glenn
marketing.” Rose Castillo of Lazy Day Pet Services in Sterling Forest, NY says,
“Most of my business is word of mouth, because around here, advertising
doesn’t work.” Many sitters also recommend posting ads in feed stores and
networking in places where people with hobby farms, who may need a sitter,
frequent.
Christi Moore recommends getting involved locally. In order to give
back to the community and also to get her name and face out to residents, she
volunteers for the local animal shelter, participates in fundraising programs,
and helps with dog adoption events. “I have been volunteering at BrightSide
Animal Center since 2012,” says Moore. “In a rural area it pays to get to know
people, let them get to know you, allow them to see how you handle these
animals and that you care about them.”
Keeping the clients you find happy is also a great strategy to building
a business. “Always plan for success. I have a checklist that I customize for
every client, including closing gates. This is particularly important if you have
unusual things that you have to do,” says Renee Lewis. “All you have to do is
mess up once and word of mouth spreads like wildfire in small communities.”
Happy clients are also more likely to recommend you to friends.
Through Snow, Rain, Heat, and Gloom of Night
Being a rural pet sitter often means being out in the elements and on the
road. “The biggest challenge for me is mileage,” says Dottie Scaglia who owns
Peace of Mind Home & Pet Sitting, LLC. Servicing the small town of Andover,
CT, with a community of about 3,000 families means a putting in a lot of miles.
“Sometimes I’m in the car more than doing the work. This is the downside, but
I love the animals and the work.”
Sometimes getting to your clients safely can be a real challenge for rural
sitters. Most rural sitters rotate between a gas efficient vehicle and one that
can manage tougher terrain. Gas costs can really add up when there are large
distances between clients. Having both types of vehicles can definitely make a
14
www.petsitters.org
Photo by Gerry Glenn
Photo by Robin Houseworth
Above: Mary of West Vincent Pets
with Snuff and Nellie; Far Left:
Dottie Scagliola; Left: Robin
Houseworth sporting a hat with
alpaca spit.
difference in earnings when you factor in fuel.
Still, all rural sitters, even those like Mary
Winand, who owns West Vincent Pets outside
of Philadelphia and focuses on dogs and cats,
may find they occasionally need an all-terrain
vehicle. She says, “I drive a Nissan Altima which is
comfortable and good on gas, but it’s not so great
in the snow. So when these crazy roads are ‘iffy’ I
drive a four-wheel-drive Honda Pilot.”
Once a sitter gets to his or her destination, he
or she may still need to manage being outside in
uncomfortable conditions. Robin Houseworth. who
owns Doin’ Chores in Trumansburg, NY, notes that
no matter the weather, the animals still need to be
cared for and fed. “I work in all kinds of weather
including snow, and right now it’s in the negative
numbers in my area,” she says. “I try to do the best
I can in inclement weather.” Dressing for the work
is critical.
with whatever is playing,” says Mary Winand.
Being Prepared
Expect the Unexpected
Dealing with weather challenges, travelling
in unpopulated areas, and managing animal
emergencies mean that rural sitters have to be
especially vigilant about their preparedness. Gerry
Glenn, who owns Busy Tails in College Place, WA
says, “I have AAA for car problems, my phone, a
spare battery for it, and I leave a diary at home that
has where I will be with addresses and estimated
times.”
Sitters also have to be prepared to triage
animal emergencies and get help quickly. “I keep
numbers to at least a half a dozen veterinarians
in my Blackberry and stay on good terms with
them,” says Renee Lewis. “I encourage my clients
to keep at least a minimal first aid kit within reach
and I have one in my vehicle.” She says that it
isn’t unusual to find an outside animal with a gash
or other injury. It is important to be prepared to
irrigate the wound to avoid infection and then get a
veterinarian out .
Considering your own comfort is also vital to
making the job enjoyable and safe. Extra clothing,
shoes, and plenty of snacks should be at the ready.
Staving off boredom during long hours on the road
is also important. “I would never survive long treks
in the car without the radio. It is my saving grace. I
sing along, laugh along, and occasionally talk along
The one thing that rural pet sitting will never
be is boring. Surprising situations abound. Gerry
Glenn had an unexpected cow encounter while
walking a terrier named Sam on a public path.
Finding herself facing thirty cows running toward
her with a very interested dog pulling in their
direction, she sprinted for safety. She fell in mud,
lost a boot, and just barely made it over a stile to
safety. Sitter and dog were fine. In fact, Sam didn’t
have a speck of mud on him. Gerry, on the other
hand, was very muddy and is now more mindful of
cows.
Renee Lewis found herself delivering two
litters of puppies, though neither mother was
supposedly whelping until the return of the owners.
The mothers had other plans, however. Lewis
delivered a litter of seven puppies and a second
litter of fourteen! Of course, if you are a rural sitter,
you may end up assisting in the delivery of animals
other than dogs. Robin Houseworth recalls having
to assist a mother alpaca with the delivery of her
baby. “It was a bit nerve-wracking, but baby, mom
and I are doing well.”
Everyone says that you can never be sure what
your day might entail. While surprising situations
arise, the variety is one of the most enjoyable
aspects of the job. Gerry Glenn says, “The work
www.petsitters.org isn’t challenging, because I
love my job. People pay me
to go into the countryside
to feed and pet their
animals!”
Is Rural Pet Sitting for You?
15
For some sitters, rural pet sitting would
be a dream come true. However, it does have its
own particular hurdles to manage. Working with
rural clients requires intense time management.
Scheduling yourself to get from one client
to another and managing your route can be
challenging when there are many miles in between.
All of the successful rural sitters always have their
schedule within reach and carefully plan out their
days in advance.
To be successful, it is even more important
to be honest with yourself about your pricing and
your ability to fit a client into your schedule. When
your clients are all nearby, mileage is not as big
of an issue. However, if most of your day involves
drive time, you deserve to be paid to cover these
costs. Robin Houseworth says, “I’m learning to say,
‘no.’ I feel like if I turn a client down or if my cost
is too high, then I will lose the job to a neighbor
kid. I know I’m worth it, but I also know I have to
be careful.” Rose Castillo also says that she wasn’t
charging enough in the beginning. She warns, “We
all love animals and don’t want to say no, but you
have to make it right for yourself. Otherwise, you
will fall out of love with your job.”
Being rural doesn’t necessarily mean focusing
on livestock and other farm animals, however.
Some rural sitters focus their business on dogs,
cats and other common pets. Still, running your
business in a rural area involves the challenge of
reaching out to clients and managing distances.
“Rural usually means you have to drive a bit more,
and that’s the only downside. I would rather be
knee-deep in the mud than stuck in my car,” says
Gerry Glenn, “If you love working with outside
animals, though, it is definitely worth it.” n
Trees
for Pets
By Ryan Hyatt, Arbor Day Foundation
rofessional pet sitters, veterinarians, other animal care
professionals, and all who love animal companions have a
unique opportunity to honor, celebrate and remember the pets
for which they care through the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation’s
unique Trees for Pets program.
Remember the great times you have shared with your devoted
companion whose unconditional love you never questioned? Now you can do
something special that shows just how much your or another’s pet has meant to
you. Honor a special companion in your life with the gift of trees.
For every $5 donation, one tree will be planted and cared for in one of
America’s National Forests in the name of the loved companion. The donation
is recognized via the printing and mailing of a personalized Trees for Pets
commemorative certificate.
What is Trees for Pets?
Launched in the winter of 2010, Trees for Pets allows animal care
professionals to show just how special their clients’ pets are to them while at
the same time making a difference in the world. Each Trees for Pets certificate
honors a special companion by planting a tree in their honor or memory in
our nation’s forests to help replace grand trees that are lost each year to fire or
disease.
“Trees for Pets means so much to our clients. We’ve received a very
positive response from our clients because of our participation in Trees
for Pets,” said Megan Ehlers, owner and veterinarian at Ehlers Animal Care
in Lincoln, Nebraska. “We very much want to honor the passing of a loved
companion. It helps create a sense of peace in a time of need. Our clients are
Professional Pet Sitter · Spring 2014 moved by the simple act of planting a tree to honor the bond they shared with
their pet, and they are touched that the acknowledgement of the love of their
pet is making a lasting difference for generations to come through the planting
of trees. One client’s thank you card shared that the tree planted was placed in
a forest that his father used to reminisce about camping in as a child. Moments
such as these are profound—for us, but most importantly to the healing
process of our clients.”
Ehlers Animal Care has helped the Arbor Day Foundation plant 271 trees
during the past two years through their participation in the Trees for Pets
program.
“We have received a wonderful response, including several thank you
notes that have touched our hearts,” said Joyce Nelson, receptionist and clinic
Trees for Pets coordinator at Ehlers Animal Care. “A client sent us a card
letting us know that the tree in memory was planted in the forest where he
used to hike with his dog when it was just a puppy—the two of them, best
friends, together in nature. And now, a tree has been planted to celebrate and
commemorate that everlasting bond. It is very humbling to us to see how one
small, simple act can make such a meaningful difference in a time of need.”
Animal care professionals can also send certificates in celebration of a
new pet adoption or a companion’s birthday.
Why Trees?
Strong, healthy trees are important to all living creatures who share the
Earth. From environmental gains and wildlife habitat to the social advantages
we enjoy when admiring their beauty in our landscape, the benefits of trees
touch each of us daily. Yet majestic trees face serious challenges; challenges
16
www.petsitters.org
like fire, disease, and insects can destroy stands of trees that have taken
decades to grow.
Each year the world’s forests face greater challenges. These trees are
important to us all. Their roots help hold soil in place when melting snows or
heavy rains threaten erosion. They clean our air and water. They feed nature’s
creatures and provide them with safe homes.
By planting trees in celebration or trees in memory of a pet, you honor
your pet with a lasting symbol of your devotion while sharing a healthier world
with everyone.
Plant Trees in Memory
When searching to find the most appropriate way to remember a lost
companion who has meant so much, imagine restoring grandeur to a forest in
desperate need.
A vibrant, beautiful tree benefits everyone in this and future generations
and is perhaps the most fitting memorial of all. Planting a tree is an act of
direct benefit to all.
It can inspire energy, faith, devotion, and courage—and carry forward
the name of those memorialized in a living, vital way that grows grander with
each generation. Celebrate treasured memories by planting Trees in Memory of
your pet. Or plant Trees in Memory to comfort someone who has recently lost a
pet. By planting Trees in Memory you memorialize their life in a living, vital way
that continues to grow for generations to come.
“Trees for Pets provides us a convenient, unique and meaningful way
of reaching out to our clients in a time of loss. This one small, simple act on
our part really makes a difference to our clients and their healing process.
By planting a tree in memory, we acknowledge and remember the pet and the
client,” said Beverly Fritzler, owner and veterinarian at Rose Rock Veterinary
Hospital and Pet Resort in Norman, Oklahoma. “Nothing can bring back the
lost loved one, but by planting a tree with Trees for Pets, we mark that life. We
think about the client; we honor the pet. Our clients really appreciate it.”
Rose Rock Veterinary Hospital and Pet Resort has participated in
Trees for Pets for two years, and in that time they have helped the Arbor Day
Foundation plant 545 trees.
“Ever since we started participating in Trees for Pets, we have been
getting a large number of heartfelt thank you cards from our clients. It means
a lot to show that we care,” said Breawna Fritzler, office manager at Rose Rock
Hospital and Pet Resort. “It’s also valuable to share what we’re doing—the 545
trees planted in memory—with our staff. It helps us to reflect upon and honor
the important work that we’re doing.”
Plant Trees in Celebration
Plant Trees for Pets in celebration to honor your devoted companion with
the promise of tomorrow, or give a gift of trees to a friend who has added a
new pet to their family.
Plant Trees in Celebration for birthdays, anniversaries, new births, or any
special occasion. Need it today? Print a personalized certificate at home as a
great last-minute gift.
By planting Trees in Celebration, you can honor your loved ones while
caring about the environment and replanting our nation’s forests. You can
choose to have the Arbor Day Foundation print and send a certificate for you,
or print a personalized certificate at home—Arbor Day Foundation will ensure
that a tree is planted in a national forest of greatest need.
Why plant trees in a forest in need?
Planting trees in a forest of need will help heal and protect the land. You
can help restore the forest to a beautiful, healthy place for animals and people
to enjoy. The Trees for Pets program is currently planting trees in Superior
National Forest in Minnesota.
Some of the benefits of planting trees in our nation’s forests include:
• Holding the soil in place, so it doesn’t wash away with heavy rains or
melting snow
• Providing homes and food for animals
• Keeping the air fresh and clean
• Making the forest beautiful
• Creating an enjoyable environment for hiking, camping, fishing and other
fun activities in the forest
They’re more than our pets. They’re our friends. They carve out a special
place in our hearts and in our lives. What better way to honor them than with
the gift of trees?
A meaningful and convenient way to honor the companions for which
you care, Trees for Pets is easy to use. Online registration is available at www.
arborday.org/animalpro. n
“Animals
are such
agreeable
friends—
they ask no
questions,
they pass no
criticisms.”
—George Eliot
Backyard
Chicken
Sitting
By Dawn Cody
R
aising chickens
is no longer just
for farmers. The
growing trend of
chickens going from barnyard
to backyard has spread from
coast to coast. While the U.S.
Department of Agriculture doesn’t
keep statistics on the number of
backyard chicken owners, “Backyard
Chickens”, a popular online forum
for chicken owners, has a current
membership of 222,000 members
and continues to grow rapidly.
Professional Pet Sitter · Spring 2014 18
www.petsitters.org
Trouble Shooting
Most backyard chicken owners consider their birds members of the
family, pets with benefits, so to speak. This is evidenced by the booming niche
market for chicken toys and chicken diapers that allow the birds to roam
mess-free in the house. Williams-Sonoma is even getting in on the trend with
their hand-built $1,499.95 backyard coop.
With the growing popularity of these feathered family members it is
probably just a matter of time before you are asked if you pet sit chickens.
These pets are rather easy to care for as long as you are armed with some
basic chicken knowledge.
I’m sure things will go just fine for you and your feathered charges, but
even an experienced sitter may run into a few challenges. Here are some of
the most common issues that could come up.
• Chickens on the loose – If the chickens get out of the pen or refuse
to go into the coop you will need to move them. You can push them
where you want them to go by moving behind them, walking calmly
in a wide-sweeping arch until you are behind all of them. Open your
arms wide or hold a long stick and walk slowly towards where you
want them to go. Guide them by moving to the right or left. Move
slowly and keep calm. This job is often easier with two people.
• Heat – Chickens cool themselves by fluffing their feathers and drooping
their wings. The fluffed feathers allow the air to circulate next to their
skin and cool them down. Most chickens handle the cold better than the
heat, so make sure they have plenty of cold, fresh water to drink and a
cool shady area to retreat to. An overheated chicken can be brought into
air conditioning or placed in front of a fan until it cools down.
• Cold – Most breeds of chickens can handle cold temperatures down to
20 degrees F without supplemental heat for short periods of time. Most
people who keep chickens, however, use a heat lamp in the coop. Ask
the chicken’s keeper what they do for supplemental heat and at what
temperature you should turn it on. Be sure you know how to turn it on
and that it is securely fastened so it won’t fall if bumped by a chicken.
• Missing feathers – There is a pecking order to life in the coop and
during times of stress it can be the most noticeable. Chickens that
are stressed or cramped will peck at each other and often pull out
feathers. The chickens that have missing feathers are at the bottom of
the pecking order. As cruel as this seems to us, it is a necessary part of
chicken culture and is usually totally harmless. As long as there are no
open wounds or blood, there is not too much you can do. You can try
adding more scraps or a head of lettuce or cabbage for fun.
• Injuries – Blood or an open wound is a serious issue. The wounded
chicken must be removed immediately or it is at risk of being killed by
its flock. Clean the wound and put the chicken in a crate or kennel. If
the wound is serious, you may need to take it to the vet.
• Missing Chicken – If you don’t see all the chickens come out of the
coop in the morning or during the day, look in the nest box. The
missing chicken is probably laying an egg. If you count them at night
and come up short, be sure to look under the coop or in a dark
corner. Once you find the straggler, push it into the coop as described
above or you may be able to walk over and pick it up.
• Up in a tree – This is only an issue if the chickens have access to a tree in
their pen. If chickens can’t get into their coop at night for some reason
(maybe the wind blew the door shut) they may fly up into a tree to roost.
Once it is dark, a chicken becomes quite helpless and its reflexes slow
down to just about nothing. Once it is dark, you should be able to use a
ladder and pick the chicken up and take it to the coop.
No free-ranging allowed
Most backyard chicken owners allow their birds to roam freely about the
yard and may ask you to let them out. The owner may tell you they are really
easy to put back in the pen. All you have to do is call them or show them some
food and they come running. Don’t do it.
Chickens are prey animals and are often afraid of new people and
situations. Herding frightened chickens is difficult at best and can be stressful
for the chickens. The chickens should have a secure pen that allows them
to roam around with plenty of room. Of course, they would rather have the
entire yard to scratch and forage in, but they will be just fine in the pen for the
time the owner is away. Better to be safe than sorry.
Basic Care
The morning visit – Chickens are up with the sun and will be ready
to come out of the coop first thing in the morning. They will need food and
clean, fresh water daily. Follow the owners’ instructions for feeding, making
sure to note where you can refill the waterer, and where the feed and scratch
are kept. Scratch is a combination of corn, seeds and grains that chickens
love. Scratch helps them to burn more calories and to keep them warmer in
winter. It will also help to alleviate the boredom of being in the pen if they are
used to free ranging.
Ask the owner about feeding kitchen scraps. They may leave some for
you or you may bring treats from home. Chickens are omnivores and will eat
anything, but ask the owner if there are things they prefer you don’t feed the
chickens. Personally, I don’t feed my chickens meat scraps, and it is good to
note here that uncooked potato peels are toxic to chickens. However, bringing
them a favorite treat each day will get you on the fast track to friendship!
The evening visit – Chickens have a natural roosting instinct and will
return to their roost every evening just before dusk. This instinct makes your
job of putting them to bed very easy. The chicken’s roost is usually a branch,
two-by-four, or something similar in the coop. Evening visits should be timed
to be around dusk or just after if at all possible.
The evening visit is the time to gather the eggs from the nest boxes. Fresh
eggs can be left unrefrigerated for up to three days if left unwashed due to a
natural protective coating. Once washed, the eggs must be refrigerated right
away.
Always count your chickens. Make sure you know how many chickens
there are supposed to be and make sure to count them every evening just
before locking them in the coop. Sometimes, a chicken may hide under the
coop, in a dark corner, or even fly up into a tree. Once all the birds are safely
in the coop, lock all doors and windows.
Overall, it is likely that your time caring for chickens will be uneventful.
Like with any pets, however, it is best to be prepared. Make sure to ask the
human parents of the chickens for vet information and confirm whether
they desire you to take an injured bird to the vet. Then enjoy your chicken
charges. They are wonderful animals with unique individual personalities and
fascinating flock dynamics. If you get to know the chickens in your care, don’t
be surprised if you fall in love! n
Dawn Cody is the office manager at As You Wish Pet Sitters and a proud pet parent.
About Your Association
Flavia Berti – New board Member
NAPPS 20 1 4
com m i ttee C h a i rs
Membership Committee
TBD
By Cathe Delaney, NAPPS Administrative Director
Flavia Berti has a life-long love of animals, but six years ago
she focused this passion when she started volunteering at local
dog rescues in Miami. While volunteering she met Kala, a beautiful
but poorly-treated Shar Pei that was on the euthanasia list at
Miami Dade Animal Services. Berti nursed Kala back to health and
found the experience so special that she felt compelled to place
other needy dogs with families.
While working with the local rescues, Berti helped organize
fundraisers. She also spent every weekend at the local pet
store signing people up for pet adoptions, fostering dogs, and
connecting the community with the many needy pets in Miami. It
turned out that many of these new pet parents needed someone
to take care of their dogs and other pets when they left town. Given the opportunity to help them, Berti
founded Equipaws Pet Services in 2011. The company’s mission is to bring peace of mind and a sense of
balance to parents of all animals, with an emphasis on running and walking exercise for dogs.
Berti joined NAPPS the same year and feels her membership has been extremely important to her
success. Currently, Berti serves on the Member Benefits Committee where she has enjoyed working with
Isabel Alvarez (The Wag Pack, LLC) and other talented pet sitters to create the new Professional Pet Sitting
series. The goal of the series is to help pet sitters start and grow their businesses.
Berti finds the NAPPS benefits and resources such as NAPPS chat, monthly conference calls for new
pet sitters, NAPPS University, the Annual Conference, and a strong support network are great tools for
everyone starting off in this industry. Berti intends to give back as a member of the Board of Directors by
creating and supporting members’ growth and success. n
Member Benefits Committee
Isabel Alvarez
Pet Sitter Education
Debra Farrington
Marketing Committee
Kristin Skelton
Pet Parent Resources
Subcommittee
Bev Davis
Business Manual Subcommittee
Marion Ray & Chris Rinker
Annual Conference Subcommittee
Jessica Abernathy
Website Task Force
Kristin Skelton
Governance Committee
Michele Gonzalez
The 2014 conference was a great success!
The feedback we have received is overwhelmingly positive.
You can still participate in this premier event!
You can purchase the entire 2014 conference or
purchase only the session(s) of your choice.
One of the many testimonials we have received below ~
LOVED IT! The format was perfect. I was also REALLY impressed with the technology — it went off without a hitch
it seemed, that was amazing considering this was the first time for a virtual conference! I loved being able to attend the
sessions right from my office. No travel fatigue, no extra expenses. I also loved the chat — I was afraid one thing we’d
lose would be the ability to socialize with fellow sitters, but there was that great chat feature so I felt very connected with
others in the sessions. I was also afraid that Q & A would be a challenge for a virtual setting, and I thought it was handled
SO WELL. The moderators did a fantastic job, people got to ask their questions without 10 people trying to talk over each
other. I could go on and on — I got a lot out of it and I could not believe how easy and convenient it was. GREAT JOB to
everyone who worked so hard putting it together! It was flawless. I was really beyond impressed. CONGRATULATIONS
NAPPS! I applaud all of you for trying something so new and different, and I hope we do it again!
Visit the NAPPS website and register today.
Professional Pet Sitter · Spring 2014 20
www.petsitters.org
What’s New on NAPPS Chat Message Board
How do you persuade potential clients to pick
a professional when non-professionals charge less?
One of the many benefits of NAPPS membership
is the ability to network with fellow pet sitters
from around the country when you need advice
or support. Check out some of the recent
conversations in the NAPPS chat room and be
sure to participate even if you don’t have a
question of your own. Other members might
benefit when you share your experience!
(Ed. Note: these responses have been
truncated for space concerns. Check NAPPS
Chat Message Board for the full responses
which are full of great insights and further
information.)
Hello Fellow Pet-fessionals,
How do you handle it when a new, potential
client calls and inquires about your services, but
kind of gasps when they hear your rates? I’ve
researched my local competitors online, and my
prices are in line with theirs, if not lower in a few
circumstances. But, what I’m also competing
against is the non-professional who will do what I
do but for half the price.
When I get a new client inquiry and I hear that
gasp after I’ve quoted my fee, I try to explain to
them (not necessarily in this order) that I am a
licensed professional, I’m insured, I’m bonded,
I’ve never had a claim, I have local references
and local veterinarian references, I have pet CPR
certification, I have 18 years of experience, and I
know how to handle the unexpected emergency,
but sometimes it seems to fall on deaf ears. When a client does ask me, “What’s the
difference?” I try to assure them that I’ve taken
all the necessary steps to protect them and their
pets, that I am an upstanding member of my
community, that I have local references, and
that I can be found at any time. They could rest
assured that if they had any concerns or questions
after services were rendered I wasn’t going to
disappear.
Mind you, I don’t want to do business with
someone who is strictly looking for Wal-Mart
pricing, but demands Rodeo Drive style customer
service. It does bum me out a little bit to lose
business, because I pay for liability insurance,
bonding, and workers compensation, membership
dues, recertification fees, etc. I pay federal, state,
city and county taxes and licensing fees in order to
www.petsitters.org do business. These costs have to be incorporated
into the cost of doing business, while the non-pro
pockets 100% of their cash.
I feel the non-pro pet sitter is degrading the
professionalism we’ve all worked hard to attain. Back in 1996 when I first started, I was actually
laughed at by some people. Now, some of those
people are unemployed and asking if I need help. Pet sitting has become a billion dollar “industry.” Sometimes, it doesn’t pay very well, sometimes
the client “forgets” to pay before they leave, the
hours are insane with early mornings, late nights,
holidays, weekends, work in the rain, cold and
scorching heat, no time off to be sick, no paid
time off, etc., but I’d rather do this than work in an
office any day!
How do you try to persuade new clients to choose
you, the professional pet sitter, over someone who
is less expensive than you are? I would love to
garner some material and hear how you rose to the
challenge and sealed the deal and won over that
new client.
Julie
Your Pet’s Nanny, Inc.
Responses
Dear Julia,
I get that a lot as well. I feel your
pain. However, I strongly also believe that we get
the clients we are meant to have. It’s really
as simple as that. Heather
Best Friends Forever Pet Services, LLC
I think it can be helpful to educate clients about
other questions to ask their potential pet sitter/
house sitter besides “how much?” I am working
on a list of ‘interview questions’ that people
can ask potential pet care providers. I will refer
potential clients to it and hopefully they can use
the list to make well-informed decisions about
who they are allowing into their homes to care for
their much loved pets. Carolyn
Carolyn’s Pampered Pets
21
I think you have done a great job justifying why
you charge what you do. You are really not in the
same league as the non-professional sitter so I
would just let it go after your explanation. Not
sure I would want the kind of client who would go
with a non-pro anyway just to save bucks. Good
luck.
Sandy
Purrfect Place For Pets
Julia, here’s my approach, which may or may not
work for you.
First, I post my prices on my website so I don’t
have to deal with this question so much, but when
people do question the prices, I give them three or
four short reasons (insurance coverage, education,
experience, knowledge of animal care and
emergency care, or whatever). Keep it REALLY short
(10-15 seconds) and say it without defensiveness.
(Practice this ahead of time if that helps!) Your
prices are based on your assessment of your skills
and value of your time and that’s that.
If people say that this is too expensive or that
they don’t need all those skills, or whatever, I just
very kindly say: “I understand completely.” And
I stop talking. Let them figure out where to take
the conversation. You’ve just signaled that you’re
not negotiating and they’ll have to decide that
the conversation is over or that they want to know
more. Confidence is key in all of this. You are worth
what you are worth. Knowing that and conveying it
makes a huge difference.
One other way that I think about all of this is that I
don’t do Wal-Mart pet sitting. I don’t do NeimanMarcus pet sitting either. I am sort of Lord &
Taylor...in that range. If people want Wal-Mart pet
sitting, they won’t like my services at all. I could
probably please the Neiman-Marcus folks...maybe,
but clients who are looking for the Lord & Taylor
experience are going to be happiest with what we
do, and I’m going to be happy serving them.
Hope some of that is helpful!
Debra
Debra Farrington’s Petsitting Etc. n
NA P P S in the ne ws
NAPPS PR EFFORTS
ONLY online!) in only ONE month’s time.
Your association has an active public relations and marketing campaign
• NAPPS appeared in TOP industry and consumer publications including: The
that raises the visibility of NAPPS and its programs, and establishes NAPPS as the
Wall Street Journal, The Chicago Tribune, Kiwi Magazine, Pet Age, Catster,
authority in professional pet sitting.
Dogster, and The Dog Daily...just to name a few! n
Each month the NAPPS PR team provides regular story ideas to national
media outlets designed to increase awareness
Recently, NAPPS was mentioned in the following ways:
of the organization and the entire profession.
The press room, located on our website, houses
a library of all the recent releases that have
generated lots of media interest.
PR efforts have surpassed many milestones!
• NAPPS gained more than 500 new followers
on Facebook, bringing our total number of
“likes” to over 3,000.
• NAPPS increased its social media presence
and reach (on Facebook, specifically) by
935% in only 6 months time...this was
an average of reaching more than 42,500
Facebook followers each month.
• NAPPS gained more than 1,000 new followers
on Twitter, bringing our total number
of Twitter followers to almost 4,400 by
December 31st.
• NAPPS reached more than 90,000,000
individuals through media hits (which were
PetBox is more than just a monthly delivery service that
introduces our members to fun and healthy new pet products
every month. Instead, we have decided to go the extra mile
and personalize our members’ monthly subscription by
providing a better user experience. Our unique platform allows
our members to pack their own PetBox each month with products
and supplies that actually make the most sense for their furry
friends. Based in San Diego, PetBox is dedicated to delivering joy and happiness with every
box that's delivered, and for every box that ships out, we feed a hungry rescue animal.
PetBox & NAPPS Affiliate Program Details
As an official PetBox affiliate, you will make 10% commission on
any pet parent that signs up for PetBox. All we need to track the
commission is the pet parent’s email address and full name that
they signed up with. Commission checks will be mailed at the
end of every month. Please send email addresses and names to
support@getpetbox.com
This offer is also retroactive for any pet parents that have been
signed up since December 1, 2013. Please provide us with the
email address and their full name. Please send email addresses
and names to support@getpetbox.com.
Woofs & Wags, The
PetBox Team &
Photo by Torrey Wiley
Celebrate
NAPPS Pet Parent’s Day!
April 27, 2014
Not
sure how to celebrate? You could:
•
•
•
•
Write a press release for the local newspaper.
Send your clients a thank you email or a card for being great Pet Parents.
Send Pet Parents a photo of their favorite pets.
Send a note of appreciation from the pet(s) showing how much they
appreciate what their parents do for them everyday, including hiring a NAPPS
professional pet sitter.
• Host an event at your local pet boutique or bakery.
• Purchase a NAPPS Pet Parent Membership for only $10.00 a year.
• Visit the Members Only Section of the NAPPS website @ www.petsitters.org
The possibilities are endless…

Number 1 - National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Transcription

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