OT-Pet Sitters

[smokeyblue]

I am feeling very nervous. I posted an ad at the local university for a pet sitter. I got several replies. I found a gal that had great job experience working with handicapped children. She had a lot of references, one of which is a professor of hers she has dog sat for. I checked this reference and they said they trust and would hire her again.

I am very nervous because she takes a long time to get back to me. She took two days to get back to me about meeting up about the job. I asked her to send me her phone number in case I had to cancel and she never responded. I did have to cancel the meeting because the weather was bad (I found her phone # on her resume). I asked her to call me in the afternoon the next day, and she did. We had a nice chat. She seemed very interested in the cats and the job. I asked her to either email or text me what day would be good to meet T-W-TH evening of this week to meet the cats, get keys and show her where everything is. It has been two days, no email, no text.


I'm thinking I should tell her we changed our plans and contact one of the other girls to come and do it. What would you do?

 

[caybean]

I am a petsitter, and in this day and age, there is no excuse for not contacting you either by text or email for two days.

Trust your instincts and move on to the next person on the list - you want someone that treats this as a job and a responsibility to your pets... she clearly hasn't done that so far.

In my humble opinion, of course

 

[wolf29]

Agree, move on. I wouldn't even entertain the possibility after being put of for days and you certainly would never forgive yourself should you go with this person and have something go wrong. I also wouldn't hesitate in letting this person know why you've chosen to go elsewhere, since it may well help them act in a more professional manner. I'd suggest checking with your Vet, as sometimes either their techs or other clients might pet-sit.

 

[smokeyblue]

I need to stop worrying about pleasing others, especially when it comes to my home and pets!

I think calling the vet is a good idea. I am going to call tomorrow to see if they have anyone to recommend. I may call the humane society too. I've emailed and texted the next girl on my list, I'll see if she responds. Honestly, there were probably 4 people that were on the top of my list and I only chose the first girl because of her easily reachable reference. Next time I need to start this process way earlier.

 

[sunshinecruise]

I am also a pet sitter and I would say this is unacceptable. If she is not responsible enough to get back to your within a day, she is not responsible enough to take care of your precious pets.

 

[sunshinecruise]

I would also recommend that you look for someone who has a business license and pet sitting insurance.

 

[JaymeC]

I agree, move on. I pet sit and I have some pet parents who check in daily when they're gone to get updates (and phone pictures) of their pets. It's expected in this day and age that you're reachable. I dog sit through DogVacay.com. They offer full insurance, and you can see reviews that others have left for a particular sitter. They're not popular everywhere yet, but it may be an option for you.

 

[Judique]

I am feeling very nervous. I posted an ad at the local university for a pet sitter. I got several replies. I found a gal that had great job experience working with handicapped children. She had a lot of references, one of which is a professor of hers she has dog sat for. I checked this reference and they said they trust and would hire her again.

I am very nervous because she takes a long time to get back to me. She took two days to get back to me about meeting up about the job. I asked her to send me her phone number in case I had to cancel and she never responded. I did have to cancel the meeting because the weather was bad (I found her phone # on her resume). I asked her to call me in the afternoon the next day, and she did. We had a nice chat. She seemed very interested in the cats and the job. I asked her to either email or text me what day would be good to meet T-W-TH evening of this week to meet the cats, get keys and show her where everything is. It has been two days, no email, no text.


I'm thinking I should tell her we changed our plans and contact one of the other girls to come and do it. What would you do?

Move on to someone else.

I think I will consider this field when I retire!

Wish I could help you out now.

 

[mikehn]

check the rover.com listings in your area

 

[lucyem]

I am a petsitter, and in this day and age, there is no excuse for not contacting you either by text or email for two days.

Trust your instincts and move on to the next person on the list - you want someone that treats this as a job and a responsibility to your pets... she clearly hasn't done that so far.

In my humble opinion, of course

I would also recommend that you look for someone who has a business license and pet sitting insurance.

 

[SandyinMonterey]

I don't know how she got such great references with the actions (lack of) she is showing now. I agree, move on. If you're having problems/concerns now, what will you do once she's in your home? I've had the same pet sitter for about 10 years now. A friend of a friend, retired nurse (my field). I just got wind of someone else, for a just in case, who works with my husband. I know many, many people post ads and search the web but for me, I don't. They have to be know by someone else I know. Is there a neighbor, college student on your block? Good Luck, I'm sure it will all work out.

 

[nilseks]

I am a pet sitter and I probably spoil my customers too much, but they know I am attached to my phone pretty much 24/7 and they can get a hold of me on a moment's notice. A good pet sitter needs to be available to their clients in case of emergency, client is stuck at work and Fido needs to go out, etc. Definitely move on. The best thing to do is ask neighbors or co-workers who they use. Vets and humane societies may be aligned with pet sitters and may or may not have actual experience with them, kwim? Our vet is aligned with a pet sitter that is so horrible, I have gotten a lot of her old customers. I have been in business for 9 years and do not advertise. Don't need to--all of my business comes from word of mouth from satisfied customers.

Good luck!

 

[ceecee]

I also would choose someone else. Call her and leave a message why you won't be using her.

 

[auntmeme7577]

With our large family of furry felons , we were very nervous to find a new sitter. (Our former sitter is no longer able to be away overnight)
We asked at our Vet and one of the techs there does in house, overnight sitting.
We feel very lucky as we know her and our Vet would never allow any one to work for her who wasn't top notch!
Worth every penny!! Hire someone you can really trust so you can relax and enjoy your trip

 

[adc]

Sorry to hijack, but....

What would you guys pay for a pet sitter?

My husbands nephew is a college kid. He will stay at our house, take care of dog, outside cat, check mail, and take out/bring in trash bins.

6 nights. He lives with his Grandma so I knew he would jump at the chance to be alone for a week. Good kid!

$100?

 

[auntmeme7577]

Well, we have 2 large dogs, 4 cats and our new sitter is a Vet Tech at our Vet. She will stay overnight, animals know her. We are paying $50 a day but I know they will be well taken care of and get their meds.
Well worth it for us.

 

[bedogged]

Sorry to hijack, but....

What would you guys pay for a pet sitter?

My husbands nephew is a college kid. He will stay at our house, take care of dog, outside cat, check mail, and take out/bring in trash bins.

6 nights. He lives with his Grandma so I knew he would jump at the chance to be alone for a week. Good kid!

$100?

That seems really low to me. I suggest you price out how much it would cost you to BOARD your dog for six nights.

 

[adc]

That seems really low to me. I suggest you price out how much it would cost you to BOARD your dog for six nights.

That's a good idea. Especially since in our home is preferred over kennel.

 

[sunshinecruise]

Sorry to hijack, but....

What would you guys pay for a pet sitter?

My husbands nephew is a college kid. He will stay at our house, take care of dog, outside cat, check mail, and take out/bring in trash bins.

6 nights. He lives with his Grandma so I knew he would jump at the chance to be alone for a week. Good kid!

$100?

I am a pet sitter and I charge $60 for overnight per sitting. But considering that he is family and he will be happy to have his own place for a week, I would suggest at least $200.

 

[smokeyblue]

I will meet the newly hired pet sitter tomorrow. She responded to my text with the phone call I requested within minutes. I feel much better. I've also asked my cousin who lives just around the corner to be my back-up.

As for the previously hired sitter, well I took my sweet time getting back to her too. As of 3pm this afternoon she hadn't responded. I sent a short email saying we changed our plans and her services weren't needed any longer. I can't believe what a total jerk this person is leaving me without a sitter at the last minute. Despite my feelings, I don't feel comfortable giving someone hell when I'll be away from my home for over a week!