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Pet Sitting & Boarding - Things To Consider
- What do the rates include?
- You usually can find most of the pricing information on the pet sitter’s web site, but
you want to know what those prices cover. If the rates are based on time, find out
what each visit includes. - How much time will the pet sitter actually spend with your dog? Are walks included?
Playtime? Grooming? Giving medication? Will she pick up the poop in your yard?
How about scoop the litter box?
- What is not included?
- Figure out what services cost extra.
- Maybe it’s worth it to pay more and have the pet sitter stay longer during each visit.
Maybe you want your lab mix to go for a run instead of a walk. Maybe your fish need
to be fed once over the weekend.
- Will you provide references?
- We are always surprised by how few people ask for references when hiring a
service provider. It’s a totally reasonable request to expect a pet sitter to provide
references when you will be giving them a key to your home. If they are reputable
they should be able to provide a list that contains both personal and professional
references. - When you call a reference, ask if they ever had any issues with the sitter and how
his pet took to them. Ask him if they have ever gone out of her way to do something
special for their pet(s).
- Process if my pet gets sick?
- Any experienced pet sitter has dealt with at least some kind of minor emergency
such as a sick pet. You should both be on the same page for what will happen if
your dog requires medical attention, especially if you have a senior pet, a puppy that
eats everything in sight or a dog with an illness. You want to know which vet your
dog will be taken to and if you will be notified first. You could also ask if the pet sitter
has taken an animal first-aid class.
- Do you care for cats and other animals?
- If you have other animals besides your dog, make sure the pet sitter is comfortable
dealing with those animals. Some pet sitters will not care for hamsters, birds,
horses and other animals. Most will care for cats.
- Are you the only person who will interact with my dog?
- Some pet-sitting businesses have several employees. If that’s the case, you still
want the same person to check on your dog every time so there is consistency. - You should meet the person who will be caring for your pets.
- What is the price for a second or third dog?
- Don’t assume that pet sitting for your second or third dog is free or discounted.
Sometimes they are, sometimes they are not. Three Springer Spaniels are a lot
more work than one.
- Who is responsible if a dog bites someone?
- Obviously if a pet is very aggressive, I’m not going to care for it. But many dogs
need a pet sitter because they are dog aggressive and can’t be left at a kennel. As
long as your dog is friendly around people, most pet sitters will agree to take care of
your dog. - A good pet sitter will have a plan of action for what happens if a dog bites and
someone requires medical attention because of it. You should ask if the pet sitter
has insurance.
- Can I call to see how my dog is doing?
- The answer should always be yes. The pet sitter may not be able to answer her
phone at all times because she has other animals to take care of. But she should
provide a cell phone number and email address.
- Will my pet be around other pets?
- Don’t assume your dog will be walked alone, but ask as there are always health
risks associated with interaction between pets.
- Will the dog be taken off my property?
- You probably want your dog to go for a walk and get all the attention he can get, but
you're worried about your pets behavior. In that case be sure to set proper
expectations and limitations for the pet sitter. For example, maybe they just play in
the back yard that is fenced in.
- When are you available?
- Some pet sitters do not work weekends or holidays while others perform pet sitting
visits between certain hours like 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Ensure your pet sitter’s
hours work with you and your dog’s schedule.
Elder Companion Care Common - Things To Consider
Once you've found an Elder Care or Companion Care service provider be
sure to monitor the situation consistently.
If you're concerned about the care or services provided, discuss it
promptly with the actual care giver as well as with the supervisor.
- How caregivers are selected?
- The individual care giver will be an invaluable person in your
loved one's life and you want to know they are qualified. - Ask the agency about qualifications and training.
- Also inquire about specific licenses that might be obtained
before a care giver can be hired.
- What about emergencies?
- Emergencies happen. With elderly people or those who are
unable to live on their own, emergencies often place people
in imminent danger. For these reasons, you may ask about
the emergency policies/processes the care giver will execute
should there be an emergency. - Is the caregiver certified in CPR?
- Does the care giver have standard operating procedures that
must be followed (i.e., calling 911, call primary doctor, etc)? - Be specific with your wishes so the in-home care giver knows
what you want done in cases of a fall or a seizure that might
not be an emergency. - Set clear expectations, even write them out in a Memo of
Understanding.
- What if the caregiver is sick?
- Could the caregiver be called away for any other reason?
- If so, what will occur?
- Who pays the caregiver?
- Inquire about fees and payment schedule.
- Do you pay the caregiver directly or do you pay the company?
- Do the employees seem friendly and helpful?
- Make sure you feel comfortable with the agency's
representatives.
- Does the home health aide have a good temperament?
- Make sure you or your loved one feels comfortable with the
home health aide.
- Must you identify a primary family caregiver?
- If so, what's required of that person?
- Are there any limits on the types of tasks performed?
- If so, what are the limits?
- When will service be provided?
- Is care available around the clock, if needed?
- Will you receive a written care plan before service begins?
- The care plan, if needed, should include details about
medical equipment and specific care needs, and should be
updated frequently. - Such documentation can help prevent misunderstandings.
- Will you receive a list of the rights and responsibilities of all
parties involved?
- This is sometimes known as a patient's bill of rights.
- How are problems addressed and resolved?
- Who can you or another family member contact with requests,
questions or complaints?
- How quickly can services begin?
- Your care giver should be responsive and able to start within
a reasonable time frame.
Once you've found an Elder Care or Companion Care service provider be
sure to monitor the situation consistently.
If you're concerned about the care or services provided, discuss it
promptly with the actual care giver as well as with the supervisor.
| Phone: 904-469-1315 | Email: info@wyajax.com | Insured + Bonded + Licensed | Serving Jacksonville, FL |
| Provide genuine, trustworthy care by always working with our hearts & by treating clients as family. We are sincerely & completely committed to our clients, their loved ones & especially the trust placed in us. |