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Writer's pictureKat Frizzell

Kat's Corner: Discover Unmatched Peace of Mind: Why Opt for a Professional Pet Sitter?

Updated: Oct 22, 2023


Q: “Have you used a professional sitter before?”


YES: “Why are you looking to change?”


NO : “What do you normally do for pet care when you leave town and why are you reaching out to a professional?”


The answers to this line of questioning will uncover a problem. And together, a professional pet sitter will help you solve that problem.


A problem isn’t “I’m going out of town and need a dog sitter.” No. That’s the end result.


A problem is:


- I don’t trust my current sitter.

- I had a bad experience.

- My dog chews his tail when boarding.

- My sitter isn’t responsive.

- My sitter isn’t available.

- I’m always stressed when I leave Fido.


Solution:

A trustworthy pet sitter who will feed your pets according to your instructions, walk your dogs if you desire enrichment, puzzle or inside play time during bad weather, clean up of any pet messes, visit 3 or more times daily for dogs whose owners are on vacation, provide overnight services, and send updates to let you know of their well-being is invaluable.


The House Kat will work with you and your pets to build trust through communication, pictures, great care of your home, and reliability. Your pet will remain calmer in their own environment, and will gain enrichment through activity and love provided by Kat. Kat hopes you will give her the opportunity to solve your pet sitter problems.


Still deciding?

Choosing a professional pet sitter over a service like Rover depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so it's essential to consider what's most important for your pet's well-being and your peace of mind.

Here are some factors to consider when deciding between a professional pet sitter and using Rover or a trusted friend/family member:

Experience and Training:

  • Professional Sitter: Many professional pet sitters have training in pet care and are experienced with various types of animals. They may be certified or have qualifications in pet first aid and CPR.

  • Rover/Friend/Family Member: While many Rover sitters are experienced and knowledgeable, their level of expertise can vary widely. Some may not have formal training in pet care. A friend or family member may not have knowledge outside of owning their own pets.


Services Offered:

  • Professional Sitter: Professional pet sitters often offer a wide range of services, including pet sitting, dog walking, and sometimes more specialized care (e.g., administering medication or providing companionship for senior pets).

  • Rover/Friend/Family Member: Rover offers a platform where you can find a variety of services, from drop-in visits to dog boarding. The services available depend on the individual sitters in your area. A friend or family member isn't obligated to add any specialized service or walking.


Customization:

  • Professional Sitter: Professional pet sitters may offer more personalized and flexible care plans tailored to your pet's specific needs and routines.

  • Rover/Friend/Family Member: The level of customization depends on the individual sitter, so you should discuss your expectations with them.


Safety and Insurance:

  • Professional Sitter: Many professional pet sitters are insured and bonded, which can provide peace of mind in case of accidents or emergencies. They often have a backup plan if they cannot fulfill their duties.

  • Rover: Rover provides the Rover Guarantee but does not guarantee coverage for pet owners and sitters who book through their platform if certain conditions are not met. The Rover Guarantee is not insurance.


Background Checks:

  • Professional Sitter: Some professional pet sitting companies conduct thorough background checks on their employees or contractors for added security.

  • Rover: Rover performs background checks on their sitters, but the extent and frequency of these checks may vary.


Consistency:

  • Professional Sitter: You can establish a long-term relationship with a professional pet sitter, allowing your pet to become more familiar with the same caregiver over time.

  • Rover/Friend/Family Member: If you use different sitters each time, the experience for your pet may be less consistent.


Reputation and Reviews:

  • Professional Sitter: You can often find online reviews and testimonials for professional pet sitters to gauge their reputation and quality of service.

  • Rover/Friend/Family Member: You can also find reviews for individual sitters on the Rover platform, but the quality and reliability may vary. A family member or friend hopefully already has your trust.


In summary, choosing a professional pet sitter or Rover/Friend/Family Member depends on your specific needs, budget, and comfort level. It's important to thoroughly research and interview potential sitters or services to ensure they can meet your expectations and provide the best care for your pet. Whether you choose a professional pet sitter or a Rover sitter, clear communication, trust, and a good rapport with the caregiver are essential for a positive pet-sitting experience.


Why should you trust The House Kat?

The House Kat has had quite a few experiences where pet sits were shared with family members, neighbors, or friends of clients. This could be due to financial reasons, booking availability, or client preference. Upon Kat's return to pets, things are not always as she would have left them. Kat aims to leave pets happy, refreshed, and relaxed. Kat provides water checks with every visit and refills to a full level before leaving. Kat feeds pets according to their owner's preferred schedule. Kat communicates safety and household concerns and does home security checks while visiting pets. Kat offers complimentary services like taking trash to and from the curb and bringing in the mail.


When people ask about The House Kat's prices before asking about the services provided, they are telling a story. The House Kat believes price is not the first thing a pet parent may want to look into when looking for a pet sitter or dog walker. Kat thinks there is much more to pet care than price. Pet clients come first, and this is where experience, tools, safety, and knowledge is necessary for proper care. Kat continues to serve pet clients with the utmost respect and safety. The House Kat is a professional pet business. The House Kat is bonded and has insurance through Pet Sitters Associates. The House Kat uses booking software that GPS and time tracks visits. Report cards are sent with each visit, that contain pictures (not blurry ones) of pets so that owners can see they are happy and content.


The House Kat is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter with certification in CPR and first-aid for canines/felines. Kat takes pet care seriously, so owners have peace of mind when they are away.

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