You’ve decided to embark on the exciting journey of professional pet sitting and joined the pet care community filled with wagging tails, purring companions, and endless cuddles! As you dive into this rewarding endeavor, there’s one essential tool you simply can’t overlook: the mighty contract.
Now, I understand what might be crossing your mind: ‘Contracts? Do I truly need one?’ Let me assure you, experienced pet sitters unanimously affirm that having a robust agreement in place is indispensable when it comes to pet sitting. This holds true even if you’re a solo pet sitter managing this role part-time. Let me walk you through why it’s so crucial and how it can make or break your pet sitting business.
Setting Expectations: Imagine this scenario: You agree to care for Maverick the Labrador for a week. However, halfway through, the client begins texting you at all hours of the night, and they forgot to mention that a friend will be staying at their house over the weekend. Suddenly, you find yourself in an awkward and uncomfortable situation, while the client is already out of town. Without a contract outlining all responsibilities and expectations upfront, misunderstandings like this can lead to stress for both you and the pet owner.
Avoiding Miscommunications: Now, envision this: You’re scheduled to care for Lily the kitty, and you notice that the client has reserved every other day for visits. However, you strongly believe that cats should be checked on at least once daily. With a detailed contract specifying your visit minimums, you can easily avoid such miscommunications and ensure a smooth pet sitting experience before even agreeing to take on the client.
Building Trust: A well-crafted contract demonstrates professionalism and reliability, instilling confidence in your clients. By clearly outlining your terms and conditions, you show that you take your role as a pet sitter seriously, earning the trust and loyalty of both pets and their owners.
Protecting Your Business: Let’s face it, accidents happen. What if Mittens accidentally knocks over a priceless vase while in your care? Yikes! Having a contract with liability clauses helps protect you from potential legal troubles and ensures you can focus on what you do best—caring for furry friends.
Handling Emergencies: Life is unpredictable, and emergencies can arise when least expected. Whether it’s a sudden illness or a family emergency, having a contract with contingency plans in place ensures you and your clients are prepared for any curve balls that come your way.
Now, let’s delve into what your client contract might include:
- Payment Terms:
– Establish clear payment terms, including due dates, rescheduling, and cancellation policies, ensuring transparency and mutual understanding.
– Specify accepted payment methods and outline current prices, along with any additional charges for extra services. - Cancellation Procedures:
– Streamline the cancellation process by encouraging clients to use the software for cancellations, promoting efficiency and convenience.
– Address scenarios such as returning home early and provide clarity on the cancellation policy for ongoing visits and dog walking services. - Access and Security:
– Implement strict policies for key and lockbox management, ensuring the security of clients’ homes and pets.
– Detail procedures for accessing gated communities and notify neighbors or gate guards as needed, prioritizing safety and professionalism. - Utilizing Software Portals:
– Emphasize the importance of utilizing software portals for seamless communication and scheduling, facilitating efficient coordination between pet sitters and clients. - Communication Protocols:
– Establish clear communication procedures to maintain open dialogue and address any concerns or updates promptly, fostering trust and accountability. - Training Methods and Equipment you might use:
– Outline the training methods you might use while performing your pet care duties. Include any equipment such as leashes and harnesses you are comfortable with using. Discuss your policies on collars on pets in or out of their crates. - Visit Guidelines:
– Define minimum visitation requirements for vacation pet care, ensuring pets receive adequate attention and care during their owner’s absence.
– Address various scenarios such as sharing of services, scheduled visits, and completion of trips, outlining expectations for visit time management and special considerations for different types of pets and environments. - Privacy Measures:
– Respect clients’ privacy by adhering to a strict pet sitter/dog walker privacy policy, safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining confidentiality. - Emergency Preparedness:
– Develop comprehensive emergency policies and procedures, including protocols for pet sitter and client emergencies, as well as measures for handling acts of god and severe weather conditions.
Remember, pet sitters, your contract is more than just a piece of paper—it’s your roadmap to success and a testament to your professionalism and dedication to pet care. So, craft it with care, tailor it to your unique business model, and embark on your pet sitting journey with confidence and peace of mind.
There are several basic contracts available to get you started through organizations such as Pet Sitter’s International, Time to Pet. Doug the Dog Guy (Doug Keeling) also has a YouTube video covering everything you need to know about contracts!
Wishing you wagging tails and happy clients,
Written by:
Shannon Hendon, a Certified Professional Pet Sitter, proudly owns and founded Ocala Pet Sitting, serving the Ocala, Florida community for over 18 years. She volunteers with the Florida Pet Services Association (FPSA) as the Regional Director in Ocala, where she also serves on the education and philanthropy committee. Shannon is Fear Free Certified and holds a bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences. Her passion lies in providing exceptional pet care services while promoting excellence and professionalism within the industry. When not tending to pets or sharing her expertise, Shannon cherishes quality time with her husband, their spoiled poodle Phoebe, and rescue kitty Ozzy.
Shannon Hendon, CPPS
