After this year, we’re sure everyone has had enough time sitting in front of their computers and staring at software while working from home! That’s why we strongly recommend downloading the Time to Pet app once you’re activated in our system. The last thing you need is to manage your pet sitting services from your computer on top of all the work you’re already doing!
Be on the go and don’t worry about the hassle of remembering your login each time. Get notifications and messages from your sitter straight to your phone without checking email!
Once you’re activated in the system and have downloaded the app… then what?
We thought it would be helpful to provide our clients with this helpful checklist and guide to all the different kinds of information we ask to make sure you’re good and ready for your first (and all) reservations.
But first…
Why do we ask for so much information?
Being professional pet sitters, we want to ensure that we are always providing consistent and excellent care. We’re not shy to admit that the care we provide is excellent, but that’s because of our wonderful clients who are so thorough in helping us achieve that high standard!
Providing us with all the info we ask for just means that your pets will always be safe. Keeping your profile as detailed as possible will provide us with the means to handle any curveball life throws our way when caring for your pets. And in case you need a different sitter, they will be thoroughly updated and you can make sure that nothing slips through the cracks! And, in general, the relationship between you and your sitter will be seamless - no going back and forth with calls to ask and answer questions.
Below is a checklist for what we ask in your profile, why we ask it, and tips on how to answer properly:
1. Spouse/Other: This is the second person we will try to contact if we’re unable to reach you, and is usually a spouse or significant other. If not, list the name of a secondary contact who you trust.
2. Spouse/Other Email: List the email address of the secondary contact if they wish to receive email notifications of billing, visit updates, company-issued emails. *Note: if this person wants to access the account to make changes or leave a message in the chat, they will have to use your login credentials both on the app and the portal.
3. Home Building Access information: List all the information related to accessing your home e.g. “Don’t lock screen door,” “Only use back door,” “Lock sticks, turn key to the left,” “Enter through back entrance,” etc. If we need to go through a front desk or leasing office, be sure to confirm their office hours and whether or not they are open on weekends and holidays.
4. “I will use a lockbox.”: List the exact location and combination of the lockbox.
5. Door codes, building codes, garage codes, gate codes: List in sequence the codes and buttons we will need to press to access your home.
6. Parking: Is there parking available for the sitter? Is there only street parking? What days/hours are street sweeping?
7. Emergency Contact: In the event of an emergency with your home or pets, we need the name, number, and relationship of an individual that knows you better than us that can help us make a decision on your behalf should we not be able to reach you. Ideally this person would also have a key or access to your home.
8. Others that have access to your home: We will assume we are the only ones accessing your home during service. If other service providers will have access to your home or someone else is coming by to check on your pets, we need to know who those individuals are and how to contact them.
9. Alarm Location: Where exactly is the alarm panel located?
10. Disarm: Describe the sequence of steps/codes needed to disarm the alarm.
11. Arm: Describe the sequence of steps/codes to arm your alarm. Please include what to do to bypass alerts about open windows and doors, etc.
12. Alarm company name, phone number, and password: Should the alarm go off by error, we need to make sure the alarm company knows we have the authorization to be in your home.
13. Household temperature: If we are experiencing a heatwave, should we adjust the thermostat, open windows, or turn on fans? This is helpful to know especially in keeping your pets safe and cool.
14. Cleaning supplies: Please tell us where the broom is! We like to tidy up your pet's litter area or feeding area. Each client has a preference for what products are used to clean up pet accidents and those products might vary depending on the surface.
15. Lights, TV, Radio: Should we turn certain lights on at night and off during the day? Are lights on a timer? Do you want us to leave a TV or radio on for your pets?
16. Windows and Blinds: Should we adjust the windows and blinds during our visits? Be specific about which windows and blinds we should adjust.
17. Handling of Trash: Where are the outside trash bins located? If you’d like your trash bins taken out when you travel, please let us know what day to take them out and bring them in. We always take waste, empty food cans, etc. to the outside bins so you don’t come home to a smelly home!
18. Microchip number: This is extremely important should your pet go missing when you are traveling. It’s always a good idea to ask the vet to scan your pet and confirm that the address and phone number associated with the chip is current.
19. Is your pet wearing a collar with tags that have your current phone number?: This is so important! Make sure this is current, especially when you travel. It is the surest way your pet will be returned to you if they were to get lost.
20. Describe your pet's personality: Tell us all about your pet. Do they have fears, phobias, or reactivity? Training or special commands we should use? Do they get along with the other pets in the home? Are they skittish or do they love everyone? Do they get possessive of affection, toys, food, areas?
21. Health: Are there any present or previous injuries, allergies or illnesses? List any symptoms that indicate an episode and need for concern. If your cat vomits, is this a common occurrence or cause for concern?
22. Medications: List what they take, what it treats, when they take it, and how often they take it. Are there any tips and methods used for administering medication?
23. Feeding: What does your pet eat and where is it stored? When and where do they eat? Do they need to be kept separate from other pets when feeding? How much do they get at each feeding (be as precise as possible)? Can they have treats after walks? Where are treats stored? Do they drink tap water or filtered water? Where are the water bowls? Should we discard uneaten portions at the end of the visit or at the start of the next visit?
24. Describe your pet’s access to the home: This is so important. Do they have a doggy door? Is the door open 24hrs a day or closed at night and opened in the morning? Are they crated, and if so, where is the crate? Do they have restricted access to certain areas of the house? Are the pets segregated in different areas of the home? Does your kitty have places they like to hide?
25. What type of collar/harness/leash do you use when walking your dog?: It’s important that we know what tools to use for walks, and where they are located.
We know it’s a lot, but trust us, it’s worth it! After you’ve read through our checklist, you’ve probably realized there are a lot of things about you and your pet’s household and lifestyle that will ensure the smoothest experience possible for both your sitter and your pet. We’re so used to things like special entrances and alarm codes that we may forget what it’s like for another person entering your home to care for your pet!
As always, Pet Waggin’ Pet Care is here to not only care for your pet but to help you be the best pet parents you can be. Be sure to follow @PetWagginPetCare for more helpful tips and guides!