Using house sitting as a way to cut your costs is a legitimate travel method. There are easy-to-use services that match house sitters to houses. You’ll find that you get stay comfortably in someone’s home, and explore the region at your leisure, with no need to worry about running up expensive hotel bills.

How do you become a house sitter?

Before anyone will hand you the keys to their home, they will be sure to ask you if you have any experience sitting homes for people. If you have no experience whatsoever, they will usually be reluctant to trust you. For this reason, your first move should be to gain some experience house sitting for someone who’s a friend or family member. When you do well, they’ll let you have a great testimonial that gets you started.

Signing up to a reputable house sitter matching service should be your next step. Most services require that you pay an annual fee to sign up. It is usually anywhere between $20 and about $100. Services such as PetCloud are popular, and cover plenty of destinations across Australia.

You need to create a profile

Once you find a house sitting service that has the kind of opportunities that you would like to have, your next step should be to make yourself an attractive candidate for those looking for the services that you provide. Typically, your profile and listing should include a picture, and detailed information about your experience working as a house sitter.

If you love pets, you should add a lot of detail about your experience with animals, considering that pet sitting is a big part of many house sitting jobs. If you can prove that you’re great with animals, it should work in your favour.  It can also help to talk about skills you have that might come in handy when house sitting — gardening experience, and experience with tools, for example.

You should make sure to include references and testimonials in your profile. If you have no experience, you could put down your experience as a rent paying tenant. You will only need to get a testimonial from your landlord, vouching for how you are a responsible renter.

Verifications

National Police check verifications can usually be done pretty quickly online.  You will also get a Disclosable Outcome Report.  This will also help to build trust with Pet Owners who haven’t met you yet.

Training

Accredited Training as a House Sitter and Pet Carer can be done conveniently online.  It is highly recommended as it will help give you confidence as to what to do in an emergency.

National Pet & House Sit Opportunities across Australia

The best house sitting opportunities in popular cities such as Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne go very quickly.

For this reason, it’s important to keep checking for openings, and to apply as quickly as you can. You should start with a brief introductory message. You should look over the details of the job, and mention relevant experience with pets or gardens as may be necessary. Introductory messages can work well for you when they are written with plenty of enthusiasm.

Prepare for the interview

Most homeowners do ask to interview you over Skype before they accept your application. Even if they don’t, it would be a good idea for you to insist on such an interview. You should ask them questions about their pets diet and exercise routine and fencing around the property, ensuring it is escape-proof and hazard free.  Are guests allowed? Is there a car that you can use?  Will there be a dedicated Guest Room mad up for you to stay in?  Where is the nearest Vet located?  Is there wifi so that you can keep in touch with the Owner to send them daily photo updates?  Will anyone else be staying in the house or calling in while you are there?  It’s also important to use the interview as an opportunity to see if the people you work for are the friendly type.

Going in prepared to do your best

Taking great care of a home and its pets is usually a demanding assignment. Things can go wrong sometimes, however, and you do need to be prepared for the occasional runaway pet or leaky roof. It’s always a good idea to have an emergency contact number on hand.

House sitting is usually easy, unchallenging work done in return for a wonderful time visiting a new country or town. Even if you don’t plan to make a career of house sitting, it’s an experience you should try at least once.

The post Become a House Sitter and get paid to stay in Homes with pets appeared first on PetCloud.

Firstly, you need to figure out WHY they are barking.  Is it boredom? Do they have pent up energy?  Are they calling out to other dogs?  Do they smell danger (like smoke?)  Are they lonely?  Are they scared?  Are they being territorial?  Depending on the breed of dog you own will determine different levels of activity each day and types of stimulation to stay mentally occupied, so let’s explore things you can try to stop a dog barking.

Barking Dog Solutions

1. Desensitization

Desensitization is a technique of exposing a dog to a stimulus (also known as a ‘trigger’) that would normally cause a reaction (barking) at an extremely low level.  As the pet becomes less reactive, it is desensitized through exposure to gradually more intense levels of the stimulus, until eventually they no longer react with barking anymore.

For example, if your dog reacts to the sound of car keys being picked up from the bench just before you leave and this would normally cause a reaction (barking).

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1. Try picking up the keys and then going no where.
2. Then try picking up the keys very quietly so that they just hear it.
3. Reward them with a high value treat and some praise if there is no reaction.
4. Gradually increase the sound and reward them with a treat and some praise if there is no reaction.
5. Gradually increase the sound again and reward them with a treat and some praise if there is no reaction.

If you get a reaction, don’t reward them, but just start again with a lower level of noise.

2. Create a Visual Barrier

Dogs who are acting territorial about their yard may see or hear other dogs, which may be triggering them to bark.  Blocking out gaps between fence palings is worth trying using a roll of Bamboo screening from Bunnings you can secure to the fence using a thin roll of fencing wire and wire cutters. If you dont have that, or can’t afford it, try cardboard secured to the fence temporarily using plastic cable ties. 

Signs your Dog might be bored

Two of the most common signs of boredom in a dog are Destruction (they are tearing the place apart) or? Barking (the dog is not engaging with their environment).

If a dog is in good health and is sleeping more than usual they may be bored, but if they are tearing apart the couch, excessively barking or even humping objects, they are definitely bored.  The RSPCA advises both inside and outside dogs can be prone to boredom, even if they have a big yard.

“For many confident dogs, time outside the yard provides much needed mental stimulation (a variety of sights, smells and sounds); even dogs in the biggest yards can become bored if not taken out regularly,” RSPCA said.  Whichever behaviour your dog displays to express their boredom it is important to redirect their negative behaviours rather than punishing them.

3. Book them into a Regular Program of Dog Walks

One of the ways to combat a bored dog involves their favourite four letter word, W-A-L-K.  If you are short of time, booking into a program of weekly dog walks with a professional dog walker is one of the easiest ways to combat their boredom. A dog should be taken for a walk at least once a day. High energy breed dogs such as Airedale Terriers need to be taken for a walk for 2 hours every day for example.

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“Dogs, like all of us, need exercise to stimulate their minds and it also takes away the boredom of hanging around in the yard all day,” he said.  If you don’t have the time to exercise your dog, then book a dog walker.  Dog’s brains operate like ours when it comes to exercise and happiness. The endorphines and serotonin produced from exercise will make them happier and their muscles, relaxed.

4. Try out a regular program of Doggy Day Care

If you work during the day and you have an anxious or lonely dog, then booking them into a regular weekly program of Doggy day care is a fantastic way to give your dog social interaction with other dogs in low volume and can help reduce separation anxiety and loneliness and problem barking.

As well as keeping your dog entertained, it can improve their social skills and adaptability.  Your dog’s need for regular socialisation just as important as humans.

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5. Start Reward based Training

Positive reinforcement training is a great way to physically and mentally stimulate a dog.  Jordan recommends giving your dog some basic training each and every day for about 10 minutes because dogs, like children, need education.

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“Every interaction with your dog is an opportunity to train you dog,” he said.  “Some helpful and easy commands to consider ae name recognition, sit, drop, come, shake, leave and mat training.”

6. Provide Toys they have to work for

Dogs at home alone need to be kept mentally active.  Enrichment toys and activities are involve a dog having to manipulate or move an object and can be done without interact with a person.  The RSPCA recommends kong’s are enjoyed by most dogs and provide a challenge and good chewing experience.  “It is important to rotate the toys on a regular basis so that your dog does not become bored,” the RSPCA said.  Why not have a toy box and switch up which toys your dog as access to each day.

7. Throw away their food bowl

Dogs are natural scavengers so rather than serving food in a bowl keep a dog entertained with a foraging activity will teach them to work for their food.   Whether food is hidden in kibble treat balls or rubber kongs, frozen in an ice block or hidden around the yard/house this will stimulate your dog to get to their food and give them a tasty snack.  You can purchase toys that will release the food on a timer or they have to push are to release food, or make your own toys with plastic bottles or boxes.   Try scattering your dog’s chews across the lawn. It’s going to take a bit of time to find breakfast, and they will most likely keep looking and not begin barking.

RSPCA School for Dogs recommends using food to entertain an easy way to make at home enrichment toys with food.  “Take some old rags or towels (that you don’t mind being ripped or dirtied), tie together into large knots and place dry treats inside the knots”.

8. Try Snuffle Mats

You can make these at home with a bath mat and polar fleece from a material store such as Spotlight. Cut the polar fleece into strips. Then thread them throught the holes in the bathmat and tie to secure, making a messy mat. Sprinkle treats throughout that they have to snuffle with their nose for.

9. Try a Kong Wobbler

Treats are inside and they have to paw at the wobbler to try and tip it over so they fall out of the hole.

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10 . Try a Kibble Ball

Kibble is placed inside a ball with a hole. Your dog has to nose the ball to get the kibble to come out.

11. Try Puzzle Toys

You can make your own DIY puzzle toy using treats hidden under balls in a muffin tin.

12. Try Nose work & scent games 

A dog’s sense of smell is more than 10,000 times more powerful than our own. Nose work games can help your dog hone in on their natural talents, and it’s a easy way to keep them entertained.

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13 . Try Raw Meaty Bones

Meaty raw beef bones are great for keeping dogs teeth clean, but also great for keeping them occupied.

9. Seek Vet Advice

If you have tried all these options, we recommend being proactive and seeking Vet Advice as they might recommend some alternate options.

Zylkene (made by Vetoquinol) is a capsule taken orally by pets and is an all-natural, non-sedating, drug-free nutritional supplement that can help to decrease anxiety in both dogs and cats. The active ingredient in Zylkene is alpha-casozepine which is derived from a protein in milk called casein.  You are able to pick up Zylkene from any Vet.

Complete Calm (made by Blackmores) are kangaroo based chews that contains Tryptophan, B group vitamins and a blend of multivitamins and nutrients to support the general health and nervous function in dogs.  You are able to pick up Complete Calm from most Vet.

Anxiety Aid make by Rufus & Coco is a dietary supplement for dogs and cats that aids in relieving anxiety which you can add to your pet’s food.  Anxiety Aid is a professionally formulated palatable powder to help relieve anxiety in cats and dogs. It contains Tryptophan, an essential amino acid which converts to serotonin once consumed; along with other B group vitamins and minerals.

Medication under Vet Advice

In extreme cases when other non-medicinal methods have been exhausted, you may find that drug therapy may be your only solution. As this solution comes from your vets expert guidance, you should try not to feel guilty about using them, knowing that your vet always has your pet’s best interests at heart.

Vets may prescribe drugs, which tend to calm a dog’s senses a little, but they are not a cure. Drugs only provide a support mechanism to assist the owner in rehabilitating the dog, it is only a temporary fix for the underlying problem. You have to treat the root cause.

Ready to set up a recurring program of Dog Walks?
PetCloud is free to join: Post a Job, get cost estimates, contact insured dog walking professionals, and even book the job—all on PetCloud.

The post How to Stop my Dog Barking appeared first on PetCloud.

While cats are a relatively easy pet to care for, to make them feel comfortable and happy it is imperative to have these essentials in your home.

If you are new to owning or pet sitting for a cat or kitten, you may not know where to start but never fear as this crash course will help you prepare your home and life a furry friend.

A SPACE OF THEIR OWN

Your tiny kitten is about to come into a very big new home so it is important to start small.

When you bring the kitten into your home find a space which is small enough not to be overwhelming and somewhat out of the way which they can call their own.

For example a small bedroom or bathroom which the kitten can consider their safe space and will also be where you keep the kitten’s food, water and litter box.

For pet owners, ideally this room will be those items permanent home, but I you have to move them just know your kitten will need lots of reminding that these items are no longer where they once were.

Dr Carol Margolis, medical genetics resident at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia told PetMD, it should also be a space out of the way.

“If you end up bringing home a shy cat, you don’t want to be forcing interactions early on that could cause anxiety and make it hard for the cat to adjust to her new home,” Dr Margolis said.

However, Dr Ryane E. Englar, a assistance professor and clinical education coordinator of veterinary medicine added a new kitten doesn’t necessarily have to be confined to this space all day, every day.

“You should be letting the kitten out of the room to explore the kitchen, living room, or tother spaces in the new home,” Dr Englar said.

“You just always want them to come back to that home base.”

A WARM AND SNUGGLY BED

Now as any cat owner will know it’s actually more like a warm and snuggly place to sleep as most cats will ignore an actual beds in favour of a empty cardboard box, towel or blanket.

Cats and kittens have a mind of their own and will decide what they want and like best.

Dr Englar said if you’re going with a blanket cats prefer warmer sleeping environments than people so choose a blanket that retains heat well.

“Also, you want a blanket that can be easily washed so you can stay on top of fur buildup,” she said.

If you to decide to try your luck with a bed kittens tend to like round beds that they can curl up in or prop themselves up on the side.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!

Experts agree that kittens should be fed kitten food, not food for full-grown adult cats.

It is also encourages to let little kitties try a variety of foods when they’re small, which ensures the kitten understand that food comes in different forms and may reduce the likelihood of a fussy adult cat and help if a change in diet is needed for health reasons.

Dr Englar agrees variety is a good thing.

“If a cat is only ever fed one type of kibble in one size, it’s really hard to get them to try news foods later on,” Dr Englar said.

Plus it will help you figure out which is their favourite as Dr Margolis notes some cats prefer wet food, some prefer dry.

“If it’s wet food, they may prefer the pate or they may really like the kinds that more resemble actual meet… you won’t know unless you try,” Dr Margolis said.

A LITTER BOX

When most kittens come to your home they will already be litter trained, so by simply making a little box available will ensure they use it.

To help a new kitten finding the litter box, whether they are in a new environment or the litter box has been moved, you need to constantly – every 15 to 30 minutes – bring the kitten to the box’s new location to remind them where it is.

If your kitten is too small to use a litter box for adult cats Dr Englar offering some easy solutions.

“You may have to start out using a cake pan, or trimming down the sides of plastic box so that the kitten can easily get in and out,” she said.

Having the appropriate number of litter boxes for the amount of cats is imperative and Dr Margolis recommends having one litter box per cat, plus one spare.

“If you have three cats, you’re going to want to have four littler boxes in your house,” Dr Margolis said.

“They don’t all have to be in the same place… in fact, having them around the house relieves some of the anxiety cats may have about hiding when doing their business, which is just part of their nature.”

SOMEWHERE TO SCRATCH

Scratching is one of kitten’s basic instincts so they are going to do it and you want them doing it somewhere they are supposed to, as opposed to on your nice dining chairs or couch.

When it comes to scratching post material there is twine, cardboard or carpet fabrics and not all cat’s prefer the same, so some trial and error may be needed.

Dr Englar also recommends to not get a scratching post with similar fabric to your couch as this may confuse them.

But it is definitely worth getting the right on for the sake of your other furniture.

PLAYTIME TOYS FOR MIND AND BODY

Of course there are the typical soft stuffed toys, cat nip mice and balls with bells, however having some puzzle toys for cats will keep them engaged for longer and stimulate them mentally and physically.

Dr Margolis highly recommend toys that can be filled with treats or kibble and have to be batted around to make food come out.

“Cats love to do two thing: hide and hunt,” Dr Margolis said.

“Puzzle feeders help recreate the hunting they would be doing if they were living in the wild, where they had to work for their food.”

You can buy puzzle toys from most pet stores, but some of these dump food too quickly so why not make them yourself at home using an old butter tub or chip can.

Experts also recommend avoid playing with kittens with just bare hands as it may be cute when they bite you as a kitten but as they grow a bite can really hurt and they will become confused as to why you don’t play with them anymore.

Dr Margolis recommends using a stuffed animal if you want to rub your kitten’s belly and rile them up.

“You can certainly play that way, but you want to do it with a toy that you are comfortable with them continuing to attack as they get older,” she said.

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LONG-TERM HEALTH AND SAFETY

For a new kitten it is important to take you pet the vet to get them microchipped and to discuss vaccinations, de-sexing and pet insurance.

In regards to microchipping, cats find ways to get outside and this ensures that when they’re found you will be able to be contacted as soon as possible.

Lastly, you will need a reliable pet carer for when you go away on holidays or work trips and online pet sitting services like PetCloud have pet carers available across Australia who offer a range of services.

As cats are very territorial and prone to anxiety in new environments it is recommended to narrow your search to house sitting or house visits rather than relocating them to another house.

Find local Vets, store your Pet’s Health, etc, download PetCloud today.

Download IOS: https://apple.co/2PifzXs Android: https://bit.ly/3aFeK2m

The post 7 Essentials A Kitten Can’t Live Without appeared first on PetCloud.

• Provide a safe and clean environment
• Have clear expectations agreed upon before the sit.  Completing the House Sitting Welcome Form and discussing it at your Meet & Greet and leaving it on the kitchen bench will help you set expectations.
• Ensure you are always available for communication. Discuss with the sitter your preferred method of contact, and provide your itinerary.
• Ensure that neighbors or friends know that someone is going to be in your home
• Alert your veterinarian.  Establish an account with the vet. Ensure a consent for medical treatment is in place.
• Ensure the sitter is aware of the operation of your home and contents
• Ensure there is enough safety gear and fuel to operate any equipment required
• Ensure there is enough wet and dry food for animals for the duration of the stay (plus an extra 2 days just in case).
• Leave some spare money just in case OR ensure that you have accounts set up with the vet and/or other service providers…THE SITTER SHOULD NEVER BE OUT OF POCKET

1. Give them fresh sheets, pillows, and quilts to sleep in.

2. Leave the details of your usual Vet (and emergency Vet) in case the Sitter has queries on any concerning behaviour of your pets and can’t get in touch with you.

3. Don’t completely empty your cupboards and fridge out. Leave behind a few essentials; Tea & Coffee, a Small Carton of Fresh Milk, some cereal, and some bread and some margarine.

4. Leave the name of your Wifi, the Username, and the Password and the Internet Company name so they can access the internet.

5. Leave instructions about your gadgets & if you need them to water the plants

6. Leave a clear box of where to find your pets bowls, bedding, leashes, food.  

7. Buy enough pet food to last your entire trip + 2 days worth in case of any delays.

8. Draw and leave a mud map of your local neighbourhood that includes key local shops and corner grocery stores.

Find local Vets, store your Pet’s Health, etc, download PetCloud today.

Download IOS: https://apple.co/2PifzXs Android: https://bit.ly/3aFeK2m

The post How To Make Your House Sitters Stay Comfortable appeared first on PetCloud.

As a Pet Sitter or House Sitter on PetCloud, you set your own prices and your own services. We recommend that you shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to offer additional services to Busy Pet Owners who might gladly take you up on them. Pet Sitting can be quite lucrative in that you can earn as much as a the cost of a Hotel Room per night.  Also, depending on what your local council specifies for your pet minding limits, in some cases you can mind up to 3 pets per night.

For example, here are some sample prices:

• Pet Sitting 1 dog per night $30 + $5 on top per dog for a 1 hour walk
• Pet Sitting 1 cat per night $15
• House Sitting (Usually this is for multiple animals in one booking) and can be $35
• Extra cost for Pet Sitting of Multiple Pets $5 to $35 for extra per pet (depending on whether its a long term stay and whether that pet is a large or small animal)
• Dog Walking for 1 dog $32, extra dog $10
• Dog Washing $20
• Basic clip and brushing and nails trimmed $20
• Pet Taxi – As your own Boss, you need to think about what price you will charge customers for picking up their pets in your car, waiting at Grooming or Vet appointments, fuel, maintenance, registration, cleaning, and car insurance expenses. Eg.
• 0 to 15km: $40
• 15km to 25km: $55
• 25km to 30km: $70
• 30km to 40km: $99
• over 40km: Pet Owners are advised to Log in, Post a job and ask Sitters for a custom quote

All these prices vary depending on whether its peak holiday season such as Easter and Christmas, and whether you are in a convenient location, ie close to the airport, or within 20kms of the CBD.

And if you’re asked during a meet and greet for a discount, consider it, but always remember the VALUE of how much your TIME is WORTH to someone who has NONE.

So don’t go discounting yourself too heavily and remember to tell the pet owner about any extra fuel costs for trips, or extra walks they should consider.

Don’t be shy to offer extra services.  When I was in the Corporate world, I had a regular income but just zero time.  I would have been GRATEFUL for any services someone could have offered me such as dog walking.

If you are offering a Pet Taxi service…

If you have other qualifications, such as Grooming or Training, then you can also add these onto your profile:

• Qualified Dog Training $250 (for 3 x 1 hour sessions at your home)
• Professional Dog Grooming from $60 (basic)

You may wish to offer professional grooming if you are experienced and have done accredited training, otherwise you are also able to offer to book the Pet into any of Petbarn’s retail stores across the country and you could drive them there and back.

There are 3 options for Professional Grooming and Clipping.

Option 1 DELUXE BATH & FULL GROOM FROM $90.00

Full Body Clip Tidy up – face, feet, hygiene area Scissor Finish Shampoo & Conditioner Blow Dry Towel Dry Nail Trimming Ear Cleaning Doggy Cologne Shampoo Upgrade Tear Stain Treatment Flea Treatment Fresh Breath Treatment Paw Pad Treatment

Option 2 BATH & FULL GROOM FROM $75.00

Full Body Clip Tidy up – face, feet, hygiene area Scissor Finish Full Body Brush Shampoo & Conditioner Blow Dry Towel Dry Nail Trimming Ear Cleaning Doggy Cologne Shampoo Upgrade

Option 3 BATH & TIDY UP FROM $60.00

Tidy up – face, feet, hygiene area Full Body Brush Shampoo & Conditioner Blow Dry Towel Dry Ear Cleaning Doggy Cologne

What happens if a Pet Owner asks me to do extra things or needs to extend the booking? 

Then that’s great! We encourage to you actively offer to do extra services to help out time-poor busy Pet Owners.  Don’t be pressured to quote on the spot if you need some time to calculate it and get back to them. Your time is valuable too.

Quote them and text them this url: https://www.paypal.me/petcloud/putthepricehere

For example if Pet Owners say, “Hi I’m going to be a few hours late, or “Hi I would love you to take them to the groomers etc” and then you say ok great, I’m happy to do that for an extra $90. (This is $90 for a round trip to the groomers + the price of basic grooming at $60)

The url you would message them is https://www.paypal.me/petcloud/90 and to them it will look like this:

You then email the Support Team with the Subject Header: Extra Charges for Booking with Pet Owner Name.

In the Body of the email write:

Hi Team,  

Extra Charges have been requested by Pet Owner Jane Smith please add to booking.

01/12/2016: Additional Pick up and drop off  $30
01/12/2016: Grooming $60
Remember, your time is valuable, just like theirs. You are helping them with responsibilities that they otherwise should have done but for some reason are unable to (eg due to flight delays work commitments etc and busy Pet Owners will be relieved to have an extra helping hand so don’t be afraid to be assertive but friendly when asked to do extra things, just say “Absolutely, I will text you a quote with a link and if you could reply by saying Yes that quote is fine and then paying that will help me know to not book in any more clients.”

Here are few more reasons why Pet Sitting can be the perfect job for anyone interested in part time work:

1- Extra income – By becoming a pet sitter you can can earn upto $50 – $100 per day depending on the services you provide to the pet owners.

2- Companionship – A pet can be a great companion while you study or have those nights in where you don’t feel like going out but you still want company. Having pets around can be a real comfort.

3 – Stress Buster – Pets can help relieve the stress. Exercise gets those endorphins pumping and the extra cash will help ease financial worries.

4- Fitness buddy – Exercise is an integral part of our lives, playing with a pet makes us more active and gets your metabolism going again.

5- Bodyguard – Dogs are often considered the best for guarding a house, even a small dog can deter a robber because of the barking.

How to get started:

It’s free and easy to get started. In just minutes, you can join free, create a profile, your pet’s profile, and if you want to do pet sitting, create a listing to advertise your services.  With cashless secure online payments, easy to understand trust badging, and icons of verifications undergone, and service reviews system, you can set your own schedule of availability, you’ll know who you’re meeting up with, and are in control of the pets you want to mind. JOIN FREE

Read more: Want to increase your chances of success & booking inquiries?

Find local Vets, store your Pet’s Health, etc, download PetCloud today.

Download IOS: https://apple.co/2PifzXs Android: https://bit.ly/3aFeK2m

The post Prices to Charge for your Services as a Petsitter & House Sitter appeared first on PetCloud.

1. Flexible Especially when your work schedule is subject to change, it’s advantageous to have a great pet sitter who is flexible and can step in on short notice. That way, if you have an important appointment or need to stay late at the office, you can trust your pet will be taken care of.

2. Calm & Resourceful Any pet parent knows that with animals things don’t always go according to plan. But a great pet sitter must remain patient when your pet doesn’t behave as expected, and stay calm so your pet doesn’t feel and react to the anxiety and can problem-solve, rather than phoning you every 5 minutes.

3. Sensitive A great pet sitter recognises the needs of your pet and responds to them. The person should realise when your cat doesn’t want to play anymore and give her space. Look for someone who handles your pet affectionately and never uses physical punishment or force, like dragging on your dog’s leash during a walk.

4. Trustworthy & Safety Conscious Since you may be handing your spare keys to your pet sitter, it’s very important that you can trust this person. To get an idea of whether a caregiver may be trustworthy, read reviews online, check references from previous employers. PetCloud make it mandatory that all sitters to have a background check if they want to offer house sitting (ie staying in the Owners home while they’re away). Remember, if you get a bad feeling after meeting someone, always trust your gut. The Sitter’s backyard should also meet the RSPCA Backyard Checklist Criteria and be escape-proof. Refer to PetCloud if you would like a print out of this checklist.

5. Experienced & Prepared Especially when your pet is high maintenance or challenging in terms of care, hire a pet sitter who has a lot of experience. If you have a pug, your pet sitter should not be new to the pet care field. Instead, find someone who has handled pugs before, and can provide references or a certificate to show their experience level. Does your pet have a medical condition or need special treatment? Look for a caregiver with a background in this area. A Sitter who also owns a Pet First Aid Kit demonstrates someone who is prepared.

6. Consistent You’ve probably worked hard to teach your pet the rules of the house. Make sure your sitter knows them too. If you don’t allow your pooch to lie on the sofa or sleep in your bed, your pet sitter should not undo your training by bending the rules. The person you hire must be firm and consistent — even if your pet gives them the begging puppy-dog-eyes!

7. Reliable & a good communicator Your pet sitter is there to make your everyday life easier — not to cause you additional headache wondering if they’ll be late or show up at all. It’s important that you can rely on your caregiver and schedule your plans confidently. Set clear agreements between you and your pet sitter about rules and scheduling. If the sitter is running late (as happens to everyone occasionally), what is the protocol for letting you know? Does the Pet Sitter paraphrase back to you exactly what you are asking them to do while you’re away?  If they seem flaky and uninterested, you do have more options, call the friendly PetCloud staff and ask for assistance or log a job on PetCloud.

8. Genuine Love for Animals Ask interesting questions during your interview to get a feel for the candidate‘s personality (for example: “What’s the funniest or most embarrassing thing you’ve experienced with an animal? ”). A good pet sitter will show a genuine love for pets in their answers to your questions. Ask about pets they’ve owned or cared for in the past — a person who loves animals will be eager to tell you stories of their own pets. Through these types of discussions you can gauge their love for animals and their level of excitement about this job opportunity. Also, is the pet sitter taking notes? Does the person ask questions about your pet’s eating habits, characteristics and dispositions? These are good signs that the caregiver is really interested and dedicated to getting to know your pet and its personal needs.

9. Connection to Your Pet You wouldn’t hire a babysitter without having her meet your kids first — it should be the same with your pet! Request a meet-and-greet with the pet sitter and your pet. It’s okay if your pet doesn’t warm up to the new person immediately, but watch for signs that your pet is very uncomfortable or that the person is handling the pet incorrectly. Observing the pet sitter with your pet is a great way to tell if the person really has the experience and comfort with animals that they claim to have.

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