Wow!

Episode 50: Mar 18, 2023

What are our "Wow! Factors"?

Well, there are several. Sits & Wiggles team members go above and beyond in every aspect of our business. We provide these wow factors in order to show our appreciation to our clients, but also because we love the animals we work with.

Some wow factors we don't advertise. They are surprise perks for our clients. Other wow factors are:

1. It's evident to every person & animal who we meet that we're motivated by love.

2. We are background checked, licensed & insured.

3. We are trained in cat & dog first aid & CPR.

4. Safety is our top priority. On our blog, I discuss concerns such as microchips that dislodge, lost pets, leaving a plan in your will in case you predecease your pets, extreme temperature safety & more.

5. We don't use shock or prong collars on your pets. We won't disrespect you or your pets.

6. Sits & Wiggles is the only Better Business Bureau accredited pet sitting & dog training company in Bend, Oregon.

7. Sits & Wiggles has 30 years of pet sitting experience.

8. Keith has 12 years of experience dog training, vet assisting, & grooming (cats & dogs). He was also the general manager of two grooming salons for 12 consecutive years. He's worked as general manager for our local College Hunks franchise. Keith has worked at the Humane Society of Central Oregon. I have volunteered there with our children. I've also volunteered my time working with several other local non-profit organizations.

9. We have experience caring for special needs pups, including those who are blind, deaf, elderly, reactive, aggressive, anxious or fearful.

10. We are ethical, honest & transparent in our words & actions.

11. Sits & Wiggles team members respect our clients' privacy. We will only share pet photos & videos with advance written permission. We never post until after clients have safely returned home. We don't disclose who our clients are, where they reside or work, etc.

12. We offer GPS tracking & pet specific report cards.

13. Sits & Wiggles respects the pets' non verbal communication.

14. We send photos and / or videos on every visit.

15. We utilize pet care software for accounting & scheduling purposes, for additional clientele convenience.

16. My professional roles include: bank manager, medic in the US Army, and accounting student.

17. Our driving records are immaculate.

18. Our vehicles are fully insured.

19. We won't play loud music in your home, or otherwise upset your neighbors.

20. Dogs are always leashed except when in fully fenced yards or dog parks.

21. Keith & I don't drink, smoke or utilize recreational drugs. We won't throw a party in your home or leave it smelling of smoke.

22. Sits & Wiggles is professional, responsible & respectful at all times.

23. We are fully transparent. We speak the truth.

24. Cameras are welcome (with safety limitations of course).

25. We maintain communication with our clients.

26. Sits & Wiggles respects time restrictions. We won't communicate with our clients before 9 am or after 8 pm unless the client initiated the communication.

27. There are no hidden or surprise fees. Our rates are clearly written on our contract, website, Facebook page and on Nextdoor.

28. Our rates are competitive; not the lowest or the highest in our area. These rates are value packed as we include many services & peace of mind.

29. We share tips on how to interview other pet service providers. Whether you choose to hire us or not, we will assist you, as we want only the best for you & your beloved pets.

30. We support other small businesses.

31. During transport, pets will be secured in crates or pet specific seat belts.

32. Our vehicles are equipped with dog specific first aid kits.

33. We follow the pet's routine & personalized needs.

34. In order to assist the multitude of lost dogs, we carry extra leashes, collars & treats at all times.

35. We are trained to read dog body language, which offers the opportunity to minimize conflict between dogs in order to maintain safety.

36. Sits & Wiggles team members are mindful of time changes so that we don't disrupt your sleep schedule while you're vacationing or otherwise traveling.

37. We respect pets' boundaries & timelines.

38. We offer butte hikes, river visits & dog park visits.

39. We are established within the community of like minded local pet professionals who utilize fear free, force free methods.

40. Sits & Wiggles creates personalized music videos starring your pets, with client permission of course. For the initial video, clients can choose a favorite genre or song (as long as the content is appropriate). Keith is the video mastermind. I have yet to meet another dog trainer, pet sitter or dog walker who takes the skills, time, energy and passion to perform this service. In addition, this is included in our rates.

41. We offer "Bonus Time", which is additional time that we spend with your pets, for FREE! I've never experienced another company that offers HOURS of service for free to their clients.

42. Sits & Wiggles, LLC has NEVER left an overnight client without service. This is due to how we structured our business model. We have an emergency plan, and are set up to expect the unexpected.

43. When our schedule doesn't allow us to accept a job, we go out of our way to refer clients within our trusted circle.

44. We established a group to connect pet owners with pet professionals. Bend Oregon Pet Services is accessible via Facebook. (We cannot recommend everyone within this group, as we haven't worked with every company. It is a platform for connection. You're always welcome to contact us to see if who we've worked with. The client is responsible for vetting the businesses prior to hiring them.)

45. Keith is a positive reinforcement dog trainer. If you are in need of dog training services, we can provide them.

46. Sits & Wiggles provides pet taxi services to and from the vet or groomer.

47. We also offer urgent and emergent vet transport. This service is available to our current clients at all times. You don't need to have a booked service with us at the time of medical necessity in order for us to provide medical transport.

48. We can provide wedding attendant services. Your dog can be included in your celebration! Our handlers will tend to your pup while at the event, and provide round trip transportation. We will attend to all the dog related details so that you are free to enjoy your special day.

49. We offer dog walk and bath services. We'll exercise, socialize and deliver your clean, happy pup(s) right to your door. Clients don't need to be home for these services. Keith has 12 years of grooming experience.

50. All consultations except for dog training services are free of charge!

51. Overnight pet sitting services include a plethora of additional services such as mail retrieval, plant care, trash/blind/light rotation, linen services and more.

52. For pet sitting services, a second dog and an additional small pet are included free of charge! Overnight services include a daytime hour long visit.

53. For dog walking services, a second dog is free of charge.

54. We leave the home clean. When you return, your home will look untouched.

55. We are in town during the holidays, ready & excited to care for your pets & home while you travel.

56. Oral, opthalmic & otic medication administration and management are included free of charge!

57. We intentionally leave daytime walking, sitting and training spots open for last minute bookings, delayed or cancelled flights, et cetera. In this sense, we expect the unexpected.

58. We have zero last minute booking fees for all services.

59. We have zero cancellation fees for daytime (non overnight) services.

60. We are stable, responsible and professional. We have a backup in case of illness, injury or emergency.

61. Our contract is thorough, comprehensive and ever evolving.

62. Since this is our full time passion, we are more available to answer your calls, texts and emails than someone who is doing this as a side gig.

63. We are not complacent. We continually educate ourselves & achieve forward growth.

64. Sits & Wiggles supports aspiring entrepreneurs by offering guidance.

65. Keith & I are stable. We've been Bend community members since 2005.

66. Our client community receives periodic newsletter emails.

67. We are able to ascertain which dogs will mesh well. With pet parent permission, we facilitate dog play dates, which evolve into lasting friendships.

68. Sits & Wiggles Is Keith's second successful dog training & pet sitting business. He sold A Tender Touch Pet Care when we relocated to Bend in 2005.

Nakala Matthews Owner/Operator of Sits & Wiggles, LLC sits-wiggles.com wigglyk9@outlook.com 541-4CANINE