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Episode 22: Mar 8, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Overnight Pet Sitting Services
Pet sitting, unfortunately, isn't a regulated business sector. This is why we created our own business model. If you've never utilized a professional pet sitting service, or you've had a negative experience elsewhere, you may have some questions. I can't speak for other businesses, but I can tell you how Sits & Wiggles, LLC works.
1. Do you charge for consultations? - As the client, you are the boss. You are given the opportunity to interview us. This is our one hour long, free pet sitting consultation. Some pet service providers charge for these visits. We don't charge for consults except for dog training services. This is an investment in the relationship between pet service provider & pet parent. Whether you choose to utilize our services or not, we enjoy meeting you & your animals, & providing assistance to the best of our ability.
2. What are my options if you're booked up? - If we're booked for your travel dates, we have a local network of pet professionals to refer you to. We also created a Facebook group, Bend Oregon Pet Services, to connect clients with service providers. Please be aware of these caveats: Sits & Wiggles cannot recommend every individual or company within this group, as we haven't worked with them all. Sits & Wiggles, LLC adheres to positive reinforcement, force free principals. Not all providers in the group Bend Oregon Pet Services holds the same beliefs. Pet parents are welcome to compare & contrast options amongst available businesses. Pet parents are solely responsible for vetting any service provider prior to deciding to work with them. Providers have a range of experience, skills, qualifications & belief systems. Please contact us for our individual recommendations.
3. What sets you apart from other companies? - There are many factors, including our expertise, acquired skills and knowledge. We create personalized videos of your pets, only with advanced written permission of course. For your initial video, you're welcome to choose a favorite song or genre; as long as it's appropriate. We include 2 dogs and a cat for our overnight packages. Daytime hour long visits are included in our overnight packages. We don't charge extra for special needs, elderly or very young pets. Sits & Wiggles utilizes an app which offers GPS tracking, pet specific report cards, invoicing and more. We are mindful of time differences and will not contact you during your sleep hours unless an emergency occurs. We don't drink, smoke or utilize recreational drugs. We pride ourselves on our professionalism, our comprehensive contract, and how we treat our clients and their animals with love. Also, we provide Bonus Time, which is additional time caring for your animals, devoid of additional charges. This is one of the many ways we thank our clientele. On every visit, we send videos or photos to you. Sits & Wiggles has an emergency plan at all times. We're available for communication, as this is our only business. We typically respond within 15 - 60 minutes. This is our only career, so we're more available to answer phone calls, texts & emails than hobby sitters are.
4. What exactly are your qualifications? -Sits & Wiggles, LLC is veteran owned, BBB accredited, licensed and insured. Our sitters are background checked, certified in pet CPR / first aid, and have spotless driving records. We treat our human and animal clients with the utmost care and respect. Keith & Nakala have combined 30 years of pet sitting experience. Keith has 12 years of dog training experience. He also has 12 years experience grooming, managing grooming salons & assisting a veterinarian. As the general manager, he was instrumental in the success & growth of 2 grooming salons. Keith previously owned and operated a successful pet sitting and dog training business, which he sold upon relocating to Bend. He has since worked at our local Humane Society. He is a positive reinforcement dog trainer, who has worked alongside some of our incredible local dog trainers. Nakala has volunteered at our local Humane Society.
5. Do you have advertising on your vehicles? Won't everyone know that I'm out of town? - We have never, nor will we ever, advertise on our vehicles. In fact, we specifically purchased vehicles in non descript, inconspicuous colors so that we don't stand out. Your neighbors may think that we're your friends helping with your pets while you're at work. We don't wear our logo attire while pet sitting. We do wear this while dog training or walking (outside of pet sitting services).
6. Do you share photos of my animals? Only with advance written agreement will we share pictures or videos of your sweet animals. Even then, we won't share anything until you've safely arrived home. We don't want someone to recognize your pets and figure out that you're out of town. Safety, privacy and respect for our clients is a high priority. This is why we don't disclose which pets we've cared for until after the visit has ended.
7. How does the process work? - Once you contact us and indicate your interest, we will schedule the consultation at your home, in order to properly interact with you and your pets. The next step is scheduling & paperwork.
8. But what happens after I leave? - We care for your pets according to the service you chose & the instructions you set. Our services are personalized to the specific needs of each of your pets. We keep open lines of communication with you during your travels.
9. Do I need to provide food? Where does the sitter sleep? Do I need to tip? There are so many questions! - Sits & Wiggles sitters provide our own food, personal hygiene items & bedding. We sleep in the room you designate, as you're the boss. Tipping is not necessary. You are welcome to tip if you desire.
10. Will you charge extra for a second dog or an extra walk? - Our base rates include two dogs and a third small animal such as a cat, bird, bunny, etc. If you have fish, we count the tank as the third pet. We will charge extra at the third dog. Whether you require one daily dog walk or three, our charge is the same.
11. What about elderly, special needs, reactive, anxious or fearful dogs? - Sits & Wiggles sitters are experienced & skilled in working with these spectacular pups and welcome them with open arms! But do you charge more? - No, our charge is the same, with a few exceptions. Incontinence, physical lifting of heavy pets, etc may incur additional charges.
12. Is there a minimum or maximum number of overnights? - No. We can stay for one night, for months at a time, or anything in between.
13. How do you choose which client gets the dates if demand is high? - Jobs are booked on a first come, first served basis. Reservations are confirmed once the required payment is satisfied. Clients are welcome to book overnight services up to 2 years in advance.
14. Do you service all of Central Oregon? - In order to minimize overhead costs, and to maximize quality time with the pets we service, we work within Bend, Oregon. We are in the process of hiring team members who can service Central Oregon cities outside of Bend.
15. What about meds? Do you charge extra? - We will manage & administer oral, optical & otic medications without additional charge. We do not offer injectable medication services.
16. Are you all booked up? Should I even bother trying to get a booking? - While we do have overnight dates reserved & paid for into 2024, the majority of our calendar for both 2023 & 2024 is available. Please keep in mind that the dates that are in highest demand, & book 12-18 months in advance, are holiday and summer dates.
17. Do you take last minute bookings? Do you charge extra? - If our schedule allows, we absolutely accept last minute jobs. No, we don't charge extra.
18. Will you care for my plants, mail, trash cans, etc.? - This is all included, with an exception. For excessive plant care, such as more than 10 indoor plants, a greenhouse, etc., a fee may be assessed.
19. Do you leave a mess for me to return to? - We launder all linens, wash dishes, clean counters & floors, etc. When you return, your home will look as if it had not been touched.
20. Will you cancel my overnight job? - We have countless clients who have been in this situation. Their sitters or friends canceled at the last minute, leaving them scrambling to find a trustworthy replacement. We have never canceled an overnight job. In fact, we intentionally leave a person available, at all times, for overnights. This way, we expect the unexpected. If the original sitter has an illness, injury or emergency, the second person can gracefully step in.
21. Can I speak with your current clients? This is more helpful for me than reading reviews. - Of course!
22. Do you offer discounts? - While we don't offer discounts, we do offer referral bonuses. Existing clients will earn credits between $25 - $50 for every new client they refer. The bonus amount depends on the service that the new client uses, & is applied after the new service is paid for.
23. Do you allow cameras in the home you're staying in? - Cameras are welcome, except in bedrooms and bathrooms. Clients are not permitted to share any footage of our sitters. We don't ask clients to disclose if they have cameras or where they're located. We understand that these tools help provide the client peace of mind. We don't do anything that we shouldn't, so we don't have an issue with cameras/
24. Is pet sitting the only service you provide? - No. We also train, walk & bathe dogs. We socialize puppies & provide wedding services. For our current clientele, we offer pet taxi services to & from groomers & veterinarians.
If you have further questions, reach out to us via phone, email, messenger or Google. Enjoy your day!
Nakala Matthews Owner / Operator Sits & Wiggles, LLC
sits-wiggles.com
541-4CANINE wigglyk9@outlook.com
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