Posted: Fri Aug 27, 2010 1:09 pm Post subject: What questions should I ask prospective Luna-carers?
I think I have found someone who will be able to pop in to check on Luna when I start back at work and my parents aren't available to spoil her rotten!
They are a pet sitting business recommended to me locally and registered with National Pet Sitters (http://www.dogsit.com/).
I'm planning to phone them next Tuesday to ask some questions and hopefully arrange to meet them.
Do they use their own collar and leads, with their own identity tags.
What do they do in an emergency - how do they get a dog to the vets.
What do they charge if you end up cancelling them (what time frame do they need to book in for Luna and also to cancel without costing you money)
How do they like to be paid
What references do they have
Do they have the dog off the lead?
Do they play ball or stick (my preference personally...would be neither)
Do they mix dogs with other dogs?
How do they prevent cross contamination of possible flea infestations if all dogs travel in the car?
Do they use the car for tranporting dogs - how do they restrain dogs?
What methods do they use to make sure dogs have fun BUT are well behaved?
Do they ensure the dogs are clean when they go back into the home?
Do they give titbits? (again... my preference would be not to do it!).
Make it clear you want to know of any little problems so you can help sort them out however small (or big).
Do they text you to let you know how they get on (usually good for the first couple of walks not necessarily for all walks)
Will you have faith they will phone you if they are not sure about the health of Luna?
Do they have any first aid training.
How long have they been doing dog sittiing/walking for?
What time do they usually do the dogs in. (What time do you want Luna to be looked after?)
Make sure you are clear to them on what you expect, where to leave the dog in the house and with whatever biscuits or kongs you expect to be given. Usually these arrangements work out very well if boundaries are set at the start.
(is that enough questions for you?!!!!! )
Good luck - I find people that are reccommended by word of mouth are usually the best to go
As a minimum I would expect their ID tags on dogs (in addition to your own) and first aid training essential. The rest is usually up to each individual!
(ask at the petshop or vets if they have heard of the people you are phoning up)
Take care
Heidi
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Ask to go for a walk with them on their normal daily route? I've seen some dog walkers who advertise 'never more than 3 dogs' having more than 12 in the park at a time.... and chaos
If they are ever going to be collecting Luna and taking her for a walk, make SURE they don't have vans with 'pet sitters' or 'dog walker' emblems.
I say this because a few weeks ago, in my neck of the woods, a Dog Walking/Sitting agency had ELEVEN dogs STOLEN - the driver was picking up the dogs and stupidly left the key in the van engine while she went to get one of the dogs. Thieves had been monitoring the van, which had a big emblem on it revealing what it was for.
I would also want to know how many dogs they walk or care for at any one time.
Insurance is very important Laura. Not particularly for Luna's sake (although she of course is Mega Important.) What if they lose your house key? You need cover for that so locks can be replaced. Think Molly Dolly has written most of the questions I am asked. Good luck.
Often worth asking your vet for recommendations for sitters and walkers too.
I have to say that having to give them a house key is a concern - they have to be VERY trustworthy!!!! I am rather torn at the moment between having these 'professionals' or whether to ask if neighbours (that I don't know well but meet out with their dogs) to pop in for me... The professionals I'd expect to have insurance, the neighbours ....!
A very good point made about the van Tabbitha! They do have one! I definitely hope to simply use them to pop in to let Luna out in the garden, give her some fuss and a play rather than drive off somewhere with her.
I have to say that having to give them a house key is a concern - they have to be VERY trustworthy!!!! I am rather torn at the moment between having these 'professionals' or whether to ask if neighbours (that I don't know well but meet out with their dogs) to pop in for me... The professionals I'd expect to have insurance, the neighbours ....!
A very good point made about the van Tabbitha! They do have one! I definitely hope to simply use them to pop in to let Luna out in the garden, give her some fuss and a play rather than drive off somewhere with her.
Giving me lots to think about as ever LF!!!!
Vans that advertise they are dog walkers/sitters are advertising that the house is going to be empty too!!! so be wary of that.
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for news on my gang click on the www button!
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