Why Professional Pet Care?
Hello and welcome to Tails N Whiskers new blog feature, Paws For Thought!
Each month, we’ll be highlighting some of our most frequently asked questions or hottest topics, contributed by our wonderful clients and curious staff. For our first feature, we decided to tackle the most important and commonly asked question of all – why use professional pet care services when there are so many (often less expensive) other options available?
Well, if you’re anything like us, your pets aren’t “just pets.” Pets are family, sometimes messy roommates, emotional support comedians, and the heartbeats with whom we share our homes and lives. So, when it’s time to trust someone else with their care, especially if you are planning something like an important work trip halfway across the world or a return to in-office work, it’s a big decision. Of course, you can always default to your favorite friends and family members who love animals – but when it comes to consistency, safety and expertise, professional pet care is the way. Here’s why!
1. Professionals Show Up, Every Time
Life happens, cars break down, alarms don’t go off (or, maybe someone is a little overzealous with the snooze button) and plans change. However, hiring a professional pet care company like Tails N Whiskers ensures that the person showing up to care for your animals is performing a job, not a favor, to be present for every scheduled visit. Professional pet care companies also have contingency plans in place to prevent hiccups in service, especially in the case of severe weather or illness.
2. Skills, Training and Real-life Experience
Pet care professionals might be naturally gifted in their way with animals, but they’re also trained. Tails N Whiskers Pet Care team members not only receive on-the-job training when they are hired, but continuous education throughout their employment on subjects like animal body language, administering medication, pet CPR & first aid, and how to manage reactivity. A hobby sitter can feed a cat, but a pro can identify stress, catch early signs of illness, and de-escalate a tough situation before it becomes a bigger problem or emergency.
3. Safety (and Security!) First
In addition to ongoing training to prevent things like illness and accidents while you are away from your furry family members, professional pet sitters often follow company-wide safety protocols. Tails N Whiskers post-visit checklist includes double-checking to make sure doors are locked, gates are secure, and alarms are set. Part of new client company onboarding involves using Time to Pet, our client portal, to store important medical information and in case of emergency directives like preferred urgent care vets. Pet pros also always carry private insurance – Tails N Whiskers is insured through Pet Sitters Associates.
4. Consistency Is Key
Animals thrive on routine. A professional pet care company like Tails N Whiskers places a great deal of importance on making sure things like feeding times, walking routes, medication schedules and bedtime rituals are exactly as your pet expects, helping to prevent any additional stress that might have otherwise resulted from the absence of their families.
5. Pawrents Are Important Too!
Professional petsitters don’t just take care of the pets, they’re caretakers of the whole family. This includes using our client portal, Time To Pet, to send frequent and thorough updates and pictures, respond promptly to client communication, takes proactive measures if changes in behavior or health are noticed, and makes sure clients never have to wonder what’s happening at home. Tails N Whiskers staffs the on-call desk during business hours, 8a-7p, with administrative managers to help guide staff and clients in case of questions or concerns. This means you get peace of mind, always, and in real time!
Choosing professional pet care services isn’t just about convenience; it’s about giving your pet the highest standard of love and protection when you can’t be there to do it yourself, and that’s worth every penny!
