10 Things You Should Ask When Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

1. Are You Insured and Bonded?

   This protects both you and the pet sitter in case of accidents, injuries or property damage. Professional sitters will always be up-to-date on coverage.

The Nona Paws Pet Sitting Response:

Yes! All of our employees are covered under our company policy and are fully licensed, bonded and insured. We are happy to provide a copy of our insurance and bond upon request.

2. Are Your Sitters Background Checked?

   With full access to your home and pets it is important that who you hire you know you can trust 100%. A trustworthy company prioritizes safety and only hires professionals who have been thoroughly vetted.

The Nona Paws Pet Sitting Response:

Yes! All of our employees undergo a federal criminal background check via Acutraq to ensure proper vetting. We have a lengthly hiring process that ensures only the most qualified pet care professionals are brought onto our team and trained.

3. What Services Do You Include in a Visit?

   Some sitters offer quick drop-ins, while others include longer playtime, walks, grooming, medication and home care (like bringing in the mail). Make sure expectations are clear and mirror your pet's needs.

The Nona Paws Pet Sitting Response:

The services we offer are:

• Pet Sitting Visits (15-60 minutes)

• Overnight Pet Sitting

• Cat Sitting

• Dog Walking

• House Sitting

  
  

  Each visit is customizable to what your pet needs. It can include a:

• Walk

• Meal/Treats/Water Replenishment

• Litter Box Cleaning

• Medication Administration

• Clean Pet Area (sweep/vacuum around litter box, wash food/water bowls)

• Clean Pet Messes (vomit, etc)

• Home Security Check (We have found stoves & ovens left on, broken ac units, candles warmers plugged in with wax dripping on cords, garage doors open, etc)

  
  

  Home care is also available upon request

• Check Mail/Packages

• Watering Plants

• Taking Out Trash/Recycle

• Open/Close Blinds

  
  

  If you have a request, just ask! We are happy to help! We have changed fire alarm batteries, mailed packages to clients (that they forgot) via UPS and so many other things!

4. What Will I Receive During Each Visit?

   Photos, GPS tracking, notes or videos give you peace of mind while you are away- and also help you feel connected to your pet. This is also documentation so that you know someone actually came!

The Nona Paws Pet Sitting Response:

Each visit you will receive:

• A notification on your phone when your sitter has started the visit

• A full write up of what occurred

• Pictures and a video

• At the end of the visit you will receive a report via an app that addresses:

  • How many times each pet pooped/peed

  • If we fed them a meal &/or gave treats

  • Brought in a package/mail

  • Garbage/recycling

  • Watered plants

  • All walks are GPS time stamped and GPS tracked so you can see the full route we walked and what time we were at each location of the walk

  
  

  Full transparency provides you peace of mind knowing that your home and pets are taken care of while you are away.

5. What Animal Experience or Training Do you Have? Do you have any Certifications?

   Whether you have an energetic Husky, a shy rescue, a senior dog, or a cat with medical needs, experience matters. Friends or family might be well-meaning but might lack the training and experience to handle complex behavioral issues putting both them and your pet at risk.

The Nona Paws Pet Sitting Response:

Katie Ballard, Owner & Founder of Nona Paws Pet Sitting is a Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS) through Pet Sitters International and holds certifications in Pet First Aid & CPR.

Our team has experience caring for a wide variety of animals including: cats, dogs, bearded dragons, rabbits, ferrets, frogs, turtles, hedge hogs, fish (fresh and saltwater), guinea pigs, geckos, chinchillas, hamsters, turtles, rats, goats, parrots, and tortoises. Our team is trained in pet first aid, CPR, and how to administer oral, topical and injection medications. We understand that each animal is different. Our team will follow specific written instructions provided by you each visit to ensure that care is consistent and correct.

6. What happens if you get sick or have an emergency? Will my pet still be cared for?

   It is important to always have a backup plan. Stuff happens. The key is to hire someone you believe to be responsible. The last thing you want is to be in another country worrying about your pet. Peace of mind is worth a lot.

The Nona Paws Pet Sitting Response:

If a sitter is sick or their car breaks down we handle this in house- no hassle for you! You just know someone will be coming to take care of your pets and everything runs smooth! We will have a different sitter come to provide services. We always have at least 1 sitter on call for emergencies so you can rest assured that your pet will always be taken care of.

7. What happens if my pet gets sick while they are in your care? How would you handle that?

   Unexpected incidents can occur at anytime and emergency planning is crucial. Evaluate a potential sitter's preparedness by asking about their specific protocols. Ensure key details are included in the Service Agreement. Reject any sitter that cannot produce a clear emergency plan.

The Nona Paws Pet Sitting Response:

We have a clear written emergency protocol outlined in our Service Agreement:

• Assess the situation and provide First Aid as needed

• Contact the client immediately. If client cannot be contacted, their emergency contact will be contacted next.

• Transport pet to their veterinarian or the closest emergency clinic. During the visit, we will FaceTime the client so they are able to make treatment decisions and speak with the veterinarian directly.

• If client and emergency client is unreachable, client has already authorized us to make medical treatment decisions up to a designated amount per pet during our on-boarding process.

8. Will You Meet My Pet Before Providing Care?

   Meeting a pet prior to providing care is important to make sure that they are a good fit. It is also an indication of how reliable the sitter will be. Do they arrive on time to the Meet and Greet? While the pet may not warm up completely during the Meet and Greet, if they are able to pet the animal or the animal is able to be in the same room and relax after a few minutes (no hissing/growling, constant barking) that is a good sign.

The Nona Paws Pet Sitting Response:

A Meet and Greet is required before we can provide service. Meet and Greets are free as long as they are scheduled with at least 48 hours in advance. Our Meet and Greets are very detailed and generally last between 45-60 minutes. We review your pets routine, have you give us a tour of your home on where you keep pet supplies/food, favorite hiding spots, etc. We review company policies, FAQ, review the Time to Pet app, and answer any questions you have.

9. Do You Have Reviews or References? How Long Have You Been in Business?

   Before handing over your keys and your pet's leash, do a little homework. Chatting with previous clients is the best way to get a feel for a sitter, so don't be shy about asking for a referral list. If a candidate seems hesitant to share it is best to move on. Checking unfiltered social media platforms like Facebook and Google reviews can also provide great feedback.

It is also worth asking how long they've been in business. While everyone starts somewhere, a sitter who has been operating for several years has likely seen it all. Their longevity usually means they have solid systems in place and a long list of happy pet parents who trust them.

The Nona Paws Pet Sitting Response:

We have over 250 five star Google reviews and a long list of references we are happy to share! We have serviced over 800 clients since our business was established in January of 2020! We look forward to many more years of servicing the Lake Nona, Vista Lakes and Narcoossee communities!!

10. Are Your Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers Employees or Independent Contractors?

    The way a company operates and how that affects you and your pet differ vastly! It is important to understand the difference now so you choose what is right for you and your family.

What option is best for your family?

If you value a lower cost an IC model may be ideal.

If you value reliable, consistent care with less financial risk an employee model may be ideal. Regardless of the model you choose it is important to thoroughly vet the company or sitter by seeking references and reviews.

The Nona Paws Pet Sitting Response:

Our company believes that the Employee model is the best model. We operate using only trained employees as pet sitters and dog walkers. We firmly believe this ensures:

• Insurance Coverage

• Reliable, Consistent, Quality Care

• Accountability

• Peace of Mind

Closing Thoughts

Now that you have your list of questions ready, it is time to start interviewing your potential candidates!! If you keep these 10 questions in mind you will definitely find the perfect sitter for your pet!

Ready to Sign Up for Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Services with Nona Paws?

We would be honored to provide care to your pets! Please click this link and fill out the brief form. We will be in touch with how to setup service including a Meet and Greet! Interested but not quite sure if you're ready to proceed? That's ok! Still fill out the link and we can call you to answer any questions you have. We look forward to welcoming you to the Nona Paws family soon!