Kirsten's Pet Kare LLC, DBA Pet Sitting Pawfection

I will first get introduced to the customer over the phone and get to know the customer and the needs for the customer's fur baby. Understanding what the customer's expectations are and seeing if I am a good fit for the pet's needs is important. We will discuss cost of services. If both parties agree on everything, then we set up a date to meet in person before the owner departs.

During the visit, I will make sure I have all necessary information to provide the best service (contact numbers, vet information, information on medication, etc.), I will ask for a walk through of how a typical day goes and where everything is located, and the MOST important part is to make sure the fur baby meets me for the first time and gets used to me before the owner departs. If it is necessary for a second visit before the owner leaves, then that can be arranged.

During the time frame for pet sitting, I like to keep open communication. There are circumstances that may pop up or questions and I will call or text to make sure each fur baby gets the care they need. I will also send videos and pictures of the customer's fur baby each day or as much as requested by the customer.

I will leave the key or whatever means used to get in the house before I leave on the day the customer returns. I tend to leave within an hour of the customer's return. I make sure any mess is cleaned up and the owners come back to a happy fur baby who has been well taken care of. Payment can be made before the pet sitting services or left at the house for me to pick up while I pet sit.

I have had pets my entire life. I have been a pet sitter for almost three years now and have experienced multiple types of dogs. There have been dogs of all ages and personalities that I have come into contact with. I also volunteered with the Virginia Beach Animal Shelter. Specifically, at PetSmart with the cats.

Pricing depends on the following:

-Number of fur babies

-Distance traveled

-Services outside of basic needs (administering medication, vet appointments, etc.)

-Requirements for walking/letting out (2-3 times a day is a basic need)

-Whether I am staying at the house or if I am taking multiple trips back and forth to take care of a fur baby

My love of animals! Knowing that fur babies sit in a cage at a kennel while an owner is away kills me. Why take a fur baby away from an environment that is comfortable to them? I can help my customer by giving them the piece of mind that their fur baby is comfortable, getting the love they need, and living in a normal routine while their owner is away.

I have had multiple friends reach out to me and have had friends send referrals. I have taken care of fur babies with strict routines (for example, need to be let out every 3 hours; even throughout the night) and less strict routines. Most of my fur baby clients have been dogs, which range from 6 month old puppies to 16 year old dogs. Some dogs have been well-trained and some have not. Some dogs need lots of attention and some just like someone in the room. Sometimes the owners also have cats that need loving, too. 

Pay attention to how your pet interacts with the person when they first meet. This is a good indication of whether or not the pet sitter is a good fit for the job. Also, seeing and hearing the passion of the person who is to pet sit is a good indication that he or she is a good fit. It does not matter if this is the first time this person has been a pet sitter or if it is the 10th year in their profession. If the passion and the comfortability between the pet and the pet sitter is not present, then it may not be a good fit.

What are your expectations for your pet sitter?

Are you comfortable with someone staying in your house to pet sit or do you just want them to come by and take care of your pet instead?