Pet sitters have their highs and their lows during their careers. Many become pet sitters due to their passion for animals. As a client though, how do you rate? The way you act can make you the perfect client or a pet sitter’s worst nightmare.
Do You Pay on Time Every Time?
The mark of a good client is whether they pay on time every time. If payday is every Friday afternoon, do you always ensure you have your pet sitter’s money waiting for them when they arrive? Or do you often make them wait a few extra days to be paid? While many pet sitters understand the occasional lapse, they will not appreciate it if they constantly have to remind you about payment.
Do You Have the Correct Change?
Pet sitters are not money changers, and yet that is how some of their clients treat them time and time again. When the weekly payment comes to $50, do you often ask if they can break a $100 bill? It is inconsiderate to expect your pet sitter to carry around enough change just in case you or other clients do not have the correct change to give them.If you often have trouble with cash payments, pay using some other accepted method.
I once had a client tell me she liked me to give her change so that she would have coins for her parking expenses! That is not the right attitude. Treat your pet sitter with respect and look at things from their point of view. What happens if they do not have enough change? How will you pay?
Do You Expect Clients to Provide Supplies?
Pet sitters work hard to provide a service that clients will appreciate. It is one of the best ways to get their name out there and to secure more work. One thing that some clients fail to realise is that pet sitters have a number of costs and expenses that they need to meet, such as taxes, travel costs and wear and tear on their vehicles.
Pet sitters should not have to provide basic pet supplies such as dog waste disposal bags, food, treats, or cleaning supplies. As the client, you should make sure you provide these and other necessary supplies, for your pet sitter’s use.
As a pet client, your actions and attitude can have a big impact on how well your pet sitter enjoys their job. If you are not careful, a blatant disregard for your pet sitter could lead to you losing the services you have come to rely on, as your pet sitter looks elsewhere for less demanding, more appreciative clients.
More from this contributor:
Pet Sitters: Are Clients Dictating How You Run Your Business?
Pet Sitters: How to Build Repeat Customers
Pet Sitters: How to Maintain a Positive View of Clients
