Pet sitters are used to caring for unexpected and sometimes unusual pets: a corn snake one week and a family of ferrets the next. But should you agree to care for a client’s pets in a hotel? What are some of the challenges and hurdles you will need to overcome?
Caring for Existing Clients’ Pets
It is often much easier to say “yes” to caring for pets in a hotel when you will be taking on existing clients’ pets. An existing client may ask you to care for their pets in a hotel due to fire or flood damage to their home until they can find alternative accommodation. Or they may be moving house and want to maintain their pet’s routine as much as possible until they move. If you agree to move into the hotel for a few days until a client sorts themselves out, you will need to think of the practicalities.
Covering Expenses
If you agree to the job offer, will you be staying overnight or just sitting with pets in the hotel room during the day? The client should cover the cost of your hotel room, meals and any other extra expenses that will be incurred, such as any extra miles you will need to travel to get to the hotel. Clients should never expect you to fork out if they want you to stay in a hotel to care for their pets’ needs. After all, you are not on holiday. You are still working.
Be Wary of New Clients
New clients can make some bizarre requests at times, which will have you shaking your head in utter disbelief! But if a new client wants you to care overnight for pets in a hotel, you should be very wary of accepting the job offer.
If you are a woman, you should be especially wary of agreeing to spend the night in a hotel caring for a male client’s pets. The “job offer” may actually be a trap. Never agree to such a situation unless you can guarantee that the job offer is genuine and that your safety and well-being will not be compromised in any way. Offer to take your husband, mother or friend with you if the job sounds odd.
Some clients ask their pet sitter to stay with their pets in a hotel for a few days. It is up to you to weigh the job offer and decide whether to accept it or not. With existing clients you will feel more informed and at ease. However, when dealing with new clients you need to tread very carefully to make sure the job offer is genuine and not a trap.
More from this contributor:
Is it a Good Idea to Take Your Dog on a Doggie Play Date?
Pet Sitters: Do You Understand Clients’ Needs?
Pet Sitters: How Far Should You Travel?
