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PET CARE BASICS
What is pet care?
Professional pet care provider vs. kennel? Which should I choose?
Why is pet-sitting so expensive?
Can I trust having a stranger in my home? Is it Safe?
HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO HIRING NON-PROFESSIONAL CARE OF YOUR HOME AND PETS
What is the deal with insurance, licenses and bonding of pet sitters?
My dog suffers from separation anxiety. Is there anything I can do?
Professional pet care provider vs. kennel? Which should I choose?
Why is pet-sitting so expensive?
Can I trust having a stranger in my home? Is it Safe?
HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO HIRING NON-PROFESSIONAL CARE OF YOUR HOME AND PETS
What is the deal with insurance, licenses and bonding of pet sitters?
My dog suffers from separation anxiety. Is there anything I can do?
Some of the advantages of pet care are:
- Reduced stress on pets, as pets are cared for in a private home setting.
- No "travel trauma" to pets because they do not need to be transported to unpleasant places. For boarding an added benefit is the PRACTICE (as discussed in the section about separation anxety) when learning to overcome anxieties as most boarding places are pleasant destinations.
- Exposure to illnesses and parasites of other animals is minimized. Each boarding place is different, if in home environment always find out about the other pets in the home, if any.
- Required vaccinations are less restrictive than at a kennel.
- Pets stay on their regular schedules and do not need to adapt to new routines.
- Pets are free to play, sleep, eat, or walk whenever they want and are free to roam the premises. Outdoor time should be supervised for safety reasons.
- No inconveniencing neighbors, friends, or family members.
- No worrying if you remembered to close the garage door, turn off the coffee pot or turn off the lights.
- Pet Care Providers are experienced in care, custody and control of the pets in their care, usually having training, such as pet first aid, classes, pet-sitting association memberships or other licensing.
- Pet care providers are insured/bonded to protect you from liability.
- A wide variety of service options exist customized on an individual basis.
- Professional care is available to any client regardless of disability, work schedules or travel plans.
- Home security and household management services are included for clients requiring private access to the client’s property.
- Often Pet Care Providers are not licensed in Security but provide security services nonetheless.
- Your care provider will be there to notify you any possible problems with your home such as water leaks, weather related damages, or any other situation of this nature that would end up being costly to you.
- Discretion is used by not advertising you are not home.
- Pet Care Providers will never hit, kick or abuse your pet(s).
- Pet Care Providers know to use generally accepted training techniques to enforce obedience with pets to prevent unwanted behavior.
- A Professional Pet Care Provider is someone who follows the necessary codes of ethics and conduct as prescribed by professional pet-sitting associations.
- You are more freely able to travel on business or for pleasure with the confidence of knowing your beloved pet(s) are in the hands of a professional caregiver.
- A Professional Pet Care Provider provides peace of mind for everyone.
Professional pet care provider vs. kennel? Which should I choose?
There
are many wonderful kennels, boarding facilities and pet “camps” in and
around San Diego County. I respect the work they do and the care
and attention they provide animals. Pet sitting and In Home Pet
Boarding are pet care alternatives allowing the pet(s) to remain in
their own familiar surroundings, or as close to it as possible and
without having to be in a socialized environment with the risk of
disease or illness being spread. Each case is different and care is
assessed on an individual basis. While a kennel can work out very well
for some pets, other dogs and almost all cats and cage pets get
stressed out when they are boarded in a kennel.
"Some pets think that kennels are a camp and you wouldn't want to take that experience away from them," says Kay Calzolari of Pet Care providers International (PSI). "While others are happiest and less stressed at home surrounded by their familiar sights, smells and sounds." And, while most professional pet care providers serve as a crime deterrent by opening and closing drapes, turning on and off lights or retrieving the mail and newspaper, this may not be a plus for you. "It really depends on your comfort level with having someone in your home," notes Ryan Dryden of the National Association of Professional Pet Care providers (NAPPS). Conversely, not every pet(s) thrives at a boarding kennel. "Some animals adapt better to a pet-sitting environment," says Jim Krack of the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA).
Issues to consider when deciding on a pet care provider or facility:
Many
people are new to the pet care experience, and when they think of a pet
care provider or care provider, they may automatically make comparisons
to baby care providers, house care providers, the next door neighbor
and boarding facilities. There is an enormous difference between
professional pet care providers than to others watching your home and
pet(s). In fact, more than half of the clients I have spoken to
have unfortunate stories of previous non-professional pet-sitting
experiences as well as over crowded prison-like environments at kennels
and other facilities. If you have multiple pets, pet sitting
often is more affordable than kenneling. Plus, I offer extra home
care and security services that is included automatically such as plant
care, mail/newspaper retrieval, general property security, and more
that you won't receive if your pets are simply boarded, your home has
just a house care provider or security company caring for your home.
You will not have to hire three separate companies to take care of what
pet care providers include in their services. In addition, 24 hour care
at the care provider’s home is often more affordable than any other
option as the pet care provider will not have to accommodate expenses
for travel, time or commute in relation to caring for you pets.
Professional pet and home sitting is not an economy care option and I realize it may not be in everyone's budget. However, it is a BARGAIN considering the peace of mind, convenience and home security provided by an experienced, licensed, responsible, reliable and dedicated pet care and security professionals. You would actually end up paying more to get the same exact services pet care providers provide and you may end up duplicating services rendered in he process. Professional private security for your home, renting the boarding facility out and its employees to just you and your pets for the time you are gone, and a house care provider for just two weeks - it can cost in the thousands for all these services combined. And what happens if a water main breaks and your house gets flooded because no one was there to prevent further damage to your home, how much would that cost to repair? In reality, pet sitting is an affordable solution that will assist in preventing excessive costly repairs or deterring your belongings from theft. As your pet care provider, I will be your eyes and ears at home to help prevent or handle emergency security problems that will end up costly if unattended.
"Some pets think that kennels are a camp and you wouldn't want to take that experience away from them," says Kay Calzolari of Pet Care providers International (PSI). "While others are happiest and less stressed at home surrounded by their familiar sights, smells and sounds." And, while most professional pet care providers serve as a crime deterrent by opening and closing drapes, turning on and off lights or retrieving the mail and newspaper, this may not be a plus for you. "It really depends on your comfort level with having someone in your home," notes Ryan Dryden of the National Association of Professional Pet Care providers (NAPPS). Conversely, not every pet(s) thrives at a boarding kennel. "Some animals adapt better to a pet-sitting environment," says Jim Krack of the American Boarding Kennels Association (ABKA).
Issues to consider when deciding on a pet care provider or facility:
- Facilities do not offer personalized home care services or personalized attention. Some facilities are caged facilities with limitations to how often pet(s) receive attention.
- Pets feel abandoned or miss their owners and the familiar sights, sounds and smells of their normal environment. They may be place in a prison like (as opposed a home like) environment.
- The loud barking of nearby dogs can overwhelm cats. Being left in a strange place can traumatize some pets, such as shy, nervous ones. Older pets can have a hard time adapting as they are so used to a home.
- Some pets get depressed and lose their appetites. Often it takes them time to adjust when they get back home.
- In some places, your beloved pets are kept in a cage or very small run and they are fed and taken out to relieve themselves but that is about it.
- If the kennels do offer playtime or walks, they usually charge additional fees for those “extra” services.
- The exposure to illnesses and parasites of other pets as some kennels accept reptiles and other small pets or birds is likely and facilities may not sanitize the facility multiple times a day as it would minimize their profit margins.
- Dogs would be required to get a dose of Bordetella to help prevent “kennel cough” yet there is still a risk of kennel cough regardless.
- Staff may not always be on call 24-7 or be certified to provide care to animals.
- Pet owner is responsible for picking up and dropping off the pets during kennel hours, providing less flexibility in scheduling or billing of additional charges.
Professional pet and home sitting is not an economy care option and I realize it may not be in everyone's budget. However, it is a BARGAIN considering the peace of mind, convenience and home security provided by an experienced, licensed, responsible, reliable and dedicated pet care and security professionals. You would actually end up paying more to get the same exact services pet care providers provide and you may end up duplicating services rendered in he process. Professional private security for your home, renting the boarding facility out and its employees to just you and your pets for the time you are gone, and a house care provider for just two weeks - it can cost in the thousands for all these services combined. And what happens if a water main breaks and your house gets flooded because no one was there to prevent further damage to your home, how much would that cost to repair? In reality, pet sitting is an affordable solution that will assist in preventing excessive costly repairs or deterring your belongings from theft. As your pet care provider, I will be your eyes and ears at home to help prevent or handle emergency security problems that will end up costly if unattended.
No,
of course not! As a licensed security professional, I strive to
be honest, reliable, trustworthy and careful. However, I know
that having a stranger come into your home for the first time is
nerve-racking, as it should be! To put your mind at ease, I
welcome you to ask questions at the initial consultation and I offer
pet care in my home as an alternative. I would like to build a trusting
long lasting relationship with you and your pets. I follow a Code
of Ethics that represents the highest standards of ethical behavior and
humane attitudes towards animals. Not to mention the fact that I am a
pet owner and animal lover myself!
HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO HIRING NON-PROFESSIONAL CARE OF YOUR HOME AND PETS
Any
number of problems could occur inside a home while you are gone and the
last thing anyone wants to happen while they are away from home is to
come home and find your home not there or damaged, or your things
missing or your pets gravely ill or possibly dead or any other major
catastrophe. I created this guide in an effort to better educate
homeowners, renters, residents and pet owners, if they choose not go
with a professional care person or company who is qualified for
any of those three major aspects described above. For starters,
consider all the problems that could occur in the home that could
escalate to serious repairs, damages, or losses. Consider every detail
I mentioned above and create a contingency plan for each scenario.
Instruct your care provider thoroughly on that plan. Make every effort
to communicate necessary information to the person taking care of your
home. Create a guide to your home that includes a blueprint of your
property indicating all points of entry, the location of household
products and cleaners, pet supplies and emergency contact information.
Make sure the person caring for your property has the contact
information for every house and pet related issue or need. Some of
which are vets, security companies, local law enforcement, emergency
contacts, your travel contacts, plumbers, electricians, window and door
installation companies, carpet cleaners, house cleaners, water damage
specialists, fire damage specialists, gardeners, garbage men, or anyone
who might need access to your home. Make sure you properly and
thoroughly instruct the person on your pets’ needs, wants, desires,
commands, when they go for walks, when they use the bathroom after a
meal, when they eat, what their medications and medical issues are,
quirks, bathing rituals, grooming rituals, nighttime rituals, etc. Make
sure they know where the fuse box is and extra candles, flashlights or
other illumination devices are. In California especially, make sure
they know where the earthquake preparedness materials are and know what
to do in the event of an earthquake. Make sure they know where
the water shut off valve is. Make sure you have prepared your home,
turning off unnecessary appliances, etc. Make sure you have the person
tour your home and show them physically how to open/shut all points of
entry, how to secure and test your alarms, and anything security or
hazard related to your home. Remember to never forget a detail no
matter how large or small. Then before you leave, take inventory to see
if anything was forgotten and to make sure they are well informed of
new instructions. Leave your care provider emergency cash on hand in
the event a supply is needed…they may not carry cash with them when
they visit and may be peeved that they have to pay for something on
your behalf. I have a pet owner checklist preparing pet owners for pet
sitting services and their trips that would be extremely useful which
details these issues that I would be happy to provide you. Please feel
free to ask.
Although many people like to supplement neighbors, relatives, and friends for professionals when it comes to pet sitting or house sitting duties, these well-intentioned actions often create confusion and problems during a required sitting assignment. What most homeowners and pet owners don’t understand is what exactly goes into the care of the home and pets while the primary owner is out of town that the average person may not even realize. There are three major components to pet sitting. All of these components require extreme attention to detail and alertness that the average person may naturally overlook.
Firstly, the actual pet care requirements alone. Pet sitting is a very large responsibility and covers a wide variety of needs for each pet. It is not just about feeding the pet(s), cleaning their litter boxes or potty areas and making sure they are hydrated. Pet care is also about monitoring their health, grooming needs, behavioral needs, emergency problems, handling any “quirks” and much more. For the experienced pet care provider and pet owner these issues are easily noticeable and commonplace.
The average person may not know what to ask for when a pet owner asks they if they can take care of their pets while they are gone. They may not realize how important having certain contact information handy will be until it is too late. They may over-feed your pets or forget a feeding. There may be an altercation between your pet(s) and another person, even the person caring for the animal that results in injury and the person caring for your pets may not know what to do or may end up getting fined for negligence (thusly something you would pay for). Alternatively, in the case they get hurt by the pet may treat that pet differently or negatively. They may forget to walk the dogs for exercise and keep them consistent on obedience commands. They may unknowingly let a pet into a restricted area of the house or leave a door open and the pet escapes. Usually because the door is opened to take the trash out, or to quickly get something outside. Some tasks will be missed and not performed. Pets have a tendency to enter areas of the house they are not supposed to be in, or may get locked in an area they can't get out of - when others are in the house. They may not realize the pet(s) followed them. The pet(s) may have chewed through a wire or electrical cord and may have gone unnoticed until there is a power surge causing sparks to fly, possibly catching your home on fire, or if the animal gets electrocuted. Professional care providers have a trained eye for these details and can often deter any house or security problems resulting from a pet’s behavior.
For many people, a trusted neighbor or relative that is familiar with your home and pet(s) may work just fine. However, friends, family and other non-professional helpers may come for the first 2-3 days then get bored with the pet(s) and just do not "feel like" coming any more, the may not even tell you or may try to cover up the fact they did not provide care for your pet(s). They may also may not be INSURED or BONDED and if something should happen the owner is responsible. The pet(s) may go uncared for, possibly for days until your return. Most tasks will be completed diligently, but one task usually is consistently incomplete. Non-professional help may not be versed in what to do in case of emergencies or medical situations. If you go to their home how do you know it is hazard free, illness free, pet free and clean???? Most non-professionals will be initially excited about the opportunity to sit for your home. Usually they will have a genuine love for your pet(s). However, they are probably not used to the "quirks" that your pet(s) may have (that you or your professional pet care provider will notice!) and often the initial enthusiasm will turn to frustration that the pet(s) will not "behave" the way they expected. Once the enthusiasm has diminished, the pet(s) may receive less affection.
The second major component is house-sitting duties. House sitting duties rely solely on household management. Certain important details about your home may be forgotten or not relayed to the person you ask to sit your pets. Of course, these minor details could very well end up being a major issue in an emergency. A non-professional may see an accident on the floor but do nothing about it. They could make a judgment call that could hurt your pets like using an excessive amount of a very toxic chemical on the floor to clean the mess and the pet accidentally ingesting that chemical. Or in some instances I have heard from clients, the helpful friend got tired of cleaning up the messes after a few times and failed to clean up those messes in the future leaving a massive cleaning problem for the client. Although not intentional, as a pet owner myself after employing the aid of a neighbor, have noticed major household hazards such as these after coming home. This is especially true if you live in an older home. A professional care provider will specifically ask for these things, along with asking about the layout of the home and gain a tour of the home and make notes about your home.
Finally - PROFESSIONAL HOME SECURITY. Professional help is well trained and versed in property security. They use their senses to detect problems. A neighbor or friend may not think to test the alarm system. They might not think to physically check points of entry. They may not even do a thorough patrol check of the property. Furthermore, most would not even think to check for potential hazards. They may decide to leave if there is a broken window or door they cannot secure. What if keys get lost or broken? What if there is a power outage? What if the pet dug a hole exposing the fence? What if the home was burglarized while they were gone? What if there is a burglary in progress while they are on site? Professional security help is trained and licensed to do what is necessary and stay on site until problem is resolved. Although a majority of pet care providers are not licensed to provide security (thusly trained, background checked, examined by the State, etc), they should know what to do in terms of the basic security of your home.
Although many people like to supplement neighbors, relatives, and friends for professionals when it comes to pet sitting or house sitting duties, these well-intentioned actions often create confusion and problems during a required sitting assignment. What most homeowners and pet owners don’t understand is what exactly goes into the care of the home and pets while the primary owner is out of town that the average person may not even realize. There are three major components to pet sitting. All of these components require extreme attention to detail and alertness that the average person may naturally overlook.
Firstly, the actual pet care requirements alone. Pet sitting is a very large responsibility and covers a wide variety of needs for each pet. It is not just about feeding the pet(s), cleaning their litter boxes or potty areas and making sure they are hydrated. Pet care is also about monitoring their health, grooming needs, behavioral needs, emergency problems, handling any “quirks” and much more. For the experienced pet care provider and pet owner these issues are easily noticeable and commonplace.
The average person may not know what to ask for when a pet owner asks they if they can take care of their pets while they are gone. They may not realize how important having certain contact information handy will be until it is too late. They may over-feed your pets or forget a feeding. There may be an altercation between your pet(s) and another person, even the person caring for the animal that results in injury and the person caring for your pets may not know what to do or may end up getting fined for negligence (thusly something you would pay for). Alternatively, in the case they get hurt by the pet may treat that pet differently or negatively. They may forget to walk the dogs for exercise and keep them consistent on obedience commands. They may unknowingly let a pet into a restricted area of the house or leave a door open and the pet escapes. Usually because the door is opened to take the trash out, or to quickly get something outside. Some tasks will be missed and not performed. Pets have a tendency to enter areas of the house they are not supposed to be in, or may get locked in an area they can't get out of - when others are in the house. They may not realize the pet(s) followed them. The pet(s) may have chewed through a wire or electrical cord and may have gone unnoticed until there is a power surge causing sparks to fly, possibly catching your home on fire, or if the animal gets electrocuted. Professional care providers have a trained eye for these details and can often deter any house or security problems resulting from a pet’s behavior.
For many people, a trusted neighbor or relative that is familiar with your home and pet(s) may work just fine. However, friends, family and other non-professional helpers may come for the first 2-3 days then get bored with the pet(s) and just do not "feel like" coming any more, the may not even tell you or may try to cover up the fact they did not provide care for your pet(s). They may also may not be INSURED or BONDED and if something should happen the owner is responsible. The pet(s) may go uncared for, possibly for days until your return. Most tasks will be completed diligently, but one task usually is consistently incomplete. Non-professional help may not be versed in what to do in case of emergencies or medical situations. If you go to their home how do you know it is hazard free, illness free, pet free and clean???? Most non-professionals will be initially excited about the opportunity to sit for your home. Usually they will have a genuine love for your pet(s). However, they are probably not used to the "quirks" that your pet(s) may have (that you or your professional pet care provider will notice!) and often the initial enthusiasm will turn to frustration that the pet(s) will not "behave" the way they expected. Once the enthusiasm has diminished, the pet(s) may receive less affection.
The second major component is house-sitting duties. House sitting duties rely solely on household management. Certain important details about your home may be forgotten or not relayed to the person you ask to sit your pets. Of course, these minor details could very well end up being a major issue in an emergency. A non-professional may see an accident on the floor but do nothing about it. They could make a judgment call that could hurt your pets like using an excessive amount of a very toxic chemical on the floor to clean the mess and the pet accidentally ingesting that chemical. Or in some instances I have heard from clients, the helpful friend got tired of cleaning up the messes after a few times and failed to clean up those messes in the future leaving a massive cleaning problem for the client. Although not intentional, as a pet owner myself after employing the aid of a neighbor, have noticed major household hazards such as these after coming home. This is especially true if you live in an older home. A professional care provider will specifically ask for these things, along with asking about the layout of the home and gain a tour of the home and make notes about your home.
Finally - PROFESSIONAL HOME SECURITY. Professional help is well trained and versed in property security. They use their senses to detect problems. A neighbor or friend may not think to test the alarm system. They might not think to physically check points of entry. They may not even do a thorough patrol check of the property. Furthermore, most would not even think to check for potential hazards. They may decide to leave if there is a broken window or door they cannot secure. What if keys get lost or broken? What if there is a power outage? What if the pet dug a hole exposing the fence? What if the home was burglarized while they were gone? What if there is a burglary in progress while they are on site? Professional security help is trained and licensed to do what is necessary and stay on site until problem is resolved. Although a majority of pet care providers are not licensed to provide security (thusly trained, background checked, examined by the State, etc), they should know what to do in terms of the basic security of your home.
What is the deal with insurance, licenses and bonding of pet care providers?
"This
has become a pet peeve of mine", Patti J. Moran, president and founder
of Pet Sitters International, writes in her book, Pet Sitting for
Profit. The pet-sitting industry is self-regulated, so a "pet care
provider's license" doesn’t exist as does a contractor's license,
restaurant's license, etc. However, many cities require a license
to do business within their borders and usually is only issued to
legitimate “businesses”. Service providers may not qualify as a
business if they are sole operators. She further states that it is
misleading to the public to list this business license as a credential.
This is based on the fact that there isn’t a state exam or course of
study required prior to obtaining a business license. Furthermore, any
person that has access to your property should not only be verifiable
as a pet care provider but as a licensed security professional as well.
Just about anyone can claim they are a pet or house care provider, but
they are not trained or qualified to handle security issues on private
property, nor are they verifiable through a state government agency
that governs the businesses that mayhave access to private properties.
Licensed security professionals are not only licensed by a state
government agency but are trained to handle, diffuse, observe, report
and deter security problems on private and public properties as well as
secure persons and provide house sitting services. No special
"license" exists for pet sitting in the United States and pet care
providers who use the term are often referring to the occupational
permit some municipalities require businesses to obtain. Many
professional pet care providers discourage their peers from using the
term "licensed" to describe an occupational permit because they believe
it's misleading to the general public to present such a permit as a
form of credential.
A dishonesty or fidelity bond claim generally applies when a pet care provider is convicted in criminal court of theft from a client home. When the pet care provider is convicted, the bond will reimburse the client for the loss, and then seek reimbursement from the pet care provider. This process often requires many years, and usually relies on a criminal law court conviction. Many pet care providers have decided to seek actual insurance coverage for theft instead of procuring a bond. Theft insurance coverage does not require convictions, and usually includes coverage for accidental breakage, mysterious disappearance, and accidental damage to items in a client home. Bonds usually require that the person be convicted of the crime before the bonding company would make a payment. The bond further requires that the individual make full restitution to the bond company for restitution to be made. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services by Kat is bonded.
A nationwide Pet Care provider insurance provider insures most professional pet care providers. These providers associate themselves with various professional pet care provider associations. As of 2007, the major American pet-sitting insurance providers include claim limits from 2 million to 4 million per claim for liability claims. They also include coverage for care, custody, and control of the client pets from $10,000 to $200,000 per occurrence. Coverage is included for fire damage, lost keys, and other negligence claims. Because American pet-sitting insurers do not provide coverage to minors, most professional pet care providers are over eighteen years of age. Most pet care provider insurance plans provide coverage for pet transport and services for most species of animals, except those that may be used for other business ventures, including farming. Some resources recommend that pet care providers be bonded. That recommendation has been dismissed by many professional organizations in recent years. Regular pet-sitting liability coverage generally does not protect pet care providers from injury to themselves as a result of client negligence. Pet care provider liability insurance usually covers injury to other people and other pets. In the United States, insurance professionals recommend that homeowners carry homeowners insurance or umbrella insurance before hiring a pet care provider.
All businesses should carry liability insurance in order to protect their personal assets. Professionally, pet sitting has been around for more than 25 years, insurance policies are available specifically for this type of business. This applies to businesses and their owners and may cover independent contractors. Pet care provider insurance provides protection in many different areas to the business, client's home and the pet(s). Liability coverage is “negligence insurance” and covers expenses should the caregiver have an accident and damage the client’s property or do something that results in harm to the pets. Although it is extremely wise to have any pet care provider service companies who employees who service your home have insurance, but it is not required for independent contractors as they act as the client’s employee directly. A homeowner’s insurance policy should already be sufficient to cover loss on behalf of care in your home. But if a pet care provider has insurance and/or bonding chances are they are licensed, of 18 years of age, have paid annual dues for each association membership and may or may not add those expenses in with their rates. But having these qualifications separates a professional from the neighborhood kid down the street and ensures you are getting quality in the service, which as we all know is the most important thing when it comes to caring for our furkids! Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services by Kat is also insured.
A dishonesty or fidelity bond claim generally applies when a pet care provider is convicted in criminal court of theft from a client home. When the pet care provider is convicted, the bond will reimburse the client for the loss, and then seek reimbursement from the pet care provider. This process often requires many years, and usually relies on a criminal law court conviction. Many pet care providers have decided to seek actual insurance coverage for theft instead of procuring a bond. Theft insurance coverage does not require convictions, and usually includes coverage for accidental breakage, mysterious disappearance, and accidental damage to items in a client home. Bonds usually require that the person be convicted of the crime before the bonding company would make a payment. The bond further requires that the individual make full restitution to the bond company for restitution to be made. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services by Kat is bonded.
A nationwide Pet Care provider insurance provider insures most professional pet care providers. These providers associate themselves with various professional pet care provider associations. As of 2007, the major American pet-sitting insurance providers include claim limits from 2 million to 4 million per claim for liability claims. They also include coverage for care, custody, and control of the client pets from $10,000 to $200,000 per occurrence. Coverage is included for fire damage, lost keys, and other negligence claims. Because American pet-sitting insurers do not provide coverage to minors, most professional pet care providers are over eighteen years of age. Most pet care provider insurance plans provide coverage for pet transport and services for most species of animals, except those that may be used for other business ventures, including farming. Some resources recommend that pet care providers be bonded. That recommendation has been dismissed by many professional organizations in recent years. Regular pet-sitting liability coverage generally does not protect pet care providers from injury to themselves as a result of client negligence. Pet care provider liability insurance usually covers injury to other people and other pets. In the United States, insurance professionals recommend that homeowners carry homeowners insurance or umbrella insurance before hiring a pet care provider.
All businesses should carry liability insurance in order to protect their personal assets. Professionally, pet sitting has been around for more than 25 years, insurance policies are available specifically for this type of business. This applies to businesses and their owners and may cover independent contractors. Pet care provider insurance provides protection in many different areas to the business, client's home and the pet(s). Liability coverage is “negligence insurance” and covers expenses should the caregiver have an accident and damage the client’s property or do something that results in harm to the pets. Although it is extremely wise to have any pet care provider service companies who employees who service your home have insurance, but it is not required for independent contractors as they act as the client’s employee directly. A homeowner’s insurance policy should already be sufficient to cover loss on behalf of care in your home. But if a pet care provider has insurance and/or bonding chances are they are licensed, of 18 years of age, have paid annual dues for each association membership and may or may not add those expenses in with their rates. But having these qualifications separates a professional from the neighborhood kid down the street and ensures you are getting quality in the service, which as we all know is the most important thing when it comes to caring for our furkids! Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services by Kat is also insured.
My pet suffers from separation anxiety. Is there anything I can do?
I
enjoy working with pets that have separation issues. In fact, I
may be able to help. It is important for many reasons to teach your
pets to be home alone as well as to be comfortable driving in the
car. Start teaching them when they are still young to spend time
without you as well as taking trips to positive locations so the pet(s)
understands that not every car trip will produce unpleasant results.
The only way pets will acclimate is by PRACTICE. The old adage –
Practice makes Perfect is true in this case. Just by taking random
trips to happy places and practicing car rides and friendly boarding
stays will help your pet get used to being in the car and prepare you
for those emergency situations in which there is no choice much better
and much safer. There is a very good two-part article written by Lynn
Roberts DVM on separation anxiety on the Pet Care providers
International website. The article suggests ways in how to introduce
this. My own pets recognize the signals of when I am going out
and they know they will not be going too. When they see these
signs they understand that this time is theirs without me and are
comfortable every time I go out since they know I will be back. They
also know that even though the car may be scary they know the
destination will not always be an unpleasant one.