Fall 2018
Volume 26 ¡ Number 3
2018 Members in Action: Christi Moore and Linda Beatty
Be Prepared for Natural Disasters Learn How to Upload Images Avoid Cyber Liability Should You Charge Extra for Holiday Visits? Do You Speak Cat?
Looking to Expand Your Pet Knowledge? Earn Some CEU’s For Re-Certification? We Have A NEW NAPPS Certificate Course for You! A thorough, visually engaging guide to everything you need to know about horse care, from daily chores to caring communication to emergency medicine. Hundreds of full-color photographs and diagrams walk you through everything you need to do to keep your horse healthy and happy, while expert commentary gives you a deeper understand of your animal. The book is written by veterinary surgeon and horse specialist Colin Vogel, and includes a detailed diagnostic guide to identify and treat common ailments and figure out when something is serious enough to call a veterinarian. Vogel also guides readers through the practical, everyday challenges from putting together a healthy diet, to understanding its behavior and body language, to setting up a proper outdoor enclosure. Every aspect of horse care is explained in detail, and illustrated with stepby-step photos so you can follow along. Accessible enough for beginners, and detailed enough that even equine experts will have lots to learn, the Complete Horse Care Manual helps horse lovers of all levels take better care of their animals. $35 for members and provides you with 3 CEUs of educational credits toward your re-certification. The cost of the course does not include the textbook. Access the NAPPS website using your login and password. Once you are in the Members Area, scroll down to the Member’s Area Features section and click on the Online Learning icon.
INSIDE FALL 2018 PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER COVER: 2018 Members in Action Christi Moore and Linda Beatty Media Mewsings............................................... 4 President’s Message......................................... 5
INDUSTRY NEWS OF INTEREST Disasters Can Strike Any Time.......................... 6
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TIPS OF THE TRADE Tips on Pricing and Meet-and-Greets................ 7 Preparing Images for Uploads.......................... 9
PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER
MISSION
S TAT E M E N T
The mission of the Professional Pet Sitter is to provide tools for members to enhance their
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BUSINESS Protect Against Cyber Liability......................... 10 Managing Business Risks............................... 12 Importance of Cat Care Services..................... 14 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Meet Christi Moore – Rural Pet Sitter.............. 16 Meet Linda Beatty – Suburban Pet Sitter......... 18
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business, help them expand their knowledge of professional pet sitting, and communicate association news and events. Copyright 2018. The Professional Pet Sitter is published four times a year in March, June, September and December by NAPPS Headquarters: 1120 Rt. 73, Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. Periodical mailing privilege pending at Mt. Laurel, NJ and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: send change of address to the Professional Pet Sitter c/o NAPPS Headquarters, 1120 Rt. 73, Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054. The Professional Pet Sitter is free to National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Inc. members. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Editorial offices: 1120 Rt. 73, Suite 200, Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054
FEATURES Do You Speak Cat?......................................... 20 CONNECT WITH NAPPS About Your Association................................... 22 NAPPS Chat Message Board.......................... 23 Member Benefit............................................. 24 NAPPS in the News........................................ 25 NAPPS Member Incentive Program................ 26 New NAPPS Members................................. IBC Presents 4 Pets Program............................... BC ONLINE ALL THE TIME www.petsitters.org
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Like us facebook.com/THENAPPS National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Inc. 1120 Rt. 73, Suite 200 Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 Phone: (856) 439-0324 • Fax: (856) 439-0525 Email: NAPPS@petsitters.org • www.petsitters.org
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Follow us @TheNAPPS pinterest.com/source/petsitters.org @the_napps Join us @National Association of Professional Pet Sitters 3
Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
TMIPS ED IA O FMTEHWES T IN RG AS DE
Article By Arden Moore
Arden Moore, Executive Editor
Park Yourthe Dog Making Doggone Right Choices Are Sidewalk Dog “Sanctuaries” Safe?
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ohn made a bad decision. hink of the anger and The 16-year-old boy bought some concern thatmarijuana wells up from an undercover cop. As ayou result, John inside when youis living at the Illinois Youth Centera (IYC) Chicago, are taking client’s dog fora juvenile detention for the six months. John is not a afacility leashed walknext in the city hardened criminal. And maybe and spot an unattended dog if he hadn’t been caught this in the game, tethered on early a short leash to he might still be on streets,meter perhaps now stealing to buying larger atheparking or worse, quantitiesinside of marijuana—maybe even cocaine or trapped a locked, crack. car. I’m betting that parked landing in IYC perhaps the best thing you doBut your best to findisthe that could happened to John and the other owner andhave if necessary, 12-17-year-olds likeahim. They’re receiving the rescue a dog from hot car discipline, training, counseling, before he succumbs to heat education and programs they’ll need to reinvent themselves once stroke. they’ve completed stay, via a program called Now imaginetheir if there Lifetime Bonds. to these was a solution Created Best Friends unsafe caninebyscenarios. OneSafe Humane, this program targets youththinks who have been innovative company it has theinvolved answer. in illegal When a person activities. wants Each to week, dash ainside groupfor of adog cup handlers of coffee and or grab theiradogs few grocery visit the items teens.while out walking Thetheir teamsdog, teach theythecan young usher mentheir the dog proper way to approach inside a modern-looking, a dog, a few climate-controlled commands and adog chancelocated house to socialize just with outside the dog. the establishment. By receiving the immediate Welcome gratification to the latest of a happy in inventions wagging tail, friendly lick catering to the on the needs hand, and or wants the roll-over of therequest 21st for a belly century dog: rub,the these DogSpot. youngsters Branded beginastoarealize— “smart sometimessanctuary,” sidewalk for the first this timehousing in their lives—that unit began kindness begets appearing in New kindness. York CityAnd with that ambitious sets the stage for profound plans to expand behavioral to morechange. than a dozen more citiesBest within Friends a year. Safe Humane National Director Cynthia “New Bathurst York has believes been Lifetime a great place Bonds for is an us integral to test this component service,”of says the program ChelseainBrownridge, that it aims to stop violence founder/CEO of DogSpot in itsintracks an interview before itwith has a chance Pet Product to grow News.further. “For the “Safe lastHumane” two years, gives we’ve thesepeople had young beg menus knowledge to come and to their skillscity they next. canI’m use to positive thrilled to say,advantage ‘We’re ready.’” for the dogs they and their friends He saysorthat family DogSpot members is working encounter with in the city streets, especially planners as well as dogs with viewed businesses as ‘fighting and pet dogs,’” she says. to ensure a smooth expansion to advocates these cities: Los Angeles; Washington, D.C.; Changing Is The First Step Boston; SanBeliefs Jose, Calif.; Orlando, Fla.; Kansas The young men could wait for the bell City, Mo.; Columbus, Ohio;hardly Chattanooga, Tenn.; to ring,City, signaling it’s time for the Bonds Jersey N.J.; Charleston, S.C.;Lifetime Columbia, program, as they call it, “Dog-Play Time.” N.Y.; S.C.; Westor,Palm Beach, Fla.; Southampton, The group breaks into five smaller groups and and New Rochelle, N.Y. beginsThese eachDogSpots session byfeature learninganhow to approach in-app Puppy a friendly One by service, one, the boys take turns Cam, 24/7dog. customer air-circulating holding backs of their hands for on thethe dogs heat andoutairthe conditioning (depending to sniff, then gently pettingUV thelights dogs on side. weather), auto-sanitizing andthehave Then the boys holdand treats in earned their hand while by be deemed legal have approval asking the dogs to sit and lie down, then give the treats—and give and receive more love. After 20 Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
PROFESSIONAL PET STAFF BySITTER Amy Abern
minutes, the groups switch to new handlers and dogs. All the participants are anxious to spend time with Rou, the pit bull. One boy commented on how Rou resembled his American Staffordshire terrier. It was surprising to hear him refer to his dog with the official breed title. “That’s because we’ve seen all these different guys fight and we know who the best ones are,” he says. And this offers the perfect segue to talk about dogfighting. “Do you think the dogs like fighting?” asks Triptow. Most of the boys nod. “Do you think the dogs like being stroked?” All the
...if you don’t like getting hurt and the dog doesn’t like getting hurt, do you really When a person wants to dash think the into a situation inside for a cup of coffee like fighting where they most or grab a few grocery items certainly will get hurt? while out walking their dog, they can usher their dog boys nod. “Do you like the feeling of being hurt when someone hits you?” All the boys shake their inside a modern-looking, head. “Do you think dogs like the feeling of being hurt, like when another dog bitesdog them?” Tentative climate-controlled shakes all around. “So think about it—if you don’t house outside like gettinglocated hurt and thejust dog doesn’t like getting hurt, do you really think the dogs like going into a the establishment. situation like fighting where they most certainly will get hurt?” Definite head shakes all around. dozens Theofteens veterinarians. have only participated Brownridge touts in the them as Lifetime a “safe Bonds and program cozy home for away two months, from home but while already, youchanges briefly in gothought, somewhere attitude your and dog is not allowed.” behavior are evident. Nikki Robinson, Assistant Superintendent/Programs IYC Chicago, observes In this age of rent-a-bikes and rent-athe boys not to sidewalks the sessions scooters thatonly arelook nowforward littering and because they’re enjoyable, that parkways in major cities, but there willthey be really these “get” why the program is important. canine housing units also taking up space on sidewalks. Time will tell if DogSpot is a doggone How You CanorHelp great solution creates new problems – such Besttrapped Friends Safe relies on as a dog insideHumane by an owner who forgot donations andorin-kind services fromabandons local he was there who intentionally this businesses and individuals. If you’d like to make dog. Stay tuned. n a donation to the Safe Humane Lifetime Bonds program, send a check payable to: Safe Humane P.O. Box 7342 Chicago, IL 60680-7342. If you’d like to learn more about volunteer opportunities
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Cathe Delaney, Managing Editor Please send all letters to the editor: NAPPS@petsitters.org Letters should include your name, address, and daytime telephone Letters may edited with Safe Humane, call number. 312-409-4790. Forebemore for length or clarity. Submissions may be mailed information on Best Friends, visit their Web site at or emailed as a word document.
www.bestfriends.org. n
Professional Pet Sitter is published quarterly by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), a nonprofit organization, and is available through membership subscription. No portion of the magazine may be reprinted without the written consent of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. The letters and advertisements contained in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the association. NAPPS is not liable for validity or correctness of any claim, express or implied, made in advertisements or writings of this magazine.
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES NAPPS Headquarters 1120 Rt. 73, Suite 200 Mt. Laurel, NJ 08054 Phone: (856) 439-0324 Fax: (856) 439-0525 Email: NAPPS@petsitters.org www.petsitters.org Cathe Delaney Administrative Director Matt Reid Administrative Assistant Kattie Krewer Media Contact kkrewer@petsitters.org Business Insurers of the Carolinas PO Box 2536, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2536 Phone: (800) 962-4611 ext. 224 www.petsitterinsurance.com For Dishonesty Bond and/or General Liability Insurance The National Group Insurance Exchange 3210 Doolittle Dr., Northbrook, IL 60062 Phone: (800) 955-0418 Fax: (847) 559-9499 Email: tngie@aol.com www.wwins.com Contact: Alan Leafman For Dental and Health Insurance For pet sitting questions contact: www.petsitters.org www.petsitters.org
PR ESID EN T ’ S M E S S A G E
By Jessica Abernathy, President
Be Visible in Your Community and Beyond Recently, I was invited to be a guest on a radio podcast aimed at pet professionals and pet parents. Not once, but twice in a span of three months. And, I am glad I did say yes to participating in both episodes. Pet Edu radio show host Mary Oberdier, also an active NAPPS member, invited me to discuss not only my pet sitting businesses in Chicago, but also the many benefits NAPPS offers on the Social Bytes Radio show that also is aired on iHeart Radio. This was a free opportunity to spotlight all we do at our volunteer national organization to better the lives of pets under our care. I was honored to be a guest and I encourage all of you to accept such invitations. Whether it is a guest appearance on a podcast or local television news show or Google hangout or Facebook Live, regard these as free opportunities to spread the word about your role as a professional pet sitter. Here is your chance for people to see and hear you and for you to offer pet tips and talk about your business offerings. During these episodes, I was able to discuss the success of our recent NAPPS Forum that for the first time offered members the chance to attend in person or view via live streaming.
“Here is your chance for people to see and hear you and for you to offer pet tips and talk about your business offerings.” – Jessica Abernathy, NAPPS Volunteer and President
I was also able to discuss expansions and updates in our certification programs and webinars that feature some of the top pet experts in the country as presenters. Plus, I talked about our educational outreach to pet parents. Nice, right? And on these shows, we talked about a timely topic — how to prepare to deal with natural and man-made disasters. I live in Chicago, with a longstanding reputation for being bitter cold and for record snow falls in the winter. As I mentioned on the podcast, it is important to have a Plan A and Plan B in place before temperatures dip or snow falls. Same goes for our members in other parts of the country who face hurricanes, wildfires, tornados and floods. You never know how a client will find you, so it is important to use a multi-faceted approach to get the word out about your company and your services. Websites, guest appearances on radio/TV or social media shows, participating in local community pet events and mutual referral partnerships with local veterinary clinics are just some ways to reach out to loyal clients and to cultivate new ones. One of the hidden benefits of being a guest on a popular podcast is that you can share the link for others to listen in case they were not able to hear it live. And as for our webinars, access is also always available with a few keystrokes. I thank all of you for everything you do and I wish you an enjoyable and prosperous fall!
Jessica Abernathy Dedicated NAPPS Volunteer and President www.petsitters.org
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Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
I ND USTRY N E W S O F I N T E RE S T
By Arden Moore
Disasters Can Strike Any Time, Any Where NAPPS Arms Members on How to Prepare and To Act
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elcome to September, hailed as National Preparedness Month. Unfortunately, Mother Nature puts the capital “N” in nasty weather year-round these days. Last August, Hurricane Harvey struck Houston and Texas Gulf Coast with heavy rains and winds. In recent months, more than a dozen major wildfires are ablaze in southern California and floods turned highways into unnavigable waterways in eastern Pennsylvania. And, don’t forget about the record amount of snow fall in Chicago last winter or the record-setting heat in cities like Phoenix and Dallas this summer. It seems like there is no zip code in the country that is insulated from a weather disaster. As professional pet sitters, you know that your clients are counting on you to walk their dogs, feed their cats and other care duties when they are away from their homes in any type of weather. Fortunately, NAPPS has updated its disaster planning tools for members on the website. The detailed Emergency Planning Guide for Pet Sitters is comprehensive in scope. It addresses pet sitter safety, identifies the four phases of emergency management by local, state and federal agencies; outlines a detailed emergency plan checklist, offers guidance is you need to evacuate your customers’ pets, the recovery plan after the emergency has passed and much more. Here are a few key take-home tips from this training manual: • Set your computer and cell phones to notify you if there are severe storm or tornado warnings posted. • When meeting with a new client, insist that they get all the disaster preparedness supplies needed for their pets ready in advance. • When evacuating pets, do not drive through flooded streets. If your car stalls while in flowing water, abandon it immediately, taking with you any animals (unless it would compromise your safety). • When entering a customer’s home after a flood, open the windows and let it air out for several minutes to Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
“You need to arrange for automatic feeders for cats and you need to have weather-planning conversations with your clients.” remove foul odors or escaped gas before starting your pet care duties. • Plan several evacuation routes with your animals in case fires block your escape. Care must be taken in re-entering burned areas as there may be hot spots that could flare up without warning. In preparation for Hurricane Harvey’s arrival, NAPPS members Barbara and Antonio Garcia, owners of GBA Pet Service, LLC, in Goodrich, TX, gathered spare crates and kennels for displaced pets and reached out to FEMA and the Emergency Response Team in Polk County to offer their help. “Then we started calling to check on our clients in the areas where evacuations were taking place,” says Barbara Garcia. She also met clients at the airport who
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were attempted to fly away from the hurricane, but failed to obtain the necessary veterinary health certificates to allow their two dogs to fly. “We were able to care for these two Labradoodles for two weeks,” says Barbara. “They had more than six feet of water in their home due to the hurricane.” The key, says NAPPS President Jessica Abernathy is to be prepared before a natural disaster strikes. “I brought some pets home when I knew their owners were out of town when we were about to get hit with 20 inches of snow and I knew that I couldn’t make it out,” she says, referring to a major snow storm that occurred in Chicago last winter. “You need to arrange for automatic feeders for cats and you need to have weather-planning conversations with your clients.” n
www.petsitters.org
T IPS O F T H E T R A D E
By Kristin Morrison
Expert Shares Tips on Price Setting and Meet-and-Greets
business and living your life will always go up. If you’ve been in business for a couple of years—or more—and you’ve got more clients than you know what to do with, then you can raise your prices with confidence. [Editor’s Note: In this excerpt from her new book, 30 Days to Start and Grow Your Pet Some of my coaching clients feel awkward Sitting and Dog Walking Business, Kristin Morrison offers advice on setting (and regularly raising rates, especially for friends and family. evaluating) the right price point for offered services for prospective and established pet Failing to raise your rates is an expensive mistake! entrepreneurs.] Here’s why: it will cost you more to do business every year and if you don’t raise prices regularly ricing services can be confusing for many your own prices. How many other companies do you will end up working more hours each year business owners and entrepreneurs. If you need to research? I recommend finding ten or to bring in the same amount of money. This can you set your prices too low, you may not more businesses most similar to yours. When I say lead to burnout and drain all the joy out of your make a profit. If your prices are too high, you will the most similar, I mean the closest in distance business. struggle to find enough clients to stay afloat. to where your business is located as well as in One of the questions I frequently get from Experienced pet sitters and dog walkers can services offered. my coaching clients, once they see they really do benefit from evaluating pricing every year or two. If there are any companies charging a lot need to raise their rates on an annual or biannual Part of the reason that pricing is so difficult for more or less than the average price in your area, basis, is how should they tell their customers most first-time business owners is that there is try to figure out why. Are the businesses with the about the rate increase? They worry that their no concrete formula for finding the right price. lowest prices brand new companies? Are their clients will be upset or leave altogether. And yet, Location, demand, and even many of my coaching clients hear from their the condition of the economy For example, if you notice that the top dog customers that they are surprised it has affects how much customers taken so long for prices to go up. Those that are willing to pay for a do leave often make room for more clients, walkers in your area all offer off-leash dog particular service. allowing you to attract—and retain—the adventures, that tells you that local dog owners best clients that truly value the service your Some of the most common mistakes business are willing to pay a premium for that service. It business provides. owners make is setting prices too low and neglecting might be worth the time and effort to raise rates every few to offer a similar service as well. years. This is true for all businesses, not just the pet care industry. The idea that the lowest prices visit or walk times shorter than bring in the most customers is not always true. other local competition? When it People want to feel like they are paying for quality, comes to the businesses with the especially when it comes to their pets. It is highest prices, what sets them also worth noting that the low-price model that apart? What service or experience retailers use does not directly apply to a small do they provide that allows them business or service that takes your time and skill. to keep clients while charging the Don’t sell yourself or your talents short! highest prices? If you notice the On the other hand, it is very easy to price most expensive pet sitters and yourself out of business by charging too much. I dog walkers in your area all offer see this most often with new pet sitters and dog the same specialized service, use walkers who have no idea what the going rate is that information to refine your for pet care in their area. For this reason, I suggest business plan. For example, if you you start by figuring out what other dog walkers notice that the top dog walkers in and pet sitters charge where you live. your area all offer off-leash dog adventures, that tells you that Research Your Competition local dog owners are willing to An internet search should give you the pay a premium for that service. It information you need, or you might need to spend might be worth the time and effort some time on the phone with local pet sitters and to offer a similar service as well. dog walkers. Write down what other businesses are charging per walk, visit, etc. Be sure to break Review Your Rates Annually it down in terms of time amounts for each service. Plan to review your rates at You’ll use this information again when you set least once a year. The cost of doing
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www.petsitters.org
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Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
T IPS O F T H E T R A D E
continued
Why the Client Meet-and-Greet is So Important and How to Ace It Are you conducting in-person interviews with all potential clients before agreeing to a pet visit, vacation sit, or dog walk? If not, you are missing a valuable opportunity to screen clients and showcase what makes you a great pet sitter and dog walker. Clients need to be comfortable with you in their home, and you need to be comfortable with it too. This is also your opportunity to interview potential clients and their pets. Be friendly and warm during the interview. Remember that new clients are inviting you to care for part of their family; they want to see that you are personable, kind, and professional. Don’t worry if you are shy or get nervous talking to new people. Many pet sitters and dog walkers are naturally more comfortable around animals than people—it’s one thing that makes them so good with pets. Bringing your computer or a note pad to take down information can provide a physical boundary, which can be comforting if you are shy, and give you something to do with your hands if you get nervous. You will need to take notes during the interview anyway, so having the computer with you can serve a dual purpose. Even if your potential client does not see a need for an in-person interview, I recommend that you insist on it. If their dog is unfriendly or misbehaves, you want to know that behavior is a possibility when the owner is present. The client interview is also your opportunity to talk about what care the pet needs as well as your company policies. This is also the time I recommend getting your new client to fill out a client interview form and sign a contract.
The Client Interview Form: If you have pet sitting or dog walking administration software and it allows clients to enter their information digitally, have them do that prior to the client interview. If not, gather all essential information about a new client on one form they can fill out during the meet-and-greet: • Basic contact information, as well as how to reach them when they are away. • An emergency contact for the pet as well as who to contact about a plumbing or other household emergency, especially if your client will be traveling out of town. • Information about each pet, including Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
the pets’ names, breeds, and any special medical needs. • If your potential client is scheduling dog walks, list the times and dates for walks on the interview form. • For pet sitting and vacation visit clients, gather information about garbage collection, mail delivery, any plants that need care, and additional instructions. • The client’s email address for communicating about appointments as well as for your email newsletter distribution list. A digital client interview form will allow you to retain all relevant client and pet information for easy access anywhere you need it down the road. I also suggest providing a client satisfaction questionnaire for clients to fill out after the service is complete. This gives them an opportunity to give you feedback about what went well and what could be better next time. A client satisfaction questionnaire is a great place to ask for permission to use your client as a reference in the future so you can build up a list of happy, satisfied clients when potential clients are looking for references. It does take some time and effort to schedule client interviews with all potential customers, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. Client interviews will make expectations clear for both
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you and your clients, helping you avoid unpleasant or awkward situations down the road. If you are worried about the time commitment involved with meeting each potential client in person, I often recommend charging a small fee for your time that can be applied to the first service if the customer ends up signing a contract after the interview. This will help motivate potential clients to commit to your company, compensate you for your effort, and give you the chance to evaluate how sincere a potential client truly is in your services. n Kristin Morrison is a nationally recognized pet business conference speaker and the founder of SixFigure Pet Sitting Academy™. She hosts the annual Prosperous Pet Business Online Conference and the Prosperous Pet Business podcast. Kristin’s previous books include Six-Figure Pet Sitting, Six-Figure Pet Business, and the Prosperous Pet Business: Interviews with the Experts series.
Learn More from Kristin! For more on starting and growing a successful pet sitting and dog walking business, including more in-depth naming advice, 30 Days to Start and Grow Your Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Business is available in print and e-book form on Amazon and on SixFigurePetSittingAcademy.com www.petsitters.org
T IPS O F T H E T R A D E
By Amy Toman of Pet Sitter SEO
The Best Way to Prepare Images for Upload
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ecause I’m asked to upload images from many sources, I’ve fallen into a habit of processing each one the same way. Those of you who have s-l-o-w websites should pay special attention to this, as this method should help speed things up going forward. It will also help you get the best effect from the images you use on your website and in your blog posts.
Crop Make sure your selected image focuses on the blog post’s topic. If you’re writing about a type of leash, make sure your image shows that leash very clearly. Also make sure that the elements in the background are not distracting. Basically, make sure the image supports your post. When I work on my laptop, I often use Canva’s Photo Editor tool for cropping images. It’s simple to use and has great results. They even have a few fun filters there, and you can resize your images as well.
Compress I encourage site owners to show off images they take themselves, as it shows you or your staff in action. But how are most photos taken these days? On cell phones (I love mine!). That creates problems, as cell pics these days are very detailed, which means they take a long time to load on a website. The best way to deal with this
is to compress them using a tool like TinyPNG. This tool will take images and compress them nicely. Compressing is making them less dense. Good tools like TinyPNG do that while retaining their appearance. You can learn more, including a discussion about what compression actually is, by checking out my post on the topic by clicking this link: https://petsitterseo.com/tools-tiny-pngimage-compression-tool.
Upload Upload your image using the tools in your builder. If you use WordPress, you can either add
it via the Media Library, or set your cursor within a post and click Add Media.
Add Alt Text This is something that wasn’t really wasn’t a big deal until the past year or two. When you upload any image now, you really need to include alt text. Alt text is a short (up to 16 words) description of what’s in an image. That’s it. So, if you’re posting a pic of a dog on a walk, you can enter Dog Walker Barb walking German Shepherd Dog Barbie in Altoona, PA. Remember to use your site-wide keywords but keep them to specific to the image and the post. I share more details on alt text at this link: https://moz.com/learn/seo/ alt-text.
Bottom Line There should be at least one image in every page and post, and you should treat each image carefully by cropping, compressing, and adding alt text. By completing this process consistently, you’ll make your site perform faster and look more professional. n If you would like help analyzing your website results or for other website editing or an SEO review, contact Amy Toman at amy@petsitterseo.com, or text or call her on 732 820-0103. To learn more, visit www.petsitterseo.com. www.petsitters.org
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Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
B USINESS
Introducing a New Breed of Insurance – Cyber Coverage Facebook, Twitter, email, the world wide web and technology all play huge roles in any small business today, and the pet sitting/dog walking industry is no exception. How we utilize all of the above can potentially make or break our businesses.
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ust as there are certain risks involved with starting a new business, there are also certain risks that go along with utilizing technology, the web and social media. Let’s examine the world of cyber insurance and discuss examples of recent claims related to the internet and social media. First, let me warn you that cyber security is a very broad and complex topic in the world of insurance. It involves many different types of coverages (including damage to a Third Party due to your negligence, as well as First Party damages you incur). It continues to evolve just as the new threats on internet become apparent. For this column, let’s focus on the coverages that would or could primarily pertain to your business.
Network and Security Liability Network and Security Liability is a third-party liability coverage that protects your business against errors or omissions you make in terms of protecting your clients’ sensitive information. If you keep your clients’ credit card information on file so that you may easily charge your client each time they call you to pet sit, you are responsible for keeping this information secure. Far too many do not believe they are exposed as they use a third-party vendor for this, however, your clients don’t know your third-party vendor. As a result, they will likely come after your business if their data is breached. If a hacker compromised your website and obtained your clients’ credit card information, you could be sued by one or all of your clients who are affected, especially if charges are racked up and it damages their credit rating. This type of cyber coverage typically covers your business for damages and defense costs that arise out of the stolen data.
Media Liability Media or Communications Liability is a third-party liability coverage that covers you/ your business as a result of defamation, libel and slander, invasion of an individual’s right of privacy, infringement of any copyright or trademark, and domain name infringement of improper linking or framing. If you plagiarized content from another pet sitter’s website or slandered a competitor on Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
your website or via social media, you put yourself at risk. This type of liability insurance typically includes defense coverage and damages for covered lawsuits.
Data Breach Remediation and Notification Expense A data breach can not only injure a third party, but can also directly impact your business. Data Breach Remediation and Notification Expense is a first-party coverage, and covers your business if a breach has been determined and you must pay to notify all of your clients, hire an attorney to assist with a breach response, pay for computer forensic costs or provide credit monitoring and/or a call center for impacted clients/individuals.
Computer Program/Electronic Data Restoration Expenses/Cyber Terrorism and Business Interruption and Additional Expense This coverage may be covered under one or two separate coverage forms, depending on the insurer, but it is a first-party liability coverage that protects your business against viruses, interruption, degradation in service, or failure of
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the computer system due to an act of terrorism or computer virus/malware. Let’s say you received an email that appears to be from a client, but when you open it up, your computer continues to receive pop-ups or locks up completely, disabling your business/ internet commerce. And there are cyber crimes, such as phishing attacks (also known as social engineering fraud) in which you or your employees are tricked by a third party into transferring money or personal documents to them. Coverage includes costs of repair and restoration of computer programs and electronic data, as well as reimbursement for loss of income or theft loss. So, do you need all of the above coverages? Maybe, however, the cost may be prohibitive. Some insurers will offer low limits under a Business Owners policy to give you some protection for data breach and network security liability, but typically, coverage is minimal and only low limits are offered. But in order to secure some of the other coverage’s listed or higher limits for network security liability/data breach, you would need to purchase a stand-alone cyber liability policy that can cost between $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the size of your business, what you offer on your website, www.petsitters.org
By David Pearsall, CIC, CWCA
the size of your computer network, the security controls you have in place and other factors. The first thing to consider is your computer security. Do you have adequate malware (virus) protection? Do you have someone who oversees or is responsible for security of your computer system? Do you use firewall technology? Do you receive financial transactions such as credit/debit cards on your website and if so, is the information stored on your servers encrypted? An insurer will want answers to all of these questions in order to determine your risk/premium cost. In addition, did you receive a certificate of insurance from your third-party vendor that shows you are covered for cyber liability if your site is hacked and your customer’s data is breached? Now let’s look at a couple of scenarios that have occurred to pet sitters we currently insure. Both of which fall under media liability and both have occurred multiple times over the last couple of years, so I want everyone to be aware and prepared. I suspect there will be many more instances like this in the future for those who do not heed the warning.
Scenario #1: Stealing Clients and Plagiarize Your Website Content This scenario involves the use of business names, website material including pictures, and prior client relationships. It typically occurs when a pet sitter’s employee or independent contractor decides to quit and open up a competing business in the same territory. Unfortunately, most of these claims are been born out of prior conflicts between the pet sitting business owner and a former employee or independent contractor. For example, a team member is unhappy over pay, treatment or has a personality conflict with you and decides to open a competing business. He or she may go so far as to plagiarize some of your website content. In addition, this person may approach and take some of your clients. As a result, you lose income and decide to file suit against your former employee/IC for slander, copy right infringement and client piracy. Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
Please note there is typically no coverage under the NAPPS Liability policy or any other general liability policy for this type of occurrence, nor a media liability policy if you intentionally plagiarize website or steal copyrighted material. Intentional acts are almost always found in the exclusions of an insurance policy. So only unintentional acts would be covered. The best recommendation I can give is for you to utilize employment contracts and/ or subcontract agreements which address confidentiality and restrictive covenants (noncompete/non-piracy) with all of your employees/ independent contractors, and make certain they understand them and what will occur if they leave. I strongly recommend speaking to a business attorney in your local area to make certain you follow all local laws as it pertains to these agreements, as each state will differ on what you can legally do in this area.
Scenario #2: Dealing with a Liability Claim Aired on Social Media The next incident/claim is more about what not to do when you incur a liability claim or any type of claim in your business. Please refrain from talking about details of the claim on social media or anywhere on the internet. We have seen a number of instances arise when a client’s pet gets injured or passes away while in the care of their business, and the pet sitter takes to social media to defend themselves. Typically, the pet sitter is blasted on social media by a claimant for the death/injury of their pet(s). The insured sitter feels the need to respond and engage with the claimant on social media, and it only makes things worse. By responding before all the facts are in, and the claims adjuster/defense team can respond is almost always going to make things worse. You could easily end up with a second claim for slander or lose other clients due to your words. If you absolutely feel the need to respond, the best advice I can give is to simply make a statement that you are very sorry/sympathetic to the client’s loss, and let them know you have turned the claim over to your insurance company to resolve, and are working on remedying the situation as best as humanly possible. By continuing back and forth dialogue with someone
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who is extremely angry and emotional over the loss can only do more harm than good. Allow time for the insurance adjuster to do his or her job and assist the claimant once all the facts are known. Unfortunately, injuries can and do occur, and all you can do once the claim has occurred is turn the claim in and let it take its course. Finally, let’s take a look at some recent general liability and workers compensation claims that range from $727 up to $6,763:
General Liability claims: 1. A pet sitter took a client’s dog to the beach to play. While there, another dog ran into, and injured the client’s dog. Total paid: $4,692. 2. A dog injured a paw while staying at a pet sitter’s home. Total paid: $1,522. 3. A pet sitter was rolling the client’s trash can to the curb. There was a decline in the sidewalk and the trash can got away from pet sitter and hit a car that was stopped at a traffic light. Total paid: $2,725. 4. A dog was bitten by a rattlesnake while on walk with a pet sitter. Total paid: $3,264. 5. A dog tore his ACL while under the care of a pet sitter. Total paid: $4,433. 6. During a pet sitting visit, a dog’s leg was stepped on and broken. Total paid: $6,763.
Workers Compensation claims: 1. A dog bit an employee on the forearm. Total paid: $811. 2. An employee was bitten on the left knee by a dog during a walk. Total paid: $727. 3. A dog pulled an employee to the ground, causing injury. Total paid: $4,562. 4. A pet sitter was walking two dogs at one time and tripped over one of the dogs and injured her foot. Total paid: $1,328. n David Pearsall, CIC, CWCA, is vice-president/co-owner of Business Insurers of the Carolinas, a multi-line commercial insurance agency specializing in insurance for pet service professionals since 1995. He is a licensed insurance agent in all 50 states and has held the Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation and the Certified Workers Compensation Advisor (CWA) designation since 2002. David can be reached at 1-800-962-4611, ext. #214, or via email at DP@business-insurers.com. www.petsitters.org
B USINESS
Managing Business Risks
Are You One Catastrophic Event Away from Losing It All? Much of the consulting work I do with professional pet sitting companies and dog walking businesses revolves around highlighting risks a company may be taking currently in their business practices, and advising ways to minimize or eliminate those risks. Being an entrepreneur and business owner will always have some element of risk, and conversely, can also result in great rewards. But in my experience, business owners are also often taking unnecessary risks in how they are running their business that can become problematic as their business grows and they take on more staff.
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o what kinds of risks am I talking about? There are a million possible business risks, but here are some examples that I see facing business owners in this industry: • Paying certain staff in cash/under the table • Treating/training staff like employees, but paying them as independent contractors • Owner paying themselves all excess cash flow that the company is generating, but also not keeping a good-sized savings account in case of
Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
emergencies • Inadequate hiring, screening and training processes for staff that creates other business problems • No accounting processes in place at all, or no regular reviewing of financial statements. As a result, the owner is making financial decisions based on gut feelings or how much money is in the bank on any given day. • Lack of focus on safety • Lack of adherence to the U.S. Department of Labor regulations regarding minimum
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wage, tracking employee time and payment of overtime wages When I see any of these risks in a business, my first priority is to conduct a frank conversation with the business owner to better understand why he or she may be doing things in this manner, and to determine if they even realize that they are putting themselves and their company at risk. In the majority of cases, the business owner does not immediately see that what he or she is doing is putting their business at risk. This is where I often remind them about how a company’s business practices typically come about. Many start their businesses as solo entrepreneurs. They learn the ins and outs of running a dog walking and pet sitting business as they go along, and often don’t begin with enough business experience to immediately be doing everything correctly. As the business evolves and grows, more staff are hired, revenues increase, and then the business owner realizes the need to become more organized and put a proper structure in place. However, setting proper labor, compensation and employee structures “mid-stream” is much harder to do once your business has staff than it is to simply do it correctly from the beginning. But a person often does not have the business knowledge to set that structure when first starting out. Yes, it is a Catch-22. The problem with trying to correct legal and employee areas after you have already experienced good growth and have staff, is that you are often correcting things that can get you in a lot of hot water if you don’t fix them correctly and discreetly. All it takes is for one disgruntled but knowledgeable staff person to call your state labor board or the federal Department of Labor and say that you are: • Paying someone “under the table” • Treating your independent contractors like employees • Not adhering to Department of Labor regulations Any of the above scenarios is likely to trigger an investigation into your business. All it takes if for just one person to mess things up and it can greatly impact your entire business. Sadly, it happens far too often. Are you comfortable with that? Personally, I am not, and most business www.petsitters.org
By Erin Fenstermaker
owners I speak to are not either once they realize what is truly at stake. While the above examples are primarily about legal and staff-related requirements, financial risk is another area where I see a lot of exposure in this industry. Most people don’t start dog walking and pet sitting businesses with an accounting degree or the knowledge of how to read financial statements. They start their businesses because they love animals. Unfortunately, if they don’t take the time to learn about how to track their business’ financial status on an ongoing basis, and learn how to manage their money and always maintain access to cash reserves, they can put themselves at huge financial risk. I have worked with several business owners who were forced to file for personal bankruptcy prior to me meeting them, because they simply did not monitor or manage their finances well. Often, their bankruptcies occurred after a single catastrophic and unplanned event. Examples include a serious accident by a family member that generated huge medical bills, fines levied by the IRS due to falling behind on payroll taxes; and unexpected losses of multiple key clients at the same time, resulting in a sudden decrease in business while their overhead stayed the same. These are all typical examples of “catastrophic events” that could result in the sudden demise of your business or personal finances, and unfortunately, some of you may be in jeopardy of such events right now. But you don’t have to be. If you know you aren’t monitoring your business financials, and you know you pull 100 percent of the free cash flow out of your business and immediately spend it, you have to first admit these are risky choices and that you want to change them. Once you have done that, then find the right adviser, mentor, accountant or consultant who is willing to work with you to help change these practices. With all of the technology-related change that is happening right now in the dog walking and pet sitting industry, it can be a very scary time to own a business in this space if you are also making risky business choices. There is a lot of uncertainty out there about where the industry is headed. Many locally-based businesses who have grown every year they have been in business are suddenly seeing declines in their revenues for the first time. If you have areas of business risk, www.petsitters.org
particularly financial risk, this can potentially leave you in a very precarious position. If you are committed to being in this industry for the long haul, and want to set an example for others to follow instead of being an example of what not to do, then start by having a business expert take an honest look at your business’ areas of risk. It is the first step to laying a more professional future for your business, and often leads to greater calm and fewer sleepless nights! n Erin Fenstermaker is a small business consultant specializing in the pet industry. A certified dog trainer, Erin was also a part-time pet sitter for seven years while working full-time as a small business chief
operating officer. Erin’s ability to collaborate with business owners on developing strategic plans, and then assisting in their implementation, is what makes her an asset to her clients. She considers herself an accountability partner to her clients, many of whom admit they have a lot of ideas, but have difficulty turning their ideas into reality. With her direct manner and ability to break complex issues into workable pieces, she loves assisting pet industry businesses of all sizes reach their fullest potential. Learn more at www.erinfenstermaker.com.
Test Your Knowledge and Earn CEUs! Take the NAPPS Professional Pet Sitter Test to earn renewal CEUs. Answers can be found in this issue. Be sure to email your answers to cdelaney@ahint.com and include the subject line: Fall18 Issue Quiz. 1. What is the name of the new climate-controlled sidewalk sanctuaries for dogs in some major cities? A. DogMark B. DogSpot C. DogCityHouse D. DogCondo 2. What is the name of the podcast show host who invited NAPPS President Jessica Abernathy to be a guest two times? A. Arden Moore B. Jaime Migdal C. Mary Oberdier D. Barbara Garcia 3. Which of the following is not an example of a business risk in the article written by Erin Fenstermaker: A. Paying certain staff in cash/under the table. B. Lack of focus on safety.
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C. Lack of adherence to the U.S. Department of Labor regulations. D. Maintaining a good-sized savings account in case of emergencies. 4. What is a business tool that Christi Moore does not use to recruit pet sitting clients? A. Website B. Brochures C. Word-of-mouth referrals D. Business cards 5. What is the topic addressed in this issue’s NAPPS Chat? A. Hiring independent contractors B. Obtaining pet first aid certification C. Requesting extra pay for holiday visits D. Renewing NAPPS dues
Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
B USINESS
By Jamie Migdal, CEO of FetchFind
Do Not View Cat Care as an Add-on Service
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ven though cats outnumber dogs in American households, for many pet service companies, cat care is treated like an addon menu item, a side dish to the main course of dog walking or doggy daycare, or even grooming! When I owned Out-U-Go, I was always thrilled to have a cat visit in the middle of a busy day, because it was a chance to sit down, catch my breath, and chill out with a (mostly) less demanding companion in a (hopefully) comfortable indoor setting. We all did our cat clients a big disservice back in the day. Formal dog care training was largely nonexistent, and as for formal cat care, the attitude was “what’s so hard about changing a litter box or waving a feather toy around for a few minutes?” Because cats aren’t big, noisy, and outwardly demanding like many of their canine counterparts, we tend to take them for granted as an easy pet care visit. That is, until we need to do something that the cat doesn’t want to do. That’s when every pet sitter starts to deeply and sincerely regret not knowing more about feline behavior. I remember one of the my most demanding cat care assignments. I had to go in three times a day to give pills to a very sick and elderly cat. This seemed like an easy assignment, but this cat hated strangers, couldn’t be approached, and refused to eat while someone was watching. He would only drink water from the bathtub faucet, but the water couldn’t be too cold, too hot, too fast, or too slow. Half of my time was spent trying to make the pills enticing so that I could be sure he was getting his medication on time. On my way out the door, he took a yowling swipe at my ankles from beneath the dining room table. If I knew then what I know now, I could have spared myself and the cat a lot of grief. Every pet sitter should have these essential skills as part of their cat care toolkit: • How to properly greet a cat • How cats communicate with people • How to do a nose-to-tail wellness check • How to administer medication in both pill and liquid form • How to do two towel-wrapping techniques The good news is that more pet service companies are providing comprehensive cat care, and there are a growing number of companies that
Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
Fun fact: Creme Puff, the oldest cat on record, lived for 38 years and 3 days. Fun statistic: If Creme Puff had only one $20 pet sitting visit every week over the course of his life, that would be $39,520 in revenue. ONLY provide cat care (like NAPPS Business of the Year Whiskers at Home in Bellevue, WA operated by Jessica Dwyer). That makes great business sense, because the average indoor cat has a lifespan of nearly 17 years, and many cat-loving households include two or more felines. That’s a serious long term, reputation-building repeat business opportunity. Fun fact: Creme Puff, the oldest cat on record, lived for 38 years and 3 days. Fun statistic: If Creme Puff had only one $20 pet sitting visit every week over the course of his life, that would be $39,520 in revenue. So, what are you waiting for? Put those cats back up on the pedestals where they have always belonged, and train your staff to give them the expert and knowledgeable care that they deserve. To get you started, we’re offering a special discount on our Feline Fundamentals subscription - use code NAPPS50FELINE at checkout to get half off your first month! Just go to http://learning. fetchfind.com/p/feline-fundamentals to enroll today. Our Feline Fundamentals subscription is
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developed by cat behavior and safety expert Arden Moore, who is committed to providing the best, up-to-date advice on all things feline. n Jamie Migdal, CPDT-KA, has been innovating within the pet industry for nearly 25 years. Having successfully built three national pet service companies, Jamie is an expert across all aspects of the pet industry, including education, technology, business development, sales, marketing, and management. Her fourth and current company, FetchFind, sells staff training and other business solutions to pet care service companies around the globe. FetchFind was selected as one of the top five most innovative pet care companies via the Purina Pet Care Innovation Prize. Learn more at www.fetchfind.com.
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Christi Moore Revels in Being a Successful Rural Pet Sitter By Arden Moore
hristi Moore doesn’t rely on a website to land clients. She doesn’t study SEO stats or attempt to recruit Twitter followers. She thoroughly knows her rural Oregon market and thrives the old-fashioned way: word-of-mouth referrals. People living in Crooked River Ranch (population about 6,000) enjoy lots of land as the minimum lot size is one acre. And, many share their homesteads with a wide menagerie of pets beyond cats and dogs. Moore is the go-to pet sitter in this area, especially if you have horses, chickens, goats, hamsters, birds, snakes and yes, even llamas. “I used to have a website, but it was so outdated and besides, no one in this rural area looks at websites,” says Moore, who founded the Paws N’ Ponies Pet Sitting services in 2012. “Everybody knows everybody here and because I am involved in a number of community activities, the word has spread about my pet sitting business.” Moore also finds time to be an active NAPPS member, serving on the Education Task Force and completing her NAPPS certification earlier this year. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed as she has been selected as co-Member in Action by the NAPPS Executive Committee. She shares this honor with Linda Beatty, who runs Ask Linda Pet Sitting in the Indianapolis area. Both will receive complimentary registration and two-night lodging accommodations to attend the next NAPPS Education and Networking Forum plus be spotlighted via social media venues. “This was a pleasant surprise and I am delighted to share this honor with Linda,” says Moore. “When I started my pet sitting business, I selected NAPPS because it is a national group of volunteers who want to help each other grow professionally. Our organization represents all types of pet sitters, Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
from those in the East in urban areas to people like me who do pet sitting in rural areas.” She also has completed courses in pet first aid and attended horse health clinics taught by veterinarians in central Oregon as well as received private instruction on horse handling from local horse trainers. “I think it is important to learn proper care, pet first aid and how to handle pet emergencies,” she says. “It behooves a pet sitter to take classes for the knowledge certainly, but also for visibility and exposure as well as networking with the teaching entities. Trainers and veterinarians who see you taking their classes and learning are going to be more likely to refer you to their customers.” She shares these insights and tips about pet sitting in rural areas: • Seek a pet sitter who shares your professionalism as mutual backups for one another. • Recognize the diversity among your clients. Some may have lived on farms while others may be new arrivals after careers spent in major cities. • Enroll in classes that cover topics impacting horses, livestock and other rural animals. “Two of my clients told me that is what impressed them most about me was that I am always taking classes at the Cinder Rock Veterinary Clinic and the Bend Equine Medical Center,” she says. “They see me there in the classes with them.” • Expect to put a lot of miles on your vehicle, so keep it wellmaintained. • Be willing to barter services on occasion. “You can offer free pet sitting, for example for somebody who can fix your plumbing or dig a ditch for you or clean your house,” she says. • Pace yourself so you don’t burn out or not get adequate sleep, especially if you are a solo pet sitter.
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www.petsitters.org
What People Are Saying About Christi Moore Client JoAnn Hendricks and her husband, Chris, rely on Christi to care for their horses, Copy and Levi; border collie, Bear and miniature Australian shepherd, Pistol and cats, Sonny and Jiggy, when they travel or work late. JoAnn says, “All of our animals are a big part of our lives and we have the utmost confidence that our babies are in good hands when we travel. Christi often sits for us for one week at a time. During our initial meeting, Christi had us fill out a detailed questionnaire that shared important information on our pets, such as medications, habits and food needs. She provides a high level of care for our furry family.” Pat Bowling, manager of the BrightSide Animal Center in Redmond, OR where Christi volunteers, says, “Christi helps with everything that needs to be done, from cleaning kennels to doing dishes and to doing laundry and walking dogs. She is fantastic and dependable. We had a troubled dog named Asher who she took on to foster. This dog had multiple allergies and Christi took it upon herself to have Asher’s allergies tested and to buy him special food. I wish I had 100 volunteers like her.”
• Do good deeds in your community. “If there is a wildfire in your area necessitating evacuation, as you can, publicize your offer and ability to help move the pets of families evacuating,” she says. “Or offer to transport the lost dog to
a veterinary clinic or shelter to be scanned for evidence of a microchip ID.” • Participate in local Nextdoor postings, but remain positive and professional in your remarks and not political. • Calmly but politely educate your clients that you are a pet professional with small business expenses, must meet tax requirements and are licensed and bonded to care for their pets. Moore shares her home with four friendly felines named Paddy, Honey, Bitty Kitty and Kit, but still finds time to be an active volunteer at the BrightSide Animal Center, a local shelter. It is there that she willingly volunteered to take on a
challenging foster case: a sweet, 50-pound pit bull mix named Asher who was struggling with itching from severe allergies. “When he arrived at the shelter, he came in as a stray with mange and two CRR friends and I got him allergy tested and we found out what he was dealing him. I shampooed him twice a week with special medication and I am happy to say that Asher has been adopted and my wish is for him to live a happy life.” Moore, too, has been pursuing a happy, full life. She spent more than a decade in Hawaii, toiled as a technical writer and hulu teacher in Arizona and served as caretaker for her mom in central Oregon before she passed away in 2012. Through it all, she has always had pets. “My life is great now and I am blessed to have great friends and a support system,” says Moore. n
More Info About Paws ‘N Ponies Pet Sitting Services Christi Moore has operated this solo professional pet sitting company since 2012. She is located in Terrebonne, OR and serves people with pets in Crooked River Ranch, a population of about 6,000. She relies on word-of-mouth referrals instead of a website.
Fun Facts About Christi Moore
• She has lived in three states with distinctively different climates and terrains: Hawaii, Arizona and Oregon. • She learned how to hula dance while living in Hawaii and then opened a hula school in Mesa, AZ. • She achieved master level as a scuba diver. • She enjoys being an active member of a local Mahjong club. • She once worked as a technical writer for a major corporation while living in Arizona. • She served as chairperson of the Entertainment Committee of the Annual Arizona Aloha Festival for seven years. www.petsitters.org
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Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
Linda Beatty Reinvents Herself as a Suburban Pet Sitter
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decade ago, Linda Beatty thrived as an administrative assistant orchestrating a team of 150 nurses for a major health management company. She even planned to retire from this job. Then the economy went belly up and she got laid off. She learned to re-invent herself and today, she is her own boss, operating the successful Ask Linda Pet Sitting company that serves clients in cities just north of Indianapolis. She primarily provides care for cats and dogs, but is fast becoming an expert in caring for chickens, growing in popularity as pets.
Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
By Arden Moore “I call myself a suburban pet sitter and I am pleased to say that this is the most gratifying job I have ever had,” says Beatty, who has also been a teacher and a missionary in Africa. “I have always wanted to have my own business, so when circumstances lined up just right, Ask Linda Pet Sitting was born.” One of her first mustdos was to join NAPPS, which she did in 2009. Initially, she tapped many of NAPPS educational and business resources. She completed her NAPPS Pet Sitter Certification Course in 2011 and renewed in in 2015. During this time, she realized she needed to step up and volunteer. She served on the Pet Parent Membership Committee and now is active on the Task Force for Education Opportunities. Since 2011, she has actively participated in the Presents 4 Pets annual campaign, collecting food and supply donations for local animal groups. “This organization has taught me so much, so it behooves me to give back in some way,” she says. Beatty has been chosen as co-Member in Action by the NAPPS Executive Committee, sharing this recognition with Christi Moore, a solo pet sitter who runs Paws N’ Ponies
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Pet Sitting in rural Oregon. Both will receive complimentary registration and two-night lodging accommodations to attend the next NAPPS Education and Networking Forum plus be spotlighted via social media venues. “This is a great honor to receive,” says Beatty, whose growing business includes four highly dependable independent contractors. It was at a NAPPS Education and Forum conference that inspired Beatty to come up with different names to describe her different types of services she offers. On her website, she spells out what services will be covered. The range of services fall under the playful headings of www.petsitters.org
Praise for Linda Beatty Client Debbie Botts says, “I hired Linda about two years ago because at our first meeting, she seemed professional and well organized. Her cost was reasonable. She pet sits Bucky Eugene, my five-year-old dog. I like that Linda and her staff provide excellent service. They show up on time, reliably, regardless of the weather. They have been able to handle schedule changes on sometimes short notice. They have also helped with training and behavioral issues.” Independent Contractor Kelly Evans has been with Ask Linda Pet Sitting for four years. She says, “I admire Linda’s dedication to the pets. She is constantly learning new things and encouraging us to do the same. I think it makes us all better at our jobs.”
“The Quick Stop” (a 15-minute visit) to “Tail Wags” (30 minutes) to “Belly Rubs (45 minutes) to “The Pampered Pet” (60 minutes) to “The Bedtime Pampered Pet” (2 hours). For example, “Belly Rubs” includes potty breaks, a dog walk, feeding and providing fresh water, administering needed medications, taking in the mail, watering plants, doing home security checks, penning a written account of the visit and giving extended play time. “Giving our different types of visits different names has worked with our clients,” she says. “Some would say, ‘I would like the Tail Wag, please’ or ‘I would like the Belly Rubs this time.’” Beatty, who was a Montessori teacher, has always valued the importance of being an educator. That’s why she is a certified pet first aid instructor with Pet Tech, primarily teaching pet professionals in her classes. She has managed to alert and even recruit some to see the value of joining NAPPS. “I would say about 99 percent of the people attending my classes are pet sitters, so I can talk to them about belonging to this organization and being a professional,” says Beatty. “I share how I love having a strong organization like NAPPS to support and offer ideas.” Knowing pet first aid is a must skill for pet sitters, she adds. “My pet first aid skills have helped me to identify what’s normal and what is not in a pet,” she says. “As we know in the pet sitting business, everything won’t always go smoothly. But through courses NAPPS offers and pet first aid training, you can be a better pet sitter and know what to do.” www.petsitters.org
Lately, Beatty is getting schooled in the world of pet chickens. Many of her clients are adding chickens in coops in their backyards. “As a pet sitter, when I encounter a new animal, I research it and learn all I can to provide good care,” says Beatty. “I listen to what the owners want to do and I seek out experts.” Being a student and a teacher came in handy when her clients sold their home, but could not move in to their new home for two weeks. They were able to take their cats and dogs to a cabin for two weeks, but needed a place to keep their 11 chickens. Beatty said yes, setting up a temporary chicken coop shelter in her backyard with netting to prevent predators like hawks or owls from reaching the chickens. “It was nice to hear chickens clucking in the morning and greeting me,” she says with a laugh. “The downside was that I had to protect them from night-time predators like raccoons, so I was up four nights to protect those chickens. I sat in my yard chair, but I learned so much about chickens and how to care for them.” Beatty believes that pet-sitting chickens
will only continue to grow in demand. As a member of the NAPPS Educational Task Force, she is looking into creating new courses for certification in chicken care. “I discovered that there is a real pecking order among chickens,” she says. “I had to step in when the older ladies were not letting the younger ladies eat. They were trying to peck them to reinforce the pecking order.” Beatty credits her entrepreneurial spirit to her father, Tom, who worked in a titanium plant, but also followed his passion to open a successful pizza restaurant for many years. “My dad was always doing cool things,” she says. “I always think how proud my dad would be that I followed his lead and was able to create a business that has enabled me to keep my house since the recession in 2008. I saw his example and I am acting on it.” n
More Info About the Ask Linda Pet Sitting Company Linda Beatty founded the Ask Linda Pet Sitting company in 2008. Today, she and her four independent contractors serve clients in Northwest Indianapolis and Zionsville. Learn more at https://lindapetsitting.com.
Fun Facts About Christi Moore
• She volunteered to give a year of mission service for her church but ended up spending three years in Togo, a West African nation. • Each year, she donates chicks to Heifer International, an international organization that works with communities to end world hunger. www.heifer.org. • One of her cats, a talkative marmalade-and-cream colored feline, is named Jackson, in honor of one of Beatty’s favorite mystery writers, Lilian Jackson Braun. • Her father, Tom, worked in a titanium plant, but hired Linda, her brother and cousins to operate a successful pizza shop when they were teenagers. • She volunteers at the Crooked Creek Food Pantry and buys dozens of wool socks each year to donate to the Wheeler Mission in her community.
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Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
Parlez-vous Felinese?
Decoding non-verbal ways cats “chat” with us. By Ramona Marek [Editor’s Note: Author and cat expert Ramona Marek is a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners’ Cat Friendly Practice Advisory Council and former director of the Cat Writers’ Association. She grants permission to reprint this excerpt from her newest book, Cats for the Genius: Create a Paw-sitive Relationship with Your Cat from the Start.)
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hile it is easy to tell a person’s or dog’s emotional dispostion — happy, sad or peeved — by looking at their facial expression, cats wear a mysterious poker face so they aren’t as easily read. But cats have several behaviors and vocal intonations by which they communicate. Once you learn to recognize and translate the behaviors, you’re on your way to great conversations with your cat through the art of communication. Parlez-vous Felinese? Cats communicate with other cats predominately with body language and scent. They communicate with us using body language, vocalizations and scent marking (although we cannot smell most of it). Unfortunately for cats, we humans have failed to uphold our end of the communication deal. We need to better understand normal feline behavior and the cat’s communication methods. Our cats do communicate with us and we need to do our best to “listen” and understand their language. Otherwise, we may miss important messages like, “Back off!” “I’m sick,” and “You are my favorite possession in the whole wide world!” Cats are highly intelligent beings and have mental skills equivalent to that of a human toddler. Let’s talk about the subtle and not-so-subtle art of feline communication:
body posture in conjunction with the eyes. Direct eye contact, or staring, is sometimes considered rude in human communication. In cat communication, a direct stare is an intimidation posture. The first to look away, blink or slink off will be considerd to have ceded defeat.
Can You ‘Ear’ Me Now? Cat ears are remarkable. Like radar dishes, cat ears hear the faintest sound, especially important for the hunter outside or inside the home. They also swivel independently, move up and down, and rotate 180 degrees thanks to 32 muscles. Ear placement indicates mood, too. An interested, relaxed cat sports upright, forward-facing ears. An aggressive cat’s ears also stand up straight initially before moving sideways and flat. Look at the body to tell the difference. An aggressive cat’s ears rotate back and flatten, with whiskers forward. A swift paw, hissing, growling and/or spitting may accompany the posture. Hint: the flatter the ears, the angrier the cat!
Don’t Get Your Whiskers in a Twist! Whiskers, or vibrissae, are sensitive tactile hairs, aiding the cat’s sense of touch. Whiskers are deeply embedded in muscle tissue and connect to sensitive nerve endings. Whiskers act like a cat’s barometer, transmitting information about air currents, air pressure and objects they touch. Additionally, whiskers act as a GPS system, sending back information about the cat’s surroundings. Cats have three sets of facial whiskers: the eyebrows, chin hair and the longest set, the muzzle whiskers. Muscles allow the whiskers to move forward and backward and it’s this movement that serves as a mood evaluator. Much like body position and ears, whiskers and ears work together to indicate mood. A happy cat’s whiskers point forward while the ears are upright and forward. Whiskers pointed outward, with ears rotated back and flat, signal a cat is gathering information or agitated/aggressive. Whiskers pulled flat to the cheeks, accompanied by ears pulled to the side, indicates fear or aggression. Heed the warning.
Nonverbal Felinese The art of feline nonverbal communication with humans engages the total body, from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Sometimes, we misinterpret nonverbal cues or interpret the cue to mean the same as a dog’s behavior — which is very often the opposite. Misinterpretations can lead to injury, scratches and bites. The best clue to nonverbal communication is to observe the total body for more accurate communication. The eyes may be a beautiful, mysterious window to the soul, but you can think of them as your cat’s mood ring. Cats’ pupils vary in size from the narrowest slits to wide-open black pools, for different reasons from emotional to environmental. For example, pupils may widen or narrow adjusting to light levels or signifying fear or aggression. A happy kitty’s pupils are narrow, but the narrowest of slits means you’ve got an angry cat or a sleepy cat. The opposite, dilated pupils, again, may be adjusting to light or may indicate a fearful, agitated cat. Yet, it may also signal pain. The best interpretation of mood is reading the Professional Pet Sitter · Summer 2018
Postures Deciphered A cat’s body posture and attitude can invite us closer or warn us away. The classic Halloween stance — back arches with
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raised ridge fur, raised rump, legs straight and tail fur puffed out — is a warning stance. These are physiological changes indicating extreme stress, fear, aggression or threat. Distance yourself if you come upon a cat exhibiting these characteristics. Conversely, if a cat approaches you with a raised back and flat fur, rubbing up against you, you’ve been invited to a pet fest. Some cats do what I call the “Stop, Flop and Roll” maneuver. The cat stops walking, flops on the floor and rolls back and forth, exposing the tummy. It’s usually right in front of you and it’s an attentiongetting scheme for petting. Go ahead give the cat lots of chin scratching and head rubbing. Careful, though. Here’s the scheme part: don’t pet the tummy! While some cats tolerate it, most don’t. A cat’s exposed tummy is not a submissive posture or invitation to a tummy rub like a dog. In cat language, it’s a strategic posture to better engage claws and teeth, even if it’s your hand that’s the possible target of attack. The more you try to pull away, the tighter the grip. Relax — yes, really — the cat will release shortly.
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Swiftly slapping tail means agitation. Leave this cat alone. Unlike a dog’s rapid, happy, wagging tail, approaching a cat with this tail movement often results in pain — yours. Tail thumping, similar to a drum beat, signals frustration or a warning. Tail up and fully fluffed means the cat feels threatened. If that fluffed tail moves over the top of the back, and the cat looks mad as well, stand back. Attack is imminent. Tucked tail is the universal sign of submissiveness. Low horizontal tail position says, “I’m cool, calm and collected.” Upright, erect tail with a slight hook indicates a jaunty swagger and means your cat is interested in you or the surroundings. Straight up with a quiver is a great sign. Your cat is shaking with delight.
Feline Signs of Affection Cats show us many signs of love and affection using body language. They sit near us, on us or follow us from room to room. They lick us, give us head butts and give us cheek rubs, all as love signs. Here are some common love signs and their translations: • Head butts, known as bunting, involve cats rubbing against us gently with their forehead as a happy greeting and sign of affection. • Eye blinks are “kitty kisses: in feline parlance. Direct eye contact is confrontation, but slow eye blinks express love and trust. Be sure to blink back. • Licking, the pillar of cat grooming, health care and cleanliness learned way back in kittenhood, is lavished on us when they consider us a member of their family. • Nose kisses are a sweet, gentle, nose-to-nose greeting between cat friends (and humans when we’re lucky).
There is one posture or behavior that I think is an overlooked, misunderstood behavior: the defensive cat posture. The defensive cat sits curled in a tight, crouching position with the tail curled around the body, head to the side and fur flattened, trying to be as little as possible. This withdrawn posture should alert you to your cat’s nervous state. Salivating, shaking, vomiting and/or defecation may also be seen. The defensive posture denotes stress, which may be from a larger problem of intimidation, bullying or harassment from another pet int the home, or, sadly, maybe even a human.
Once you learn the basic forms of feline communication, it’s important to learn your cat’s quirks or dialect. Learn feline signs of affection and reciprocate them for a loving relationship. Learn the warning signs before they escalate to aggression, and then heed the warning. n
Tell-Tail Signs A cat’s tail clearly telegraphs the feline’s emotional state of mind. Learn the signs and remember the condition can change in a quick flick: • Tail swishing side to side indicates a slightly irritated cat. But because some cats express joy with a swishy tail, you should know your cat’s disposition and personality. If not, be sure to look at other body indicators. www.petsitters.org
Ramona Marek has written about companion pets for 12 years. She’s the award-winning author of Cats for the GENIUS and has won numerous awards for articles about pet care, health and behavior, and cats in the arts. Ramona lives with Tsarevich Ivan, a silver tabby Siberian, and Natasha Fatale, a brown tabby. Learn more at www.RamonaMarek.com.
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Professional Pet Sitter · Summer 2018
NA P P S ME MBE R B EN EFI T S ABOUT YOUR ASSOCIATION
Apply for NAPPS Business of the Year! Is your business an example of an outstanding pet sitting service that pursues excellence in every area? If so, share your success story with other pet sitters by applying for the NAPPS Business of the Year Award. The Business of the Year Award is presented annually to one NAPPS member who has demonstrated outstanding business practices and vision in maintaining and growing their business. Member businesses who wish to apply will be required to address each of the following areas: • Business Platform/Vision • Response to Obstacles or Challenges • History and Market • Innovation in Product or Services • Management Philosophy • NAPPS Involvement • Community Involvement and Public Recognition • NAPPS Resources The selection committee seeks applicants who demonstrate excellence in each category. The award recipient will receive: • Complimentary participation to the next NAPPS Education & Networking Forum, inclusive of registration, lodging, and transportation • Professionally prepared customized Public Relations Press Release to local media by national office • Your company logo displayed on the NAPPS website for one year • Recognition of your company during the next NAPPS Education & Networking Forum • Recognition of your company in the Professional Pet Sitter Magazine • Indefinite use of the “NAPPS Pet Sitting Business of the Year 2019” logo Your business can be nominated for this award. Encourage your clients to nominate you! Applications must be received at NAPPS Headquarters by September 17, 2018. For complete details and an application, please visit the Member Recognition Section of the NAPPS website. Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
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NAPPS CHAT SHOULD I CHARGE EXTRA FOR HOLIDAYS? QUESTION: Hello everybody! My name is Maria and I’m new to NAPPS. I’ve had a successful and growing cat sitting business for 8 years. I have a question. I have never charged extra for major holidays mainly because my clients take such good care of me during the holiday season (tips, gifts, etc.). What is your take on holiday compensation? I had a new client tell me yesterday that she feels I’m undercharging as it is. Thank you for your thoughts on this topic! Maria, All about Cats Pet Sitting ___________________________________ RESPONSES: Congrats! Not many of us cat-sitter-only folks out there! I have never charged more for holidays because I figure other than some random things, cats don’t usually need to walk 2-3 times a day all year the way dogs do, so holidays are the time I actually have work. I have had some folks tell me I don’t charge enough, but it’s enough for me. I am starting this year to charge a bit more for further distances. However, after last year where I had a couple of weeks where I was out all day, I may add something for last minute if I have to go to the other end of the county for someone. Diana, Home Medi-Cat ___________________________________ I don’t charge extra for major holidays, but I’m an overnight only business. I can see both sides though. When was the last time you raised your rates? That might be something to consider when thinking about raising your rates. You have taken the time and expense to join an organization to educate yourself. Do you take your time to read articles, watch webinars, go to conferences, network, etc? Are you insured, bonded, criminal background check? Did you go through a pet first aid and CPR course? All of these costs money. Not to mention the day-to-day cost of running a business. I’m not saying raise by a huge amount
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but even an extra $1 adds up. An additional $1 at 10 sits a day times 5 days a week equals an extra $50 per week. Charging $2 more would be an extra $100.
I understand why younger pet sitters in cities need to charge more, especially in their pet business IS their main source of income and they are trying to build up their bank accounts.
Joni, Joan of Ark Pet Sitting ___________________________________
Rusty, Fur Feathers and Fins Pet Care ___________________________________
I add a few extra dollars for the day to major holidays including Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. I look at it as compensation for the time I have to spend away from my family on holidays. I’ve never had anyone object. It is in my policy and rate agreement that they sign during the consultation, as well as available at all times on my website. Feel free to look at my website to see the actual rates. (Since we’re not supposed to discuss money on the site.)
I have a well-established business of 28 years in the SF bay Area and I have never charged a holiday fee. I decided right from the start, that is what we are here for. But mainly, it is because I have a firm belief that no one should really lose out on holiday festivities. I think one reason I manage to keep employees so long, and get them to work holidays, is that we do shorter visits on holidays. At the end of your life, which will you value more, that you got to be there with your family at the critical moments in life, or the extra $10 you made on each visit on Christmas but missed out on the holiday dinner? Let’s face it, clients are happy to get their pets fed on a holiday.
My feeling would be that if someone is complaining about your prices, they are probably better off looking for a neighbor kid who charges $5 a day. I’ve had super cheap people who hand me a check looking as if you’re taking their very last dollar. You’re never going to please people like that. My prices are on par with any pet sitter in town. Let them go looking for better if they’re unhappy. Kristen, Tate’s Creek Pet Sitting ___________________________________ I charge an extra $5 per visit or per night if their dog is boarding with me on 11 different holidays. This is stated on the paperwork we go over and sign during the initial meet and greet. No one has ever complained. As others have stated, we are working while everyone else we know is off and enjoying friends and family, so I think we deserve extra compensation for that. Alicia, Pitter Patter Parenting ___________________________________ I’m not sure about the few other pet sitters in this area, but I don’t charge extra for holidays here in the “hills.” I have a lot of elderly clients on fixed incomes, and I usually give them a break. Since pet sitting isn’t my main income, as I’m retired and have other funds, I’m not out to make a killing, just to provide a service in a rural area.
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If I didn’t do shorter visits, I would have to turn a lot more people away. And they get the regular time the rest of the week. My staff makes more because they can do more visits per hour and then they still get time at home. The only person who have ever thought this was a bad idea was another pet sitter. Well, all I care about is making my clients happy and this works for them. And for me. And for my staff. Kimberly, Apronstrings Pet Sitting, Inc. ___________________________________ I never charged a holiday fee either until I had ICs, as they earn 100 percent of the fee. My $5 holiday fee goes to me. I personally feel it is only fair, as I give up ALL my holidays to tend to pets. Some pet sitting companies charge time-and-a-half, just as the corporate world. Your idea of slightly shorter visits may be a good fit. It allows you to service more clients or provide you with a little breathing room. Maybe something I implement in the future. Regards, Melissa, ME Luv Pets
Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
NA P P S ME MBE R B EN EFI T S VIDEO MARKETING
At Capture Video Marketing, we understand the importance of video, yet it can be a difficult, time-consuming and costly process. We create affordable, customized videos for the pet services industry that will capture viewers’ attention and turn passive audiences into qualified leads and loyal customers. • Each video is customized with your company’s logo, special services, offers, personal picture, and contact information • Reserve up to 3 zip codes, ensuring that you are the only pet care provider in your area who will have these videos. You will own the full rights to the video with your logo and company information. • To ensure your business gets in front of prospective customers and clients, every video is locally optimized with keywords for top search results across all search engines and YouTube.
Use the video for: Social Media, email marketing, YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat, website, etc. The Power of Video: • Video increases conversations and sales • Builds Trust - Instantly connect with potential customers • Google loves video – great for SEO • Video is engaging (Who still reads?) • Boosts social media engagement • Separate yourself from the large companies
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Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
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NA P P S IN THE NE WS NAPPS PR EFFORTS Your association has an active public relations and marketing campaign that raises the visibility of NAPPS and its programs, and establishes NAPPS as the authority in professional pet sitting. Each month, the NAPPS PR team provides regular story ideas to national media outlets designed to increase awareness of the organization and the entire profession. PR efforts have surpassed many milestones! • NAPPS has a total number of Facebook “likes” of over 5,890. • NAPPS has increased the number of Twitter followers to 6,008 as of June 6, 2018. • NAPPS is helping to increase awareness of pet safety and caring for animals during extreme weather conditions through shareable content like digital media and infographics.
Today brings attention to both turtles and tortoises and encourages human action to help them thrive. Learn more: https://bit.ly/2rOBWmf 1,444 people reached May 23, 2018
Cats are always demonstrating unconditional love and affection. Hug Your Cat Day reminds all cat pet parents to hold their pets a little tighter and appreciate the joys cats bring to their lives. Read more: https://bit. ly/2xwP0UW 703 people reached June 4, 2018
Summer is here and with it comes summer vacations! Find a pet sitter near you with our Pet Sitter Locator and enjoy your vacation knowing your pet is in safe hands: https://bit. ly/2r26J0K 737 people reached June 19, 2018
Summer Pet Safety Tip 1: Avoid walking your dog during the hottest part of the day. If you’re unable to walk your dog when it’s cooler outside, hire a professional pet sitter. We hope today is full of cuddles and hugs! #NationalHugYourDogDay 2,549 people reached June 15, 2018
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Summer Pet Safety Tip 2: Although fur helps provide protection around your pet’s mouth, their ears and belly remain susceptible to sunburn. Use sunscreen made specifically for dogs to give your pooch an extra shield from the harmful rays.
Summer Pet Safety Tip 3: Hot concrete and asphalt can burn your pet’s sensitive paw pads. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet. 1,330 people reached June 23, 2018
1,330 people reached June 23, 2018
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Professional Pet Sitter · Fall 2018
NA P P S ME MBE R B EN EFI T S
How would you like a $250 Amazon Gift Card? Participate in the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters 2018 Incentive Program and you could win! Current NAPPS Members who refer non-members who join the association will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win. (your name should be added in the Referred By field of the membership application)
The Incentive Program will run September 6th through October 31st. The winner will be randomly selected on November 1st.
Professional Pet Sitter ¡ Fall 2018
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Welcome Our New Members NAPPS welcomes new members who joined between May 17, 2018 to August 30, 2018. Here they are in alphabetical order by state: Alabama
Mary Vallavanti, Mary Vallavanti At Your Door Pet Service, Point Clear
Arizona
Amberly Mauszycki, Pawfect Pet & House Sitter, LLC, Anthem Andrea Ramey, Critter Sitter, LLC, Prescott California Hannah Angelopoulos, Hannah’s Pet Sitting, Irvine Jon Bolton, Metro Paws Dog Walking, Los Angeles Johanna Garcia, Waggin’ West Pets, Rocklin Feiran Liu, Whole Lotte Love Dog Camp, Mission Viejo Christina Lye, Tri-City Pet Nanny, Fremont David Powell, Dave’s Dogs Manners, Newport Beach Linda Rehm, Beaumont
Colorado
Terralissa Eastburn, Peterson Pet Care, Colorado Springs Nicole Hendrich, Harlequin Pet Concierge, LLC, Highlands Ranch Jennifer Loudermilk, Dog’s Day Out Stapleton, Denver Kristin Youngworth, It’s a Paw Thing, LLC, Henderson
Connecticut
Catherine Gilmartin, Dog’s Best Friend, New Canaan Christina Lambert, New London Sarah Marceau, Happy Stays, LLC, Wilton Evelyn Rios, Peace of Mind Pet Care, Burlington
Florida
Rhonda Arnold, MITY Tails Pet Services, Ruskin Lori Bastien, Lori’s Pet Sitting Naples, Naples Susan Klein, Venice Pet Sitters, Venice Judi Lively, All About Pets by Judi, The Villages Megan Lowndes, Pup Club, Bradenton Destiny Steele, Oakland
Hawaii
Colbey Babas-Acojido, Conscientious Pet Care, Hilo Richard Barber, Catify My Home, Honolulu
Iowa
Michelle Snyder, Trustworthy Pet and Property Services, Des Moines
Illinois
Cathy Gyiraszin, The Barking Lot Indoor Dog Park, Algonquin Tina Jacobs, Just Like Home Pet Sitting, LLC, Morton Sara McNerney, Sara Walks, Berwyn Leann Nowak, Chicago
Indiana
Gwynn Reitz, Frisky Business Pet Care, Indianapolis Barbara Richie, Pretty Happy Dog, LLC, Noblesville Mary Shepherd, Tino’s Angels Pet Care, Indianapolis Natalie Solberg, Big and Small Critter Sitters, LLC, New Carlisle
Kansas
Ryan Yedlinsky, Tired Pups Are Happy Pups, Lansing
Kentucky
Kelly Brown, Kelly’s Kritter Kare, Elizabethtown
Maine
Theresa Vivian, Homestead Farm and Pet Sitting, Alfred
Maryland
Lynda Dahlia, Dahlia Dogs, Silver Spring Jennifer Gardner, Jennifer’s Elite Pet Sitting, Hagerstown Terri Lewis, Splashing Paws Companion Care, Jessup Tom Simpson, Community Happy Dogs, Chevy Chase
Massachusetts
Sarah Allard, The Happiest Hounds, Boylston Kristi Ohlsten, Fur Babies Pet Sitting, Waltham Rachael Potts, On the Trail, Gloucester Amanda Poulin, Poulin PetSitting, Westborough
Michigan
Susan Hunter, Superior Kitty Care, Wakefield Linn Malvesto, Martini & Friends Pet Sitting, Grosse Ile
Minnesota
Sheila Lund, Best Buddies Pet Care, Minneapolis
Missouri
Emily Lewis, Emily’s Pet Care, LLC, St. Peters
New Hampshire
Judy Gilman, Nose Smudges Pet Services, LLC, Ctr. Barnstead Rhonda Martin, Pets Rule Services, North Hampton
New Jersey
Denise Ash, Denise’s Fuzzbutt Palace, Egg Harbor Twp. Catherine Dillon, Cathy’s Dogwalking and Boarding, New Providence Stacey Rivera, The Premier Pet Nurse, LLC, Waldwick Lenny Salerno, The Scoop, Montville Jennifer Thomas, Best in Show Dog Walking, LLC, Yardville Annalise and Nathan, Animal Adventures, Flemington
New York
Cindy Ames, Cindy’s Dog Sitting Services, Rochester Mariah Curran, Helderberg Pet & Equine Services, Rensselaerville Kim DiMauro, Hounds at Home Dog Sitting, Orangeburg Kathleen Mills, Capital Canines: Dog Walking and Pet Sitting, Thompson Ridge Jim Morganthaler, Stretch & Fetch Dog Walking and Animal Care, Harrison Lori Podd, Purr-sonal Pet Sitting, LLC, Bay Shore Glenyss Puentevella, Canine Fit Club, Inc., New York Helen Samuels, Helen M. Samuels, Sag Harbor Kristin Weingartner, Stay Awhile Dog Sitting, Ontario Tammy Zachar, Wagg’s-N-Whisker’s Pet Sitting Service, LLC, Vestal Michael Zumbo, MRZ – Wet Noses Club, Merrick
North Carolina
Kelly Hester, Kelly’s Kritters Dog Walking and Pet Sitting, Wake Forest Mackenzie Kistner, Roscoe’s Bark and Board, LLC, Charlotte Christy Prater, Christy’s Cat Sitting, Raleigh Kim Saffran, Happy Camper Pet Care, Carrboro
Ohio
Pierce Royster, Happy Tails, Hudson
Oklahoma
Natalie Oates, Welcome Home Pet Care, LLC, Edmond
Oregon
Sophia Miller, Delta Dog Walkers, Wood Village
Pennsylvania
Judy Frank, Wags Wiggle Chirp, Hatboro Andy Hurley, Andy Lynn’s Pet Sitting, Birchrunville Audrey Scheier, Tattle Tail Cats, West Chester Angela Shirk Martin, Happy Pawz, Myerstown Melanie Solano, Pawsitively Perfect Pet & Home Care, Haverford Laura Solla, All Animal Pet Care Services, Freeport
South Carolina
Diana Booth, Island Sitter & Services, Johns Island Holly Disbrow and Todd Bailey, Greenville Pet Sitting Co., Simpsonville
Tennessee
Renee Gee, Zen Dog, Clarksville Cheryl Metcalfe, Country Puppy Petsitting & Grooming, Morristown
Texas
Rebecca Corley, Compassionate Companions Pet Care, Houston Virginia Minor, Lucy’s Canine Concierge, LLC, Austin
Utah
Michelle Meunrath, Salt Valley Pet Sitting, LLC, WVC Lanora Nielson, Red Mountain Pet Tender, Ivins Shannon Shreve, Sit. Stay, LLC, Sandy
Virginia
Christine Niska, Portsmouth Genevieve Robinson, Genevieve and Son’s Pet Services, Annandale Lindsey Spurrier, Woofs to Wags, Henrico
Washington
Connie Debs, Premier Pet Sitting, Gig Harbor Nancy Mortensen, Mortensen Equine Care, Olympia Kristen Piatt, Slow Blinks Pet Services, Kent Mary White, Harborgirl Services, Gig Harbor
Wisconsin
Dawn Jacques, Milwaukee Paws Pet Care, LLC, Milwaukee Sharen Montgomery, My Best Friend’s Dog Walking, Palmyra Brian Zach, Happy Paws Dog Walks, Clifton
Ireland
Lisa Wallace, Mind My Pet, Dublin
Get Involved with Presents 4 Pets Build Your Community Presence While Helping Animals As a NAPPS member, you have a fantastic opportunity to generate significant PR for your pet sitting service, develop or expand relationships with shelters, retailers and the media, and help pets in need. The NAPPS Presents 4 Pets Program is a collection drive conducted by NAPPS members, to benefit shelter pets. P4P is a nationwide campaign which supports NAPPS’ mission: Provides a powerful tool and support to foster the success of members’ businesses: • Advocates the welfare of animals by making a difference • Promotes the value of Professional Pet Sitting by connecting with the pet community and its supporters at a professional level.
How Do I Get Started? Step 1 – Visit the NAPPS website Step 2 – Access the Member Center Step 3 – Click on Presents 4 Pets Program Step 4 – Read the online information and download all of the helpful documents
Tools in the NAPPS Member Center The following documents are available in the Member Center to help you run a successful P4P campaign. • 101 Tips for a Successful P4P Campaign • How to Find a Local Shelter • Full-Page Flyer Templates • Half-Page Flyer Templates • Business Support Solicitation Letter Template
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Benefits of Hosting a Donation Box-For Business Owners Postcard Template Press Release Info Sheet Donations Receipt Template Shelter/Rescue Group Letter Template Thank You Letter Template Post-Program Press Release Template NAPPS P4P Logo