There are several differences between a pro pet sitter and a pet care app. We’ve previously covered general differences and potential liability for pet parents. In this post, we’re discussing the differences in hiring and training.
HIRING GOALS
At Shoreline Happy Paws, we hire exceptional individuals and train them to become outstanding dog walkers and pet sitters. Our local management team prides itself on hiring only the best people and pet care providers to join our team.
Pet care apps hire pet care providers to meet the app’s demands, not ensure the best candidates.
BACKGROUND CHECKS
Important personality traits, including a sense of responsibility and trustworthiness, cannot be trained. Former employer relationships can, however, be a good indicator of a candidate’s interpersonal skills, commitment to customer experience, and ability to execute tasks. We, therefore, conduct a thorough professional and reference check on all candidates. We also pull a federal, state, and county criminal background including a motor vehicle check.
Pet care apps hire solely online, rarely speaking to candidates face-to-face. Online applications, scanned forms, and minimal manager interaction can leave pet parents in dire straits if something goes wrong. Just imagine all that can go wrong when hiring is purely online and never in-person.
NEW HIRE TRAINING
Our employees receive ample training. Initial on-the-job training is at least two days long, including practical pet handling and care education with a senior pet sitter. Orientation includes training on our standard operating procedures, employee manual, and preferred equipment.
Pet care apps classify their workers as independent contractors, which means that they cannot train them. Classifying workers as ICs may save money but, unless the company is hiring professionals that are self-insured and educated, puts pet parents at risk.
ONGOING EDUCATION
SHP employees obtain Pet First Aid & CPR certification through ProPet Hero. They also complete a ten-module training course that was designed by and for Shoreline Happy Paws.
Pet care apps boast about their training but it’s mostly done online. There is no guarantee that the person completing the training is the person providing services. Nor, is there any manager interaction ensuring that the material is learned and applied as intended.
LOCAL FIELD SUPPORT
We are a team-based pet care service, which means that we work as a team to ensure consistent, uninterrupted services. We have a designated backup that is prepared to step in and take over care if a primary sitter is not available for a visit due to injury or illness.
With pet care apps, there is no primary or secondary pet sitter, no field manager, nothing of the sort. These operations resemble Uber/Lyft more than they do a proper pet care service. If nobody is available to immediately cover your pet’s care, there is no telling when someone might show up.
THE BEST PET SITTERS IN THE CT SHORELINE
At Shoreline Happy Paws, we make hiring decisions that ensure our clients’ safety and peace of mind. We hire character traits, ethics, and emotional intelligence. We then train employees to do what we do best: provide outstanding service and care to our clients and their beloved pets.
Shoreline Happy Paws is a professional pet care company based in Old Saybrook and serving surrounding areas. We provide quality care dog walking and pet sitting services in the CT Shoreline. To learn more, contact us via our online form, call 860-964-0464, or email info@cthappypaws.com.
