Pet care services abound, but do you know what you’re getting when browsing a list of professional pet sitters vs pet care apps?
Professional Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
A professional pet sitter is usually a locally based individual or team that cares for pets within a specific service area. They are pet lovers that enter the pet care industry as a way to express their entrepreneurial spirit, supplement their income, and access fulfilling and enjoyable long-term work.
Pet Care Apps
A pet care app is a technology that connects pet parents with gig workers. These technologies, backed by large investment companies, usually serve urban and suburban areas.
Similarities & Differences
Pet care professionals, businesses, and apps are similar in that they help pet owners with their pets when they are at work and traveling.
That said, professional pet care companies are wildly different from pet care apps. The differences not only impact quality of care, pet safety, and home security, but also represent potential liability for pet parents and homeowners.
Insurance
Firstly, one of the most important differences between professional pet sitters vs pet care apps is insurance. Professional pet sitters have liability insurance, a dishonesty bond, and workers compensation for employees. These policies protect pet parents if someone falls in their home, is hurt by their pet, steals a valuable item, etc.
Most app-based services offer limited insurance coverage to both pet parents and workers. Many leave insurance coverage to the pet care provider, who may or may not be insured.
Hiring & Training
Professional pet sitting services are usually managed by the business owners themselves. Caregivers are interviewed, hired, and trained by the owner or managers. The hiring process, initial training, and ongoing education ensure a higher standard. And, back-up providers are usually on-call to ensure that services are not interrupted.
Most app-based pet care is conducted by gig workers that sign up online and are rarely, if ever, interviewed by human beings before receiving access to a pet parent’s home and pet. If your provider doesn’t show up, there is no guarantee that your pet will be taken care of.
Communication & Transparency
Owners and/or managers of professional pet care companies make themselves available to ensure quality service and communication. Most observe office hours during which a responsible party can answer questions, schedule services, and resolve issues.
With app-based pet services, you are limited to using the app for communication. If the app has technical issues, you are sent to an international call center or chat feature. If there is a problem with the care that was provided, you have to submit feedback via the app and hope for a resolution.
Final Thoughts
To avoid unnecessary risks, hire a professional pet care provider that prioritizes your peace of mind. Many pet professionals use technology that offers the same conveniences as app-based platforms, but in a way that can help you sleep at night knowing that your pet and home are always in good hands.
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.
