Dog Community

I have an 'interview' tomorrow for a dog-sitting job - advice? (Erica1989)

erica1989

Posted : 3/12/2008 4:01:55 PM

I was contacted though a friend of my parents to be a dog sitter for a woman in his condo complex. The woman works from home, and has an older dog. She frequently goes away on business for 1-2 weeks at a time, and needs someone to watch her condo and dog. I am meeting her tomorrow night, after work. I already drove past her place, so I know vaguely where I am going.

I really want this job, I think it woud be both fun and a great expierence for me to be on my own (away from home) for a while. I love watching other peoples pets.

Should I contact people I have sat for before and ask if I can use them as references? I know of three people, still in FL, that I could list - but none of them have required me to stay at their house. 1 brought their dogs to me because she was moving.

I need to be able to bring my dog, and I would like to know how to go about asking her if I can do this. Casey is both crate trained and house trained, loves other dogs and is inactive indoors - he really just sleeps. Of course, I would wait until the end of my interview to ask about this.

Tips?

AuroraLove

Posted : 3/12/2008 4:21:48 PM

I think refferneces for both you and your dog is the best approach becasue of she has any hesitancy then she would be able to contact them immediatly.

Be sure to empahsize that one of your top priorities is that you accomadate the dog so any and all things she can relay to you about his shcedule is helpful. That conveys to the customer that even silly lil habits will be followed through even if its something as silly as warm blankies out of the dryer at bedtime......a lot of people seeking dog sitters fear the sitter will try and implement new rules or routines

Cita

Posted : 3/12/2008 4:49:00 PM

Definitely, what Aurora said! References are key.

Good luck, I've done live-in dog sitting a few times and really enjoyed it!

erica1989

Posted : 3/12/2008 7:16:58 PM

Thanks guys! I contacted one lady that I sat for (2 jacks and a boston) she said she would be happy to help me out. The other lady (2 cockers and a chi) has said in the past she would be more than happy to give me a referance, I'll contact her tomorrow just to give her a heads up (she's got two young kids who go to bed around this time).

The last referance I could have is for my moms best friend, but all I really did for him was drop food in his outdoor dogs bowl (they have started to let the dog inside, I've been working on it....). I did some basic training with the golden, and walked him and things. I'll get in touch with him tonight.

I don't know about any references for my dog.... he's not the most "people" social. I would def. let her meet him and what not - but that wont really give her any information about the dog.... I told her where I worked over the phone (she asked) so I'm sure that will have a great impact on her decision. Her neighbor is a fantastic guy, my family has been friends with him and his wife since we moved here.

I'll type out my references tonight - do you think three is enough? I'm sure I could get my supervisor to talk to her as well, but I would rather not go down that route if I don't have to (leaving work out of personal business). Our company policy is to not give out any information either, so it would have to be a personal reference.

Anonymous

Posted : 3/12/2008 10:05:43 PM

References are great and give people peace of mind. Three definately is enough.
Alot of people ask for my references and I have a list on here of all the people I sat/walked dogs for that said they would be my reference. Also, ask alot of questions about the dog your sitting for (ie, feeding schedule, potty schedule, walks during the day, any allergies, etc.). You could even type up a form on your computer to have her fill out if you have time, make sure you have a contact number for her, as well as an emergency contact that is local and all her veterinarian information handy just in case.

Also, with asking if Casey can go with you, maybe tell her about your dog, and suggest a meet and greet with both dogs beforehand so she can see how her dog interacts with yours and how great Casey is.