pet sitting SOP

SERVICE PROVIDERS

Pet Sitting – STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE 

In the sitting service, the service provider(sitter) has to offer the services at the customer’s place. 

For any Pet Sitting – the service provider must be Certified and Verified from PawSpace. 

 

Step 1 – Process of certification and verification

 

  1. Log on to www.pawspace.in and complete the registration and verification process. Visit our website www.pawspace.in and click on “Become pet carer” and then you would be redirected to fill the form – https://backup.pawspace.in/pet-sitter-regform/
  2. Once the registering is done, our team partnered with IDFY will send a verification link, which will ask you to submit the following 4 documents
  1. Pan Card
  2. Address Proof (AADHAR CARD)
  3. Current Residing Address
  4. Selfie

All these documents submitted are MANDATORY. These documents are protected strictly and will not be shared with any external third parties in any way or form. 

  1. Post the verification process, the candidate would receive the host resources and a quiz will be conducted. If the candidate fails the quiz – he can have 3 more attempts.
  2. Post clearing the quiz, there will be a round of interviews (2 rounds) to know the candidate better and also to orient the process of services opted on the PawSpace platform.
  3. The last step now is the submission of photos,, and profile creation. Only post completion of this major step – will the candidate be eligible to receive orders from our end.

 

Step 2 – Profile creation

PROFILE CREATION 

To create a profile on PawSpace post completion of all processes of selection – there is only 1 major step. 


  • PROFILE CREATION (Annexure – 1)

Step 3 – Signing of PawSpace contract to affirm the engagement. 

Here you would be required to sign the engagement documents and SLA to confirm the engagement with PawSpace with all the terms and conditions understood and accepted. This is SLA would be valid till you are engaged with us on a part-time and/or full-time basis. 

 

Step 4 – Commencement of order 

In order to ensure that you get more orders – there are a few suggestions that you can follow to make your profile better and overall improve your scoreboard and ranking on our platform.

 

    • Ensure that pet-proofing of the house is done and checked (Annexure -2)
    • Understanding the Pet Profile (Annexure -3)
    • Terms of engagement (Annexure -4)
    • Add on services  1. Grooming (Annexure -5)
    • Add on services  2. Meals (Annexure -6)
  • Meet and Greet session (Annexure -8)

 Step 4 – Payment terms 

Commission charged

PawSpace charges a standard commission of 10% – 15% with every booking.

PawSpace charges less commission in 3 cases 

 Case 1

If the sitter is willing to sit the pet for a long duration, PawSpace charges a less commission fee from our side. For Example: If the sitter is willing to sit the pet for more than 4 weeks or so, less commission is charged from our side to ensure we have given the longevity.

Case 2  

Suppose the sitter is willing to pet sit a ferocious pet. In that case, old pet, sick pet, a pet that requires extra medical care, depending on the breed, as these pets require extra attention and care and to reward the work done by the sitter, PawSpace will hence take a less commission in these factors.  

Case 3

If the Pet sitter refers customers via PawSpace to themselves, we take less commission. For example: If the sitter has a friend who needs their pet to be taken care of and they refer the friend to themselves via PawSpace, in order to reward the sitter for the referral we charge a less commission fee. 

 

Step 5 – In case of any mishaps

PawSpace also elaborates on the policies pertaining to mishaps that you may face during the engagement

Mishap to customer pet – injury/ loss or death

In case of any mishap to customer pet – injury/ loss or death

Reimbursement of vet bill for up to INR 10,000 for pet-related injury of either the client’s pet or the sitter’s pet. This can be claimed post-service for up to 28 days after the date of the service booking. 

Mishap  to border pet  injury/ loss or death

 

In case of any mishap to service provider’s pet – injury/ loss or death

Reimbursement of vet bill for up to INR 10,000 for pet-related injury of either the client’s pet or the sitter’s pet. This can be claimed post-service for up to 28 days after the date of the service booking.  If there is an emergency due to any illness or injury, the service provider is required to take the pet to the authorized veterinarian that the parent visits for their respective pets, post the approval from the customer and PawSpace. To ensure the safety of pets while traveling in the car please refer to Annexure 5 

 

Damage to property

If there is damage to property for the service provider, PawSpace will reimburse costs Upto Rs. 5000* for property damage. Care is covered for up to 28 days past the booking date.

 

Step 6 – Payment terms 

The payment terms of PawSpace are simple:

Payment will take place post completion of the assignment within 72 hours

In the event of any damage, PawSpace will take up to 2 weeks in order to validate the damage, damage to property, and injury. 

 

Step 7 – Cancellation Policy/ Refund Policy

Repercussions of frequent cancellations 

If the Pet sitter decides to cancel their assignments more than 3 times continuously/back-to-back they will be banned for a period of 30 days/1month from the system. 

 

 Step 8 – Explanation of Sitter Performance Scoreboard

As mentioned above, we tend to relax the commission when your engagement with our company is more evolved and when there are more orders that are completed.

When you Join PawSpace – you are a Non – prime certified service provider, however, post completion of certain milestones – you can rank up to a prime and further Super Prime service provider.  

PARAMETERS FOR SITTER SCOREBOARD

 

  • Booking score – This score consists of your overall booking rate, which looks at the number of new customers who contacted you for the first time and measures that against how many of them end up booking with you.
  • Repeat score – tells how often the first-time clients book with you again. If you haven’t booked enough repeat clients to generate a score yet, then it may appear to be less.
  • Quality Score – Score that counts the positive and negative reviews by customers. The positive reviews will increase the score and the negative will decrease. This will overall affect your ranking on the page in your respective sub-location.
  • Cancellation Score – A score that counts how many times you have canceled the customer orders from your end. A high cancellation score can result in blocking your account for a period of 3-6months.
  • Referral Score – This basically counts the number of referrals you got to our platform and engaged in service through PawSpace.  A high score is favorable as it will push your profile in the ranks and get you more business over a period of time.

Annexure 1 

Form- Profile Creation

This is an elaborated form service based that helps to capture all important information pertaining to the service provider and services offered for the same. It’s a one-time activity and also forms a base for creating a profile with PawSpace.

5 core details are captured        

  • Basic Details
  • Add on services
  • Bank details
  • PAN details
  • Google location for Geo Tagging.

 

Annexure 2

Before you continue with your pet sitting assignment, make sure the customers’ house is pet-proofed as follows:-

 

PET PROOFING HOUSE BEFORE CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT 

 

KITCHENS/BATHROOMS

  • Use childproof latches to keep little paws from prying open cabinets
  • Place medications, cleaners, chemicals, and laundry supplies on high shelves
  • Keep trash cans covered or inside a latched cabinet
  • Check for and block any small spaces, nooks, or holes inside cabinets or behind washer/dryer units
  • Make sure your kitten hasn’t jumped into the dryer before you turn it on
  • Keep foods out of reach (even if the food isn’t harmful, the wrapper could be)
  • Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent drowning or drinking harmful cleaning chemicals

 

LIVING/FAMILY ROOM

  • Place dangling wires from lamps, DVD players, televisions, stereos, and telephones out of reach
  • Put away children’s toys and games
  • Put away knick-knacks until your kitten has the coordination not to knock them over
  • Check all those places where your vacuum cleaner doesn’t fit, but your puppy or kitten does, for dangerous items, like string
  • Move common house plants that may be poisonous out of reach. Don’t forget hanging plants that can be jumped onto nearby surfaces
  • Make sure all heating/air vents have covers
  • Put away all sewing and craft notions, especially thread

 

GARAGE/ STOREROOM

  • Move all chemicals to high shelves or behind secure doors
  • Clean all antifreeze from the floor and driveway, as one taste can be lethal to animals
  • Bang on your car hood to ensure that your kitten (or any neighborhood cat) has not hidden in the engine compartment for warmth
  • Keep all sharp objects and tools out of reach
  • Keep things organized so as to avoid any accidents.

 

BEDROOMS

  • Keep laundry and shoes behind closed doors (drawstrings and buttons can cause major problems if swallowed)
  • Keep any medications, lotions, or cosmetics off accessible surfaces (like the bedside table)
  • Move electrical and phone wires out of reach of chewing
  • Be careful that you don’t close your kitten in closets or dresser drawers
  • And look out for paws, noses, and tails when you shut doors behind you or scoot chairs.

 

GARDEN 

  • Make sure you have fences
  • Avoid having exposed dirt or soil
  • Secure plant beds and borders
  • Use raised beds
  • Cover ponds/pools when not in use
  • Be aware of plants that are poisonous to dogs/cats
  • Don’t grow thorny plants
  • Opt for strong self-repairing grasses
  • Give the pet its own space to play
  • Keep garden gates shut

 

BALCONY

  • Add non-toxic plants
  • Create a mini dog garden
  • Add canine-friendly furniture
  • Dog-proof your balcony railing

  • Store away your chemicals and grill utensils

 

FLOORING

  • Make sure there are no wooden floorings to prevent scratches.
  • Keep the floor dry at all times
  • Avoid slippery flooring
  • If the pet has hip dysplasia – be careful not to give too smooth a surface as they may face difficulty in walking.

 

WALLS

  • Avoid drywall as dogs like to chew, might be toxic
  • Keep an eye out that pets do not scratch or peel off the walls

Annexure 3

Understanding the pet profile

Nature

It is the Pet sitter’s responsibility to understand the nature and profile of the pet, whether the pet is friendly with people, social, etc. Understanding the nature of the pet’s temperament is vital. For example: If the pet you are sitting with is an indie rescue dog, they might be territorial and because of the bad experience the dog has faced, adjusting to new people might be difficult. To avoid accidents for the sitter and the pet, getting to know the nature of the dog is crucial for a successful and smooth sitting.    

Habit

The Pet Sitter must confirm if the pet has any habits for example chewing on furniture, barking when someone knocks on the door, escaping Etc. For Example: If the pet you are sitting with has a habit of running and escaping when the door is open, it is very important and compulsory that you lock/close the door before tending to any other activity in the customer’s house.  

Likes

The Pet Sitter should get to know the likes of the pet before the assignment, for example, the preferred food of the dog, the games the pet likes, etc. It is important to know the likes as it helps you bond with the pet making them comfortable with a new person.  

Dislikes

It is also important to know the dislikes of the pet, some dogs don’t like to eat vegetables, and some dogs don’t like to be in close proximity to humans. For Example, Some dogs don’t like to hug/cuddle with humans, so if done it might trigger the dog to attack which can lead to an injury. So, knowing both likes and dislikes are an important aspect. 

Allergies   Dairy products, common foods for dogs and cats, as a pet sitter you must know

The Pet Sitter must verify and find out if the pet has any allergies, previous allergies, or anything related to the health of the pet. Some dogs are allergic to dairy foods which can cause the dog to have an allergic reaction that is very serious. If the pet follows and maintains a strict diet, the same must be followed by the sitter while sitting. For Example: If the pet is only being fed veg food it is very important for the sitter to maintain the same, if the pet is fed non-veg food accidentally, it might result in the pet having a loss of appetite which affects them in the future. 

As a Sitter you must know the foods that are toxic to both dogs and cats:

  • Alcohol
  • Chocolate
  • Onions and Garlic
  • Caffeine (Coffee)
  • Grapes and Raisins
  • Nuts (Pistachios, Raw Cashews)
  • Avocados

Medications 

The Pet Sitter must ensure to find out if the pet uses any medication in particular and the reason for use and must implement it at the right time accordingly and correctly. 

Medication of pets must be implemented at the right time strictly.

VERY IMPORTANT The Sitter must NOT give any medicine that was not informed by the pet parent at any cost, if necessary to give medicine, it must only be given after consulting the pet parent in a written form on WhatsApp, or email, or SMS. 

Games 

In order for the pet to be comfortable and happy around the sitter, you can find out their favourite games like fetch, and tug o war and keep them happy and playful. 

Issues

Is the duty of the pet sitter to find out if the pet has any issues or issues like separation anxiety, barking, or escaping, it is very important for the sitter to know and keep in mind these issues. For Example: If the pet has separation anxiety, the pet can be very nervous which results in barking, being restless, running, and hiding so it is vital to know and take necessary precautions and care. 

Routine

The pet sitter must find out the routine of the pet, the walking timings, food timings, and such, and must implement the same.

A common set of commands – for better communication.

The pet sitter must know a common set of commands for better communication and interaction with the pet. For example: if the pet comes from a Hindi/Malayalam/Tamil home and can only understand commands in these languages, it is necessary to find out the common set of commands in the pet’s parents’ language and use it here.

 

 

DOGS – GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Here are a few instructions to keep in mind while pet sitting the following:

 

Puppies

Puppies require extra attention and care. Most puppies might not be toilet trained, so it is  advisable to ask the pet parents where they keep the pee pads around the house, so that the puppy can go again when needed. Make sure you ask and find out where the puppy usually pee/poops in the house. There are going to be some instances when the puppy pee/poops in the house, as a pet sitter, you must be prepared for it. 

 

Dogs on heat – Female and Male  

Dogs in heat need extra precaution, when a male dog is in heat, you as a pet sitter must know they will hump everything including furniture, your leg and so on. While a female dog is in heat, you will notice blood/leaking of blood.

Make sure you find out where the materials are kept, here are a few things you can do: Keep clean-up material handy, you can also designate a special blankie/cloth, especially for this, using a doggy diaper/period pads will be helpful. Experts advise that dogs in heat require extra attention, care, and frequent toilet breaks.  

 

Pregnant Dogs, sick/handicapped dogs

Pregnant, sick, or handicapped dogs must be taken care of properly. Do not force them to exercise excessively, do not leave them alone on balconies, and make easy and frequent access to the bathroom, sick and pregnant dogs usually like to be by themselves and avoid forcing them to jump up and down of furniture, implement medicines if given by the pet parents at the right time, help them whenever needed in these cases. 

 

Elderly dogs 

Elderly dogs are old, weak, and mostly sleep most of the time. It is important to find out where they usually stay in the house and provide extra attentiveness, always keep an eye on their activities, and ensure fewer physical activities including making them jump up and down on furniture, running, frequent walks and so on. It is important that you always tend to them. Do not leave them alone at home, make toilet access easy for them. Implement medicines if given by the pet parents at the right time.

 



CATS – GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

 

Here are a few instructions to keep in mind while pet sitting the following:

 

Kittens

Kittens are delicate and require extra care and attention, find out where the litter box is and make it easily accessible for the kitten, and always keep an eye on their activities. It is advisable to watch if they jump around the furniture/house, they may try to escape as well so pet-proofing is essential, and be cautious if they try to scratch or bite. 

 

Cats on heat 

Here are a few signs to know if the cat is in heat

  • Excessive yowling or mating calls that last for several days
  • Loss of appetite
  • Restless or anxious behaviour
  • Unusual displays of affection such as frequently rubbing against your legs
  • Excessive grooming, especially of the genitals
  • Spraying or marking its territory
  • Persistently trying to go outside

If the cat is in heat, play with the cat, and keep the litter box clean and dry. Find out if the pet parents have a  heat pack, warm towel, or electric pad/blanket and let her sit on it.

Litter box 

As a Pet sitter it is very important to find out where the litter box is and maintain it in the absence of the pet parents. It is required as a pet sitter to clean the litter box frequently and keep it dry. Cats usually like to go in the litter box, so maintaining and cleaning the litter box is an important task. 

Here are a few things you can ask the pet parents in order to maintain a clean litter box:

Wastebasket or disposal pail, Litter box, Cat litter, Litter box liner (optional), Litter scoop, Unscented dish soap, and Paper towels. 

 

Pregnant/ sick/ elderly  cats/Handicapped cats

Pregnant, sick, or handicapped cats must be taken care of properly. Do not force them to exercise excessively, do not leave them alone on balconies, and make easy and frequent access to the litter box, sick and pregnant cats usually like to be by themselves to find out if there is a corner of the house assigned to them and avoid forcing them to jump up and down of furniture, implement medicines if given by the pet parents at the right time, help them whenever needed in these cases. 

 

 

Annexure – 4

Terms of Engagement – PawSpace Pet Sitter

Please make sure that you thoroughly read the terms of engagement and follow all the requirements. If you get certified as a Pawspace pet sitter, the following are the guidelines you need to be aware of  –  

BEFORE the engagement – 

 

  • The TIME you arrive at the engagement is crucial. Ensure that you ask the customer for the time you are expected to arrive for the pet sitting assignment. Ideally, arrive 15-30 minutes earlier than the actual time of the assignment so you can know all the details regarding the pet and the pet parent’s expectation. For example –
    • About the pet – Their food timings, walk timings and preferred routes, their poop routine, their favorite toys etc
    • About their place – Do’s and Don’ts in and around the house, what places are accessible and what places are not, food and garbage disposal instructions etc
  • Pawspace recommends that as a pet care provider, unless explicitly mentioned by the client, DO NOT use any items or food from the customer’s house. Carry basic personal belongings and it is recommended that you either order in food or bring your own reserve.
  • YOU ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE THE PERSONAL PROPERTY OF THE CUSTOMER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. ANY DAMAGES WILL BE DIRECTLY BORNE BY YOU AND THE PAYOUT WILL BE ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY.
  • Alcohol or drug consumption of any kind is STRICTLY prohibited before and during the engagement. In such cases, your contract with Pawspace will be terminated effective immediately.
  • Pawspace charges a 15% platform fee. Complete 85% of the customer’s payment will be transferred to your account soon after the completion of the service without hindrance.
  • Alcohol or drug consumption of any kind is STRICTLY prohibited before and during the engagement. In such cases, your contract with Pawspace will be terminated effective immediately.

 

DURING the engagement – 

 

  • It is mandatory to provide consistent updates to the pet parents either through pictures, videos or phone calls. Additionally provide the pet parents with updates regarding the routines followed (for example, litter box changed, walks done etc)

 

  • Follow the routine that is specifically mentioned by the pet parents (walk timings, food, the amount of food) – do not change any part of the routine without prior permission

 

  • Do not, under any circumstance, damage any of the pet parents’ properties. Some example guidelines to keep in mind regarding cleanliness –
    • Clean up after yourself every time after eating
    • Do not leave your things lying around the house – make sure your belongings are organized
    • Discuss with the pet parent about what activities are allowed at what parts of the house
    • Do not smoke or drink in the customer’s house
    • Discard your own garbage – do not leave any in the customer’s house
    • Ensure that the toilets and bathroom are clean and tidy when you leave
    • Handover the house clean and neat – the way it was given to you at the start.
    • If the pet is shedding – regularly combing needs to be done so that the house can be maintained.
  • Do not leave the client’s house unless it is service-related. If in case of any EMERGENCY, you have to leave the client’s house for a short time, a screenshot of the permission (Whatsapp or email) obtained from the client has to be shared with Pawspace. Please note that without the customer’s explicit permission, you are not allowed to leave their pet behind or leave the property to run your own personal errands. If the permission is not taken and any damage occurs, the complete costs should be borne by the pet care provider.
  • ANY form of partying or personal engagement (drinking, smoking, inviting friends/family over, taking the pet to the friend’s place) is STRICTLY prohibited. In case of such occurrences, 50% of the fee (or no payment depending on the extent of damage) will be deducted and a warning will be issued. If repeated more than once, the pet care provider will be terminated from the platform permanently. Additionally, the damage charges will have to be completely borne by the pet care provider.
  • Ensure that the attire you wear falls under the category of smart casuals. Ensure you are wearing shoes (sports, walking or sneakers) and not any form of slippers when taking the pet out for walks.
  • You are not allowed to use violence on the pet under ANY circumstances. Pawspace has a strict no violence policy.
  • If you are faced with ANY emergencies, doubts, mishaps or confusions regarding the engagement, ensure that you contact Pawspace for clarifications. Do not engage personally with the customer.

 AFTER the assignment – 

 

  • Apart from providing updates during the engagement, Having ANY KIND of personal communication with the customer is strictly against Pawspace policies. This is important to ensure issues regarding non-payment, low payment or damage to property is handled by Pawspace professionally.
  • After your engagement, Pawspace encourages you to share the review link with the customer. Additionally, if your services prompt more customers to choose Pawspace, it will be noted on a scoreboard and 3%* commission will be provided based on that.
  • Please note that the payment will be processed and transferred AFTER the assignment is complete.
  • If you are involved or engaged in ANY way with any other pet service platform, we respect your position. However, Pawspace will be terminating our contract with you and will not be engaging with your services any further.

*Terms and Conditions Apply

      

Annexure – 5

OFFER ADD-ON SERVICES -IN HOUSE GROOMING

If it is a long-term boarding (more than 10 days) grooming is necessary 

  1. If the customer opts for basic grooming which includes basic bathing, oiling, and combing, it can be done by you, post approval from PawSpace, and can earn 499. You as a Pet sitter can increase your wallet revenue.
  2. If the customer opts for a full grooming session which includes bathing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, etc. The customer must contact PawSpace and can avail of a grooming session. No additional services should be done by the sitter like ear cleaning etc.
  3. Before grooming the pet, the boarder must let PawSpace know the products like shampoo, and conditioner and must wait for approval from our end. Post-approval the pet sitter can start grooming.
  4. If the customers provide their own shampoo and conditioner for grooming, that must be followed strictly and returned back to the customer correctly. PawSpace will not be liable/responsible for the damage or loss of any goods.
  5. The Pet sitter cannot charge the customer any additional fee/amount for grooming.
  6. Under no circumstances are the Pet sitter’s allowed to take the pet to an outside salon or grooming center.

Annexure -6

OFFER ADD-ON SERVICES -MEALS

It is the duty of the Pet sitter to give food to the pet

  1. It is required by the Pet sitter to offer basic food given by the pet parents.
  1.   PawSpace would inform the pet sitter  on how much food should be given to the pet
  2. If the customer requests non-veg food for their pet that should be bought by the sitter, the sitter must inform PawSpace and submit the necessary bills while ensuring you will receive a 100% reimbursement,  PawSpace makes no commission here.
  3. No packaged food should be given (Biscuits) to the dog without the customer’s consultation in a written form via WhatsApp, email, or SMS.
  4. Quantity and meal timings must be strictly followed by the Pet sitter.
  5. Pictures of every meal must be sent to the customer by the Pet sitter on time.

Annexure -7

STEPS FOR CAR PROOFING

Here is a guide with a few helpful tips:

FOR DOGS

 

Learn to Properly Strap Your Dog In

One way to dog-proof your vehicle is to ensure that your pup is secure and comfortable. The seat belts in your car may not be the best thing for that, but you can use car seat belts for dogs instead. These come in a number of sizes to best fit your pet and simply attach to your existing seat belts. As such, you don’t have to install anything new into your car in order to use them. Take the time to find a seat belt that is made of durable materials, as these can provide ample support to keep your furbaby in place.

 

In case you can’t seem to find what you need from a store, you can always have custom dog seat belts made. Just make sure that you have your pet’s exact measurements handy.

 

Waterproof Seat Covers

Dogs are naturally messy creatures. There’s a high chance that they might drool, shed, or even poop or pee all over your car. To preserve your car seats and make cleaning up after your pup a lot easier, it’s good to invest in waterproof car seat covers. You might also want to get something durable to protect your car seats from your pet’s nails if they start digging at the seats.

 

Give Your Dog a Designated Seat in the Car

Another way to keep your dog comfortable during car rides is to provide a car seat or car hammock that’s designed especially for them. Much like a regular car seat for children, these dog accessories only need to be in your car whenever your pet has to ride with you, as these products don’t have to be permanently installed. Having a specially designed seat or hammock in the car will prevent your dog from getting nauseous or wandering around the car as a result of anxiety. Plus, they’ll be a lot more comfortable.

 

Install Dog Barriers

While car seat covers are great for protecting your car’s interiors, you still need something that will prevent your dog from roaming around in the car. After all, an anxious pup and a moving vehicle are not usually a good combination to have. Your pet may try to climb over seats to get onto your lap or lay on your feet to calm down, which isn’t safe for either of you when you’re behind the wheel. To keep you and your furbaby safe, install a barrier to keep them from reaching the front seat.

 

Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy

Accidents can happen while you’re on the road, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for them. Make cleaning up after your dog easier by keeping a small container with cleaning tools and products in your car. Your kit should include rags, pet-friendly cleaners, and a portable vacuum to quickly take care of small messes.

 

Use Doggie Ramps

For smaller or older dogs, jumping into a car is not exactly easy anymore. Moreover, you may not always be there to carry your dog into your car, especially if you’re preoccupied or are carrying something else. You can make your car more accessible to them by having a ramp specially made for your dog. Look for one that’s sturdy and long, though, as a steep and flimsy ramp might scare your dog away. 

 

FOR CATS

 

Keeping Your Cat Secure in the Carrier

The first step to ensuring your cat has a safe trip in the car, no matter how long the drive may be, is to buy a sturdy and well-ventilated cat carrier. Your cat cannot safely roam the car, as it could easily get underneath the brake pedal, burrow into the underside of a seat, or even hop out the window. You’ll need a carrier that will stand up to travel wear and tear but will also allow your pet to have a constant flow of air to prevent overheating.

  • A good carrier should be strong, somewhat lightweight, and secure.
  • Avoid cardboard carriers, as these are practically useless. If your cat has an accident inside, the carrier will rapidly deteriorate.
  • You’ll want to make sure your cat can comfortably sit or lie down in the crate, but you don’t want it so big that your cat will tumble around inside.
  • An ideal carrier opens from the top. This will make it easier to get your cat into the carrier and reach in to feed or pet your cat without allowing for an easy escape.
  • Make sure the carrier is well-ventilated so that your cat does not overheat on the trip
  • Padding the carrier will also help lock in any accidents your cat might have, ensuring that your car doesn’t end up smelling or getting stained.[3]
  • Put down a layer of newspapers on the floor of the carrier. Then put down a soft towel so your cat will have something comfortable to sit or lie on.
  • The newspaper and towel will help absorb any accidents your cat might have on the trip while also giving your cat some extra padding against the carrier.
  • If you want, you can also put down a plastic liner to help contain accidents.
  • Make sure nothing blocks the flow of air into and out of your cat’s carrier.
  • Check the lock on the carrier gate. Make sure your cat will not be able to escape from the carrier unless you open it yourself.
  • Add some toys to the carrier to make your cat feel less stressed. The best place to situate your cat is in the back seat of your car.
  • Make sure the carrier is in a secure spot in the back seat. That way if you have to stop suddenly, you’ll know that your cat will remain safe.[5]
  • Depending on the size and shape of the carrier, you could even try using a seatbelt in the back seat to strap the carrier securely in place.
  • Once your cat is in the carrier and the carrier is placed in the car, do not let your cat out for any reason while you’re on the road. A cat roaming freely in your car could easily get stuck under the seat, jump out a window, or cause an accident.
  • You can help make the ride as comfortable as possible by watching the road, paying attention to traffic, and avoiding unpleasant bumps and swerves.[7]
  • Try to avoid sudden stops/starts, as this can jostle your cat inside the carrier.
  • Avoid potholes and big bumps as best you can.
  • Keep the radio on at a low volume to block out some of the traffic sounds on the road. This can help calm your cat during the drive.
  • Talk to your cat while you drive. If he or she is meowing or yelling, use a soothing tone to reassure your cat that everything is okay.
  • Always keep the air conditioner running in the summer and the heater going in the winter.
  • Never leave your cat unattended in a parked car. If you’re traveling with someone, leave the car running with the air conditioning on and take turns going into rest stops so that someone is always with the cat.
  • Remember that high humidity levels can also overheat your pet. Keep an eye on the outside temperature and the humidity level, both where you are and where you’ll be traveling to.
  • Having the air conditioner on will certainly help, but having a cooling body mat can help give your pet some added protection against the heat and humidity.[10]
  • Cooling mats may rely on a refrigerated component that is inserted into the mat, or they be water-activated.
  • Some cooling body mats stay cool for up to three days while also remaining dry. This can be important when cooling off a cat.
  • You can purchase a cooling body mat at many pet stores, or through an online retailer.
  • Even if your cat is an indoor pet, it’s a good idea to have your cat wear a collar with an ID tag for the entire trip.
  • The ID tag on your cat’s collar should have your name and cell phone number. Remember that a landline phone number won’t help you if you’re on the road.
  • Consider getting your cat microchipped. This can help a veterinarian or animal control worker identify your cat and access your contact information, in case your cat manages to slip off the collar somehow.
  • Pack a kitty travel kit-
    • any medication your cat might need
    • cat food
    • several bottles of water
    • a food dish
    • a water bowl
    • a litter box and litter
    • a waste scoop

Annexure -8

MEET AND GREET

Few things you should know about the Meet and Greet: 

 

  • Agenda – The purpose of the meet and greet is to make sure you are acquainted with your service provider.

 

  • About the pet – This is an opportunity to mention everything about the pet – the type, the food they like, the medications they like, the commands they are used to, their habits, needs and fears.

 

  • Duration – The Meet and Greet will be held virtually and will last for a duration of 10 minutes so it is important to be clear and concise about your needs and requirements.

 

  • Meeting etiquette – During the virtual meet, do NOT ask personal and contact details of your service provider and maintain a professional air.

 

  • Number of profiles – If you are not happy with the service provider after the Meet and Greet, we will provide you with another 2 pet sitters/boarders and if still not satisfied after which your service request will be considered cancelled.

 

PawSpace Meet and Greets exists so you, as a pet sitter, can get acquainted with your client and the pet you will be taking care of. It will make your job easier by helping and making sure that you understand the kind of care you will be expected to provide along with knowing the additional needs and requirements of the pet.