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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
LIVING/FAMILY ROOM
GARAGE/ STOREROOM
BEDROOMS
GARDEN
BALCONY
FLOORING
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:
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
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 –
DURING the engagement –
AFTER the assignment –
*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
Annexure -6
OFFER ADD-ON SERVICES -MEALS
It is the duty of the Pet sitter to give food to the pet
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.
Annexure -8
MEET AND GREET
Few things you should know about the Meet and Greet:
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.