Dog Walking/Pet Minding

Flyonthewall

anarchied wrote: »

You may not like them, but you'll undoubtedly need to go on one at some point. After all, how are you going to explain to an owner "sorry, your dog bled to death before I got him to the vet because I don't like first aid courses"? Horrid thought, I know, but as a dog walker/sitter myself I know it needs to be done.

You really need to get confirmation from the business what they expect from you, ideally in the format of a contract. Let them know beforehand what you can and can't do. As for clientele information, always ask for a copy if they are an existing customer or for a photocopy of their booking form if they're a new customer. I usually take a photo on my phone so that, if I ever need a contact number or vet info, I can whip out my phone and quickly find the information. With regards to vet treatment, we ask the owner if they would like their dog taken to a specific veterinary practice in case of emergencies or if they would be okay with the dogs being taken to the nearest vet.

You need to read my above post. I'm not going to do the job.

Flyonthewall wrote: »

Just thought I'd add a quick update. I won't be doing the job for a number of reasons.

It's not like I don't feel like doing the first aid, I don't think I'd like it. It's I will, almost without a doubt, faint during a first aid course or actual situation. Especially a situation that horrible, I would faint.

Even if I got through the course and passed the poor dog wouldn't be any better off in a real situation. I hope situations like that are rare, but I'd hate for that to happen and it would be a great worry for me.

Just to add, I did say what I couldn't do and they know why. I think they still expected more from me or thought I'd somehow work it out and be fine. Like I'd suddenly be alright with all medical situations or my car boot would suddenly expand to allow me to travel with big dogs.

gettingready

I have not read every post in this thread but - well done for pulling out.

I have not seen you mentioning anywhere if at any point you were asked about what experience have you got with dogs so far?

I would be very interested to know the name of the company you almost signed up with - PM me if possible.

The reason I ask... My Zara was being walked by a company and all was ok till her regular dog walker left and they "found a replacement" - without asking me if I was ok with that.

So I spoke to "replacement" and I was NOT happy with the person - for all the reasons other posters mentioned above and more.

Short version - I have cancelled them and employed someone else, someone I trust.

Walking other people's dogs is a massive responsibility and lots of people do not realise how massive.

Good you did, in time

mountainofdebt

Well done from me as well for deciding against doing this.

I must admit I got the number of my dog walker on personal recommendation and even then I am a little apprehensive about trusting someone with my mutt.

Flyonthewall

gettingready wrote: »

I have not read every post in this thread but - well done for pulling out.

I have not seen you mentioning anywhere if at any point you were asked about what experience have you got with dogs so far?

I would be very interested to know the name of the company you almost signed up with - PM me if possible.

The reason I ask... My Zara was being walked by a company and all was ok till her regular dog walker left and they "found a replacement" - without asking me if I was ok with that.

So I spoke to "replacement" and I was NOT happy with the person - for all the reasons other posters mentioned above and more.

Short version - I have cancelled them and employed someone else, someone I trust.

Walking other people's dogs is a massive responsibility and lots of people do not realise how massive.

Good you did, in time

It's a local company, very very small business.

They know I own a dog. I know a lot about dogs, but have no other experience and putting knowledge into practice doesn't always work (e.g. training or basic first aid). I've never claimed to be anything more than a pet owner because I'm not.

Still, I've always loved animals and had various pets over the years. I was always aware of the responsibility of caring for animals, but it wasn't until after the interview that I started properly thinking of all that could go wrong.

Looking after another pet is very different to looking after your own as well.

They did say they wanted someone who loved animals, but they didn't seem convinced I did. However, it's because I do that I feel I'm not capable for the job and that it's best left to someone else who is.

I mean, if one was injured I'd feel so bad about that even though I'd know there would have been nothing more I could have done to prevent it or help after. I can't stand to see hurt animals and I know that I'm far from the best person to help in such a situation.

Flyonthewall

mountainofdebt wrote: »

Well done from me as well for deciding against doing this.

I must admit I got the number of my dog walker on personal recommendation and even then I am a little apprehensive about trusting someone with my mutt.

I'd feel the same. Luckily I've no need for a dog walker, but I'd find it really hard to trust someone else with my pet. Not so sure how my dog would feel about it either. He's used to certain people walking him and if someone else in the family takes him he'll look to the people he expects to take him as if to ask why they're not getting ready lol. He'll happily go with family, but not so sure about a stranger.