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How to Become the Most Reliable and Dependable Pet Sitter Ever

strong dependable pet sitterHow would YOU specifically handle this situation?

If you’ve been in the pet industry for any length of time, you no doubt have a certain script that you follow for new client inquiries.

Whether this script is formal and on paper, or simply in your head at this point, you know what typical points you need to cover.

However, every once in a while, you get hit with a certain new client inquiry that requires a more delicate approach.

A Recent Email I Received

Take this recent email submission (pasted in full) we received through my pet sitting business (Alitia’s Animals) and you’ll see exactly what I mean.

Potential client writes: “This is my third time looking for a reliable , dependable pet sitter for a long term relationship with my older two dogs. I’m passionate about taking care of my 2 dogs and the rescues that I take in.

If you replied to this email with your usual approach, you’d be missing out on a great opportunity to gain a valuable client for life!

Let’s look at the email much closer…

For one thing, the potential client states ‘long term relationship’ right up front. She not only has two older dogs but also rescues so you know ‘long term’ is a real possibility.

Second, she uses the phrase ‘dependable pet sitter.’ This means that you must approach every part of the contact with her with this in mind.

How? Easily.

Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you say “I’ll call you at 5,” call her at 5. If you say “Look for an email from me as soon as we hang up,” make sure to send her that promised email.

Do whatever it takes to get her on the phone (EEKS! Yes, the phone. I know some pet sitters dislike the phone but in this case I would say it’s a must).

So get her on the phone, and assure her – and reassure her – that you are the most dependable sitter EVER. Share stories, ask her questions about her situation and relate to her on every level possible.

Finally, the potential client starts the brief email with “This is my third time looking for a reliable , dependable pet sitter…”

Say what?! Third time? Poor client!

She certainly deserves better, doesn’t she?

What do you do with that information?

Ask her exactly what happened (what went wrong) in her previous two situations. She will be thrilled to provide you with the details.

You are not asking to bad mouth any other company, but rather to get a complete inside look into what she values and what the others messed up on.

Now you’ll know exactly what she needs from YOU – her new dependable, life long pet sitter!

Let her know (through words, feelings and actions) that you are going to be her last, dependable pet sitter she’ll ever need to hire.

Closing Thoughts

Final Note: One thing is certain about this potential client; She is most certainly NOT concerned about price and you need to be able to recognize that. Trust me when I say that she will pay anything for the right, dependable pet sitter.

Will it be you?

Please leave your thoughts in the comments below on how you would approach this specific lead.

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. . .

Josh Cary is a respected and well sought-after speaker and business consultant within the professional pet care industry. Since 2009, having grown his own pet sitting business, Josh provides his industry with the tools, support, and resources to build and maintain a thriving and respected pet business.

With a strong focus on digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO), and website development, Josh’s one mission is to help you Get Found First through a professional and effective website.

This Post Has 4 Comments

  1. Love this article. This is so true on so many levels. A current client of mine had previously used a pet sitter for 3.5 years. She confided to me that she felt that the pet sitter was part of her family and she and her husband trusted her implicitly. Needless to say that trust was broken when the middle aged lady chose to steal from them, not once but twice. Personally I was horrified. I know this happens but it still sends shock waves through me knowing their are people out there like that. I let her speak and Iistened. I told her that I would never tolerate that with any of the people working with me. I also explained how I truly believe that I have very caring, compassionate and trust worthy people working with me. I told her if she gave us a chance, she would see the difference. After one visit she did. Not only did that previous pet sitter steal, but she never did her job properly. This client always came home to a mess and she would have to disinfect her floors because of accidents. What?? She thought the dogs were stressed when in fact the sitter was probably never their in the first place. After that first visit I told her that whether she chooses to use our service again or not, she should never accept less than what we have provided her. I’m happy to say she loves our service and we love her and her dogs!

    1. Way to go, Dawn! That is literally a prime example of how to implement things with a client who had a previous bad experience. This is also why I always suggest you ask every single new potential client what they did in the past when it comes to the care of their pet. Most people will have had an experience either with a pro pet sitter or family/friends. So, find out why they are searching again (going back to the drawing board) for good, reliable care?! Something pushed them back to the search!

  2. Great post Joshua on reliable pet sitting. Reliable in general is hard to find these days so great way to talk about the importance of talking in person over the phone. Really enjoyed the posts and best wishes to everyone.

    Harry
    The Natural Pet Sitter

    1. Great to see you here, Harry, and thank you for your comment. Reliability does seem to be in rare form these days. A pet sitter who can master it really does have an advantage.

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