The process for in sitter home boarding begins with an inquiry for services from a new or returning client. Then, the request from our in-home boarding administrator is sent out the team. If needed, added details about the dog such as good with kids, needs a place with no other dogs, senior dog, etc. Once I say I’m available and interested then our administrative person sets the details in our portal application. I then reach out to the client, within 24 hours (usually with one hour so I don’t miss anything!) to schedule a meet and greet. Once a date and time are agreed upon, I report back to our admin, who enters that information in the portal. I review the portal for any listed dog information prior to our meet and greet.
A meet and greet usually lasts between 15 to 30 minutes in length. I welcome them to my home and let the dog roam about the house and get familiar with the house layout and smells. I usually also take them out back to our fenced yard and make sure there are no issues with porch stairs. Again, the pup can sniff and get acquainted with me, my husband, and the house. We chat about the dog’s normal routine, food, and where they sleep. I ask for any special things I need to know, does the dog need medication or have any quirks I should be aware of before the stay. I also request the food and routine and any of those special instructions be written or typed out upon arrival for the boarding stay. Before they leave, I try to get an approximate drop off time for the beginning of the stay so I can be prepared. If I forget (I often do!) then I reach out a day or two prior to big day. Even if given a time, I still do the reach out and confirm prior to boarding day. If the dog parents are returning clients for me, then I just reach out for the drop off time a day or two before the scheduled boarding.
Upon arrival for the boarding visit I like be sure both human and canine feel welcome. I ask for instructions if written out and quickly ensure there are no surprises. I have a place on my kitchen counter where the dogs’ belongings go so I always know where their things are at any time. I make sure I am familiar with any harness, special collars, etc. I ask about meal time, where they usually sleep, and if they can have treats or human food. I put out water immediately and let the client leave as soon as they are ready. It’s a big commitment keeping a family pet and I want them to feel good when they leave their beloved animal with me. I start my time in the pet portal app. I like the dog to see their parent leave so there is no confusion and then we usually do a quick potty break in the back yard so the dog remembers the yard and has an empty bladder. Then, we then just go about our day as usual.
I work from home so on a weekday, I would go back to work in my home office. If a dog bed comes with our boarding buddy, then I usually put in the office right away. Dogs usually love the floor to ceiling windows in that room. They can see all the goings on that may occur on the street. They can monitor the neighbors, some neighbor cats that roam the street and storm drains, amazon drivers, squirrels, all kind of excitement happens out there! I try to follow their normal routine as much as possible for meal times and walking or activity needs. I snap pictures often through the day and my hubby does as well when he here (as he does have to leave to go to work). I try to maintain the dog’s normal routine as much as possible and plan walks or potty breaks as needed in my daily schedule. We love to take our visitors to a local park or activity if that is something they will enjoy and are able (per their pet parent).
At least twice a day I update the pet portal for the client with what’s been going on and include those pictures. I know how that helps a pet parent be able to enjoy their time away to see their furry family member doing well and that the person caring for them is attentive. I look at this time as a vacation for the pet as well. So, I try hard to be sure the dog is enjoying their stay with me. I love dogs and the perks in this job include pets, puppy snuggles, and love. Who could ask for more?
Do you need boarding for your furry family member or any other doggie services such as dog walks, puppy care, any thing else? Please check out Peak City Puppies https://peakcitypuppy.com/.
