Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren’t used to an enviroment where excellence is expected.
Steve Jobs
I love taking care of peoples’ pets. I have a natural gift for this work, and I love it passionately. Basically, I love animals. However, although these qualities are very important, love and passion aren’t enough. Taking care of someone’s pet also requires professionalism. It’s a huge responsibility, requiring one’s total attention. In other words, it’s not a hobby, it’s a serious job.
My clients need to be confident that everything is under control while they are away, so that they can relax in that assurance.
The professional looks after animals with knowledge and experience. He/she:
1. Respects the client’s wishes
Pets are family members, and as such are a source of happiness. An animal might have behaviour or health problems, and if so, I do my best to address these challenges. I want to provide my clients with a high standard of service, which is what they pay for, and deserve.
2. Shows respect for the pets
I don’t use my mobile phone while I walk a dog – I concentrate only on him. I observe him, play with him, and run with him. I watch him when he interacts with other dogs, and very careful to observe what’s going on. I do the same thing when interacting with a cat. My aim is the serenity and wellbeing of the pet.
3. I consider the specific characteristics of the pet that I look after.
Each animal has a character, and it’s important to understand his particular needs. If I understand the character of a dog or a cat, I can also understand how to connect with him/her in a gentle but assertive way.
4. I’m 100% focused. Dogs and cats are sensitive to the mood of a person. For this reason, when I’m with the dog or cat, I put aside my private life and focus on my job. It means I leave any concerns or personal worries behind when I’m interacting with the animal.
And, if I’m housesitting, there are three things I’m careful to observe:
1. I’m a discreet person, and I respect the house I’m staying in.
I don’t open wardrobes or drawers, or touch personal things. I’m honest and reliable, as my references will show. I take good care of both the house and the pet while the owner is away.
2. During the time of my engagement, I don’t invite anyone into the house, and I don’t talk about the details of my job with anybody.
I respect the privacy of my clients, and they can rely completely on my professional confidentiality.
3. When I housesit for a dog or cat, I do not go out socially – I concentrate on the animals in my care
I keep up with all the latest research about dogs and cats. I keep myself informed about their nutrition, their behaviour, and the meaning of their body language and their emotions.
Taking care of other people’s animals is an honour and a huge responsibility. For this reason, it needs enormous dedication and professionalism.
All the Best,
Translation by Audrey E. Cowan
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