There is a lot to keep in mind as a pet caregiver, from what to bring to an appointment to the best walking routes, despite the fact that it is a "furbulous" job. Many pet caregivers have difficulty determining how often they should update pet parents during overnight care.
A crucial aspect of the job is keeping the pet parents informed, but how often should you update them? Finding the optimal update frequency, somewhere between too many and too few, can be challenging. How often you should update a pet parent during a sitting or boarding appointment is outlined below.
There is a lot to keep in mind as a pet caregiver, from what to bring to an appointment to the best walking routes, despite the fact that it is a "furbulous" job. When caring for pets overnight, many pet sitters feel uncertain about how frequently they should update their owners.
Maintaining communication with a pet parent is essential, but how often is it too often? Finding the optimal update frequency, somewhere between too many and too few, can be challenging. How often you should update a Pet Parent during a sitting or boarding appointment is outlined below.
Ask the Pet Owner
It can be difficult to gauge the frequency of updates needed by pet parents because no two sets of pet guardians are identical. Some pet parents adhere to the "no news is good news" philosophy, while others demand several daily video updates. Some people, especially travelers, could get tired of hearing regular updates on the condition of their pet.
Daily updates are typical
Even if a Pet Parent hasn't specified how often they'd like updates, you should probably send them once a day as a minimum. Providing a short, personalized statement to let pet parents know their baby is doing well, coupled with a nice picture or video, can set you apart from other sitters. Reiterate that you will be providing updates and ask for feedback if the Pet Parent finds your messages to be intrusive.
Depending on the circumstances, updates may be sent.
Before selecting whether or not to increase the frequency of your updates, think about what your client really requires. If the Pet Parent is attending a wedding or is away on business, for instance, they may prefer fewer updates than if they were visiting family. Yet, a pet parent who is leaving their fur-baby for the first time may be nervous and would appreciate more frequent updates.
Consider the dog's age and general health as well. Inevitably, a pet parent will worry more about leaving their dog at home if the dog is an older dog or a puppy. If a dog has separation anxiety or other health problems, they may need to be checked on more often.
Inform Pet Parents they don't need to respond to every update
It's important to strike a balance between over-informing the pet's parents and giving them space to relax. It's possible that pet parents will feel compelled to respond to each and every update, even if doing so would significantly impact their day. Keep in mind that you're giving these updates for the pet parents' own sake, so they don't have to respond to each and every one.
Boundaries and open communication are necessary
While sharing information, it's crucial to have open lines of communication and reasonable limits. Unless it's an emergency, only contact the Pet Parent at the times they've specified.
You should also let the pet parents know when you are accessible. The last thing you want as a Pet Caregiver is a message from a Pet Parent at 1 AM asking for an update on their cat, unless you're a night owl.
Misunderstandings can be avoided with the use of clear communication and defined boundaries. Miscommunication might result in unhappy clients who refuse to return for future services.