Top 6 Pet First Aid Tips for Pet Sitters

On my free call this week Therese Kopiwoda shared 6 great first aid tips for pet sitters:

1) Go to a pet first aid class so that you have the skills and knowledge to be able to react quickly and correctly in a pet emergency

2) Get a first aid kit and carry it with you in your car. It is best to put together your own kit so that you can customize it to the type of pets you care for and you know what you have in you kit

3) Make sure that you know where your clients pet records are located. Get all new clients to alert their vet that they will be having a pet sitter care for the pets and ask that they have a credit card on file with their vet

4) Know where you clients vets are so that in an emergency you can get to the vet quickly. After your inital interview take the time to print a map and file with the client contract

5) Know the location of the nearest emergency vet clinic. Find out their hours and if they have a vet on staff during operating hours or if the vet will be called in only if needed

6) If you are caring for large dogs make sure you have a way to transport them to the vet. Have another person that you can call to help you or have a guerney in your vehicle. If you are caring for cats make sure you know where clients carriers are located

To find out about pet first aid classes in your area visit http://www.pettech.net and find a local instructor.

Therese also shared with us on the call the 5 most common pet emergencies and how to react given any of these situations. We discussed some real life incidents that we have had on the job as pet sitters and as pet owners. She also shared the best way to use your pet first aid certification to gain more credibility as a pet sitters and to differentiate your pet sitting business from your competitors.

The full recording of our call is available to members of the Pet Sitting Success Circle. To join and get more details visit http://www.petbusinesssuccesscircle.com. It’s only a $7 investment to join for the first month and try out all the member benefits including more than 11 past call recordings, free reports, and our mastermind groups.

Owning a pet business does not guarantee you success, but it is generally not difficult to set up your own pet business adn many who own pet businesses love the hard working lifestyle and the closeness to pets. You will have to compete with those who may be better trained, may have lower cost structures and those who “pretend” to have your skills and experience when they do not. (eg not all those who advertise themselves as groomers are actually Groomers).

There are also key skills that all dog industry professionals should possess. Here are some of the most critical skills and abilities for those hoping to work with dogs professionally: Basic Dog Handling and Training Skills, ability to recognize behavioral signals.

Animals can be somewhat unpredictable when they are under stress or in an unfamiliar environment, like when they visit the veterinary office or the grooming salon, so it is important to be attentive and stay aware of the animal you are handling at all times.