In the February ‘95 WORLD, we asked members for ways that professional pet sitters could make a difference in the pet world-especially concerning the spay/neuter effort. As we expected, you had some really good ideas which included the following:
- Make it standard practice to ask if all clients' pets are fixed. If not, pursue the issue with them. Back up your talk with hard facts/statistics from your city or county. Many people are unaware of the problem caused by animals that aren't fixed.
- Have a list of low cost spay/neuter programs that are available in your area to leave with clients.
- I put "Have your pets spayed or neutered" on my answering machine greeting and it is also on my magnetic car signs.
- Write an article in your company's newsletter about pet overpopulation and put statistics in it as to how many cats and dogs have to be put down by vets, shelters, etc. each year because there are more animals than there are homes for.
- Often pet owners find that their pets don't like certain foods that have been bought for them. Pet sitters can offer to take these foods along with old rugs to the local pet shelter where they'll be put to good use.
- Develop a program with your local shelter to run ads in the local paper showing animals to be adopted and include something about your company; i.e. "Adopt one of these precious animals presently located at the ______animal shelter and receive a free pet-sitting visit from _____."
To find a professional pet sitter in your area, visit the PSI Locator.
©Copyright 2010 by Pet Sitters International. All rights reserved. For reprint permission for this article, contact EllenPrice@petsit.com.
