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Am I Still Pet Sitting?

9/13/2019

Everyone is asking....

You may have noticed that I took the "pets" off my Instagram account handle earlier this year. What used to be yvonne_loves_austin_pets is now simply yvonne_loves_austin. Do I still love animals? YES. Am I still pet sitting??? The simple answer is yes. The long answer is....

I thought I was done with pet sitting when I moved to Austin six years ago. I put the side-hustle to bed for a fancy job at Mood Media but through a series of events including the death of my dog in 2015, I found myself drawn into a thriving pet sitting business yet again. The main reason I fell back into it is because animals bring me immense joy and frankly, this business makes me feel "useful" in a more meaningful way than a corporate job ever did.

That said, my personal relationships have suffered. For years I have been gone on overnight stays for 50-75% of the year for $60 a night – a rate and profession some scoff at. Somehow, I gather that others would find it more acceptable if I were earning $300 per night instead. But I'll leave that rant for another day.

Since I published my pet sitting memoir in 2017, more doors have opened up for me writing-wise. I have been able to freelance and make a lean living. But after the deterioration of my 4+ year relationship late last year, the pull for me to stop pet sitting and to get a dog or cat of my own has been stronger than ever. I miss having a constant reliable companion in my life, especially an emotional support animal. Ha. We all joke about needing or having an official service animal but the truth is, at least emotionally, they ALL are service animals. I'm not wrong.

But with animal ownership comes healthcare costs, pet sitting costs, and other expenses... I have started a fund for my future pet(s), so I don't have the agony of expense-shock if something costly should arise like a Vet bill or a long vacation where pet care is needed. So that is another reason I am pursuing other more lucrative endeavors – I want to have the (money) means to care for my health and my pets care without a second thought. Dog needs a $4k surgery? No problem. I want to go away for 3 weeks so I need a pet sitter for two pets that costs $700? No problem.

I also want to buy a house in this century. Have you seen Austin home-prices? Housing costs in Austin are far higher than the national average. There’s a reason why, when I went to donate plasma for the first time on a recent Wednesday, the parking lot at BioLife looked like a Target parking lot on a Saturday in December. I turned around and left, opting for a better strategy. Maybe 6am next time?

So to make room for more abundance for the things mentioned above, I have been tapering my pet sitting business. I still pet sit but only for select clients, friends and select referrals. I am practicing saying "no". Does this mean I only pet sit for my fancy clients? Heck no! I often prefer smaller places. Plus, location matters. Quiet matters. Pets matter (no assholes!). Amenities matter (comfy bed, privacy, strong shower, good WIFI, gifts, ice cream, sweets, etc. hee-hee).

And no, my business didn't flail after I published my tell-all novel in 2017. It certainly didn't explode, but it stayed strong and steady. I will continue to ride that wave while I get my first big fiction novel published. I am in the very early stages now and it will take me far longer than it took me to write my first novel. This time it'll be fiction and under a pen name - so whether people love it or hate it I can be totally anonymous.

So yes, I am still pet sitting but not for the masses. My focus now is earning more elsewhere and saving more so I can have the life that calls to me, while I am still young enough to fully enjoy it.

-Yvonne

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Terror and Hysteria: 4th of July Fireworks

7/2/2019

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Fireworks, like thunderstorms, can be a true phobia for many pets. With America’s favorite summer holiday less than two days away, I figured it was timely to revisit the topic of fireworks and pets.

Many animals, both wild and domestic, panic when they hear the loud sky-shattering cracks and explosions of fireworks; For all they know it sounds like bombs going off – the opposite of what is really going on for us humans – a celebration of this country’s independence.

This results in escaped pets, wildlife ending up in strange places (garages, under cars, hiding in nooks and crannies in your backyard, etc.). Pure chaos. I know a friend who drives outside of the city limits with his dogs each year because they live close to a fireworks display in town and it is pure terror for his pets year after year. At his wits end, he finally found a good solution.

But if you choose to forego escaping town this year and are in earshot of any fireworks displays, you’ll want to make an effort to minimize the effect fireworks can have on your pets.

First and foremost, try to be empathetic to you animal or any pets that may have gotten out of their confinements. It is also a time to be very careful when coming across lost pets – they can be very fearful and on edge and could bite out of fear, when they normally wouldn’t.

Instead of re-writing what I wrote in year’s past, or reliving that horrid fireworks chapter in my book, I figured I’d point you to these great sources for help:

Finally, if you have hired a pet sitter during times of fireworks or thunderstorms, make sure you inform them if your pet is fearful during these times. Knowledge can prevent havoc and can keep your pet and sitter more calm, and safe.

-Yvonne

Be prepared for fireworks. Your pet will thank you!

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10 Ways to Pet Sit Better Than The Rest: Part 2 of 2

5/30/2019

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Continued post from last month, this is part 2 of 2:
How not to get fired, and how to get re-hired (again and again) as a pet sitter. Now, on to number 6 on our list:

6. Don’t Consume the Fridge/Pantry/Bar
We all enjoy a little food and drink while binge-watching Netflix with Fido, but it is rude to devour all of someone's food or alcohol. Polite clients usually say, “help yourself to anything you want”, but this is not meant to be taken literally.

Would you like to come home to a barren fridge, and find that the only drop of alcohol left in the house is the cheap Riesling you ended up with years ago due to a bad draw at a friends white-elephant holiday party? Ha! I think not, so don’t do it to your clients.

It is OK to nibble, but if you finish an item, be sure to replace it. They are paying you to watch Whikers and Fido, not to KonMari their bar and pantry ...with your mouth.

7. Sort Mail
Depending on how long your client will be gone, a service I always like to do is to sort their mail. Imagine being on vacation for 2-3 weeks only to come home to a ton of to-dos, including a huge heap of mail. No fun. It takes less than 5 minutes to sort. I will sort into categories:

- Retail/Catalogs
- Sales/junk/mass mail
- Packages and shipments
- Important stuff – letters, bills, statements or other official-looking documents (a “pre-sort” on the postage area is usually junk)

(If this seems strange to you, I am good at mail-guessing due to my many years spent as an Executive Assistant. Mail galore!)

8. Send Frequent Updates
Another way to improve your pet sitting service is by staying in daily contact with your client while they are away (or ask them their preference). I typically send a daily text or email with a photo of the client’s pets and an update. A sentence or two is fine. Or say, if the yard guy stopped by that day I will mention it. Or if the weather is good or bad, etc.

I try not to convey anything unnecessary or negative when I contact my clients while they are on vacation. I try to keep things informational and positive on a “need to know” basis. Clients like to know that their home and pets are alive and well while they are gone. You should never let more than 2 days go by without some sort of “update” message to your clients. This gives them added peace of mind on their trip.

9. Use Current Technology
In case you aren’t aware yet, the year is 2019 and everyone has a smart phone. They are fabulous! Savvy businesses have incorporated practices to cater to these great technological advances. Pet sitters, included.

I once downloaded the Whistle Phone App per my client’s request so I could sync with her dog’s collar (he was an escape artist, so the app was essential to track him in case he got out).

Then there are apps like Whats App, Facebook and Viber that I have used with my clients while they travel internationally (calls and texts can be made right over WiFi via these apps, without using any expensive international data).

Whatever my clients prefer, I adhere to. Being flexible with your clients technology preferences is essential. Never make a client download a special app, or payment platform just to work with you. The client always gets the choice (within reason) of what apps they choose to communicate with me or how to pay me.

One last tip: Be OK with the fact that your clients use cameras in or around their home – they are technology for the protection of everyone. Yes, everyone.

10. Flexibility and a Sense of Humor
Lastly, I think the pet sitting biz as a whole requires flexibility and humor from the start.

You want me to mix green beans and beef in with your pets kibble?
No problem.

Your dog has bad gas?
It’s not the worst thing ever, trust me.

You want me to stay a little longer due to your delayed flight back?
No worries!

You decided to drive home a day early?
No problem, I’ll credit you the unused day for your next booking.

Being reasonably accommodating, and not nickel-and-dime-ing clients goes a long way. There can be a lot involved in good pet care, and my mindset and daily-rate is all inclusive to these little extras (within reason of course).

Life, pets and people are not perfect. Pet sitting is a very personalized service, a business yes, but a very unique one. Yes, ideally, each pet would be easy: they could hold it for a zillion hours at a time, eat a scoop of kibble at every meal, sleep all day, never need to be run or walked, never be bored or chew, or bark, or snore, or bite.

BUT in reality, many pets are aggressive toward other people or pets, they snore loudly, bark excessively, chew up stuff, need complicated meals or insulin shots and some can’t hold their pee longer than 5-6 hours.

For these reasons, flexibility, compassion and a sense of humor in these scenarios will give you a true edge above the competition in pet sitting.

Having a true love for animals should be first and foremost – it makes this “job” 10 times easier and more fun for everyone. Trust me.

Until next time,
Yvonne

PS. Follow me on Instagram. I am posting less pet photos these days and more of other goings on.

Go easy on your client's booze!

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10 Ways to Pet Sit Better Than The Rest: Part 1 of 2

4/28/2019

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On this blog, I’ve covered how to be a good client, and I’ve ranted and raved about my own clients on my Instagram, in my book and elsewhere, but I’ve never discussed the secrets to my success.

A couple of weeks ago I received a call from a prominent doctor in Austin. I was surprised this person was able to track down my phone number because I purposely don’t publish my number since I am actively trying to cut down on the number of inquiries and new business I get. Anyway, I was surprised to learn that even at their coveted home location – an estate literally on the shore of Lake Austin – they said their hired pet sitter apparently never spent the night there, even though they paid her to stay overnights. I mean who wouldn't want to stay overnights in a lakefront home?

Dishonest people! The horror! I may not have taken many business classes in college, but I know Business Ethics 101 and I am pretty sure this is a major violation. Side note to pet sitters out there: Neighbors watch out for neighbors. Many people have video cameras mounted facing their driveway, entry way and street. Chances are, someone WILL know if you do not visit when you say you will or if you don’t stay overnight when you say you will.

The first key to pet sitting success is: Do what you are getting paid to do.

Simple.

I am amazed by how “basic” businesses are when it comes to providing a service. They will try to get by with the bare minimum whenever they can. And they do. But when it comes to pet sitting, it pays to NOT be like all the other sitters out there. You know those sitters I am talking about, the ones who charge $90 to sleep at your house from 8pm to 7am. With most animals eating and needing a potty break around 6pm and 8am, I am not sure what this $90 service is providing?

I digress.

So how to set yourself apart as a pet sitter? The first requirement is having a genuine love and regard for animals, this is basic. If you don’t truly care for animals, you will not be successful.

Read on to learn how to improve your pet sitting “game”.

1. Offer a Complimentary Meet/Greet
This is for the benefit of all involved. I spent 3 hours at a meet/greet once, and the couple gave me a cash tip for my time, and ended up hiring me for a 3 week pet sit before they moved out of state. The tip was unexpected. Meet and Greets are necessary, charging for them is not. Meet and greets are as much for you as it is for your potential clients – each party needs to see if the other is a fit. I have turned down clients after a meet/greet when I got a bad feeling. Don’t deny those gut instincts!

2. Provide References or Testimonials Upfront
For many people having a stranger come into their home to stay with their beloved possessions (aka: pets) while they are hundreds or thousands of miles away is very anxiety-provoking. Providing the client with testimonials or references upfront can ease their worry. You can read mine here.

3. Ditch the Scary Agreement
Some of the larger local pet sitting companies use long agreements that sound scary and strip confidence from the pet owner. Using a basic agreement is sufficient and covers the bases in most cases. I firmly believe that to be a successful pet sitting company you have to be small, and when you are small and care-focused, the need for a big scary (negative sounding, lawyer-languaged) agreements is less dire.

4. Provide Guidance to Your Clients
Set the pet-owners up for success by providing them a document covering all possible details they’ll need to provide you for your stay with their pets to be a successful one. Many pet owners aren’t sure how much, or how little of information to leave you. Many are embarrassed about leaving too many details.

Nonsense!

I love all the details. The more detail, the better! Details will help you be successful, and help you to not bother the pet-owner with endless questions while they are away enjoying their vacation. Some details my document asks for are (Me asking the pet owner):

Where do you keep the towels for when you pet comes in dirty/wet from outside?
Has your pet ever displayed any sort of aggression toward people/children/Men or other animals? (It is OK if so, I just need to be aware to avoid possible aggression triggers.)
Does anything spook your pet? Fireworks? Noises? TV?
Does your pet have any allergies (environmental or food)? Any recent or chronic illness?
Local emergency contacts in the event you cannot be reached?

And several more questions. There are reasons I ask so many questions. Asking questions now avoids terrible situations later. Trust me on this.

5. Tidy Up!
It is easy to feel like I am staying in a luxurious Airbnb when I stay in a client’s home with their pets, but it is essential to remember that I am being paid to provide a service. You are a pet sitter, you are not on vacation. Yes, this is hard to remember sometimes.

Keep the client’s home tidy and clean. Wash and reset the towels and sheets you slept on if you have time before you go. Clean and put away your dishes. Take out the trashes. Do a quick vacuum of dog hair before they return.

Many people are totally beat after a day of travel or international flights, and coming home to a clean home along with their happy pets is the best way to re-enter reality after a vacation.

Tune in next month for part two of this list...

Wash and reset the bed sheets if you have the time.

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I Made the List and Stayed On It! (A Rare Tooting of My Own Horn)

2/25/2019

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It is a REAL accomplishment to get on (and stay on) that list!!!

UPDATED REVIEWS ADDED: February 2019

Original Post: April 2017
I have been reliving my earlier days as a pet sitter over the last few months because I am in the process of finishing a book about my pet sitting adventures, and well, my misadventures too. I’ve been doing a lot of cringing as I remember some of the “learning experiences” I had while pet sitting. It is interesting to look back and see how far I’ve come both personally and professionally over the last 15 years.

This week I decided to take the opportunity to compile all of the positive reviews I’ve received from clients both past and present. I felt like I needed to dig up some warm-fuzzies to remind myself of the reasons I am good at what I do! That said, nobody wants to read a boring book about how great of a pet sitter I am, so I figured I’d compile all the sweet sentiments I’ve received throughout the years in this post just to remind myself (and ya’ll) how I got on that tiny list and stayed there! (see photo above)

The comments below are clipped from google, trusted housesitters, nextdoor, rover, and facebook. Enjoy!

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Custom Critter Sitters is amazing! We had to take a trip when our puppy was just 10 weeks and couldn't take him with us. Yvonne came and stayed at our house and took care of our pup and home while we were away. From the initial phone call, I got a great vibe from Yvonne and then during the meet-and-greet, I knew our pup would be in gentle, loving hands. She sent me pictures every day, and I'm pretty sure they played the whole time we were gone. I couldn't have asked for a better pet sitter! - Jocelyn E.

Yvonne was available to stay with my standard poodle, Georgia, at the last minute when we had other plans fall through. She even adjusted her work schedule to accommodate our plans as we had a very early flight and knew that Georgia would need a potty break fairly early in the day.Yvonne stayed in our home for the weekend and even took Georgia to her favorite dog park for an outing. We got photos and updates throughout the weekend, which was a relief, as this was our first time leaving her with anyone that wasn't family. I highly recommend Yvonne for dog sitting--she is responsible, responsive, and obviously has a way with animals. - April M.

Due to our hectic jobs and, at times, very long working hours, we needed a plan A, B, & C to make sure our pups were always taken care of and in the very best hands when we can't be there. We found Yvonne completely by happen-chance (random online search), and wow do we feel like we hit the jackpot!!!! We were nervous & skeptical at first, but Yvonne was 100% professional and offered full disclosure about her experience, etc from the start. She provided a list of diverse references (I contacted all of them and they all gave absolutely glowing reviews!), the meet and greet went great, and she went above and beyond from day one in understanding what our needs are and how to carry them out so everyone had a great experience (our dogs require critical meds, one has special physical needs, they both have multi-day walking requirements, both use food puzzles, and they're basically 2 spoiled dogs with a strong tendency towards diva-ness). And, most important, it was evident from day 1 that CoCo and Casper LOVE her! They gravitate towards her and I could tell they genuinely enjoy just being around her. We've used Yvonne multiple times now and her level of professionalism and the respect/care she shows our furbabes and our home is absolutely top notch. Yvonne has made us believers that in-home care is the right option for us, and we feel so incredibly thankful for her. If you're looking for someone in Austin, no need to look any further - Yvonne is amazing and we're so incredibly grateful she calls ATX home, too!!! - Antonetta A.

Yvonne has been a fantastic pet sitter and house sitter for us for the past several years. She always gives our many animals the love & care they deserve while we are on vacations or short trips. We have 2 mini-goats & 3 chickens (yes in the middle of the city), many fish, and 2 small dogs. She takes care of all of their various feeding routines, and makes sure they have fresh water (she even washes their bowls). She probably takes better care of our animals than we do, now that we are parents of real human children. The dogs cry for her when they hear her car pull up in our driveway. That's how often we use her and how much they love her. We highly recommend her & 100% trust her in our home. - Kellie T.

Trustworthy, accommodating & friendly to both us and our pets. Yvonne ran her own house/pet sitting service in her previous hometown of Albuquerque, and she is quite the pro, able to handle everything from our elderly (15) year old lab with medications, to our "middle aged" yet still a puppy at heart lab, to our 1.5 year old Shih-Tsu that's named Dumdum for a reason. You can relax and enjoy your trip with Yvonne keeping the livestock at home well cared for. - Evan P.

I am very satisfied with Yvonne's services. She was wonderful with my 2 dogs. She came over before my trip to learn how to dress Daniel's foot. She did a great job! The house looked great when I got home. She kept me informed about the dogs. I felt very comfortable leaving the dogs with her while I was gone. I would highly recommend her. Thanks for loving my dogs, Yvonne! - Kathy L.

Yvonne was a great sitter for Onyx. She is very thorough in her interview questions to make sure she can learn as much as possible about your animal and how you prefer the animal to be cared for in your absence. Onyx was on medicine from a spine injury and Yvonne took great care in playing with Onyx and making sure she was happy without risk of more injuries and made sure she had her daily medications and walks as prescribed. Already planning to book her for another stay. - Robin H.

Yvonne is the best sitter you could ask for. Our 3 yr old baby boy Winston who we rescued a yr ago had a very hard and abusive life with his former owners. He is a very sweet and loving boy but very sensitive as well. Yvonne took care of him as if he was her own.winston loved her and Yvonne was so wonderful and sweet with him. We told her that we sometimes howl with Winston and she sent us a video while we were away of her getting down on the floor and howling with him as well as many updates and pictures of our little boy. She also went out in the yard with him when it was dark and he had to do his business because he is scared of the dark. Winston was very happy with Yvonne and we were ecstatic with her as well. Yvonne took great care of our little boy and our house. We fell in love with her from our initial interview. She is a very sweet and loving person and good luck finding anyone who loves dogs more than Yvonne. Many dog sitters say they will take good care of your dog but we have found that to be lip service as the others we used it was obvious didn't take good care of our precious little boy. If you are looking for someone who will love and treat your dog as well as you do , then look no further than Yvonne. She is the sweetest, friendliest and most loving person and your dog will lick you to the high heavens for hiring her. We will use her everytime we go away. We have tried the rest , but in Yvonne we have found the best. Thank you again Yvonne for taking such great care of our little Winston. - Shawn K.

Yvonne was the perfect pet sitter for our cat! We were out of town for a little over a week and received periodic pictures and updates on how she was doing. We came home to a happy and calm cat and we had a relaxing trip knowing that Yvonne was here with her! - Amanda W.

I leave for long stretches without a care in the world. I know my beloved pets are in the best hands. She has stayed with us three times and now I wouldn't consider using anyone else. Dogs (multiple), fish, even chickens. She cared for and loves on them all. - Kelly R.

Yvonne provides the BEST service anyone can ask for. We had 3 dogs, each with the own issues (i.e. one was a frail senior, the other is scared of everything, & the other is hyper/crazy all the time) & she cared for them as we do. They were all happy to be with her, & we are just as happy. I've never had ALL 3 of my babies love someone as her, especially my scared boy. Please use Yvonne, she is truly the best. - Chris K.

Yvonne has taken care of my pets since 2014 and I trust her head and shoulders above anyone else! She has a great understanding of animals and is genuinely excited to see them! She is great with "special needs" pets who may require medicine or extra care. She also does stop by visits, which is purr-fect for my kitty when I'm out of town. When I return he is in a great mood and I am reassured that someone is also popping by to check on my place and bring the mail inside. Yvonne is a very kind, trustworthy and genuine individual. She sends me pics and updates each day, and tells me the mood of kitty too. It's nice to hear that he's being playful or hear a video of his meow while I'm away. Most importantly, animals are at ease while under her care. - Marie M.

Yvonne is first and foremost an animal lover. She WILL make sure your animal comes first! She is experienced, knowledgeable, professional, kind, and wraps it all up with a wonderful sense of humor. Look no further for your pet sitting etc. You have found your destination. - Bonnie B.

You couldn't find a more reliable and loving person to leave what's very important to you, your pet and your home. - Linda O.

Yvonne was a wonderful dog sitter for our two chihuahua fur babies! My only complaint...I think they loved her more than me! - Cynthia H.

You won't find a more reliable, caring and conscientious person than Custom Critter Sitter owner Yvonne. Your pets are in very good hands! - Chris R.

She is the best!!! A very responsible caring person who has great respect for those she is taking care of!!! - Marcus C.

I have known Yvonne for 17 years, and she is one of the most trustworthy and dependable people I've ever worked with and known. She takes excellent care of pets and houses, and you will be assured that you're leaving your furry family members in capable, caring hands. I highly recommend Yvonne Feltman as a house- and pet-sitter. - Donna R.

I was a client of Yvonne's "Abode Attendants" company in ABQ, NM. I used Abode to provide monthly checks on my vacation home while I was gone. Yvonne is very professional, thorough and trustworthy. She always provided regular status reports - with photos of any potential problems. I really lucked-out finding her! - Jeff R.

Yvonne is conscientious, loving, patient, responsible, hard working, She has very high standards and always, always goes the extra mile. She does what she says she'll do. She loves animals. She is also funny and fun. - Penny T.

Yvonne provided excellent pet and house sitting services for us over a 2 year period. She's personable, well-organized, and took good care of our two small dogs. - Trish S.

Yvonne is extremely competent and friendly. I would (and do) trust her completely in my home. She has stayed in our house for up to 2 weeks and handled everything that arose with efficiency and competence. - Mark B.

Yvonne Feltman has taken care of our pets (2 dogs and 1 cat) and home for over 2 years. She is absolutely the best, and I can give her the highest recommendation in every respect! - Charlsa B.

Yvonne is the perfect someone to love and care for your pets as you would when you're away from home. - Cory H.

Yvonne is the best pet and house sitter there is. Period. She places your pets above all else, providing them with love, care and affection - probably more than they've ever been subjected to before! She's so good she can even be trusted to look after her ex-boyfriend's ex-girlfriend's dogs. That is to say she's chill and compassionate and responsible with a good sense of humor and will take excellent care of your pets and property alike. - Aaron H.

I have known Yvonne for many years, she is 100% trustworthy and dedicated. Her attention to detail is impeccable. She has a genuine love of animals that translates into prioritizing the happiness of your pets. HIGHLY recommend!! - Mike H.

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