513: Navigating Client Expectations with Heather Scott

07/31/24 • 60 min

Are clients' expectations driving your pet care business to the brink? In this episode, Heather Scott, owner of Heather’s Pet Care, delves into the challenges of managing unrealistic client demands and the impact Covid lockdowns continues to have on their expectations. She shares her journey of phasing out overnight services due to financial and legal constraints, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and clear communication. Heather also discusses her refined hiring process and the significance of realistic job previews for new staff. Finally, she emphasizes the value of community engagement and local networking in building a loyal client base and adapting to industry changes.

Main topics:

Client Expectations and Behavior
Challenges of Overnight Services
Pricing and Industry Competition
Hiring and Training Staff
Community Engagement and Networking

Main takeaway: Adapting to industry changes is essential for growth.

About our guest:

It started when my dad decided to get my family a puppy! In 2003, we adopted a mini Shih Tzu and she quickly became the highlight of our family. From there, I grew a huge love for animals!

Back in 2013, I got a phone call asking if I could help out a family friend with her multiple pets for two weeks. After meeting me, the owner's took a leap of faith to travel around the world and leave me with their pets. Once they got home, they couldn't have been happier! Shortly after, I decided to take my love for animals and turn it into a business.

Being around animals is the highlight of my day!

Links:

Previously on: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/031-heather-scott

Email: [email protected]

www.heatherpetcare.com

Instagram: heatherpetcare

Check out our Starter Packs

Give us a call! (636) 364-8260

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months

Main topics:

Client Expectations and Behavior
Challenges of Overnight Services
Pricing and Industry Competition
Hiring and Training Staff
Community Engagement and Networking

Main takeaway: Adapting to industry changes is essential for growth.

About our guest:

It started when my dad decided to get my family a puppy! In 2003, we adopted a mini Shih Tzu and she quickly became the highlight of our family. From there, I grew a huge love for animals!

Being around animals is the highlight of my day!

Links:

Previously on: https://www.petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/031-heather-scott

Email: [email protected]

www.heatherpetcare.com

Instagram: heatherpetcare

Check out our Starter Packs

Give us a call! (636) 364-8260

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

Time to Pet Visit: https://timetopet.com/confessional Code: 50% off first 3 months

Previous Episode

512: The State of Job Sharing

Have you seen an increase in requests to job share? In this episode, we delve into the increasingly common practice of job sharing, where multiple caregivers collaborate on a pet's care. We discuss the reasons behind this trend, such as more pet sitters entering the market and clients seeking cost-effective solutions. We also highlight the challenges, including communication issues and varying standards of care, emphasizing the importance of clear documentation and agreements. Finally, we cover practical advice, stressing the need to know when to trust your gut and when to decline job sharing requests.

Main topics:

Job Sharing Overview
Reasons for Job Sharing
Challenges and Risks
Best Practices and Recommendations

Main takeaway: It's all about having that continuity of care and how comfortable you are with that.

Links:

Give us a call! (636) 364-8260

Email us at: [email protected]

Full show notes and transcript

Sponsored by:

❤️ Our AMAZING Patreon Supporters

Pet Sitters Associates Visit: https://www.petsitllc.com Code: Confessional

Next Episode

514: The Tech Revolution in Pet Care

How are you using technology in your business? Technology continues to evolve, profoundly impacting the pet care industry. Staying adaptable is essential for integrating new tools like online booking systems, GPS tracking, and smart pet feeders, which enhance our services and client transparency. Beyond using technology in our business, we must guide clients in appropriately using these innovations with their pets. Automation of routine tasks allows us to focus more on socialization and personalized care, improving pets' well-being. Embracing these changes elevates the quality of service and strengthens the bond between pet sitters, pets, and their owners.

Main topics: