Choosing a pet sitter is a big deal. After all, you’re trusting someone to come into your home and care for one of the most important members of your family. That’s why our very first step with new clients involves an introductory consultation, a one-on-one meeting where we get to know you and, of course, your furry friend. When you meet with us, we hope that it’s with the intention of establishing a relationship with our company, one that will last a long time. While most of our consultations end in a mutually beneficial pet care partnership, some don’t. Today, I’m explaining why we charge a consultation fee if services aren’t booked. My goal is to give you an inside perspective on the effort we make and why we believe we deserve to be rewarded for our time.
Our Consultation
Our new client consultation takes place in your home because that’s where your pet feels safest and where services will be provided. It gives us the chance to meet pets on their “turf” and see how they behave in their own environment. We’ll talk through their daily routine, things like feeding times, favorite walking routes, special treats (or forbidden foods!), toys, and any household details that will help us provide stress-free, consistent care. We’ll also cover our services, policies, and answer any questions you might have.
Ours is a relaxed and friendly meeting, but an important one. That’s why we ask for your full attention during this time, so nothing gets missed. The consultation helps us all feel comfortable, your pet included, and sets the stage for a strong, trusting relationship.
Why We Charge a Consultation Fee If Services Aren’t Booked
If one of our pet sitters or dog walkers comes out to your home to conduct a consultation and meet you and your family, we expect to provide the requested pet care. If you do not move forward with engaging our services, we charge a consultation fee of $25 for the meeting. Following are the reasons we do this:
1. Our Time and Care Matter
Every consultation is more than just a quick “hello.” Your care provider dedicates time to preparing, traveling, and meeting you and your pets. Similar to an appointment with your vet or groomer, it’s a professional time reserved just for you.
2. You’re Still Walking Away With Value
Even if you choose not to move forward, this meeting provides a lot of useful information. Sitters often notice little things, such as if a pet is showing signs of resource guarding, territorial behavior with a housemate, or if a routine could be adjusted for easier care. We often provide pet care tips, product highlights, and other ways to improve your pet’s quality of life during this meeting. Pet parents appreciate knowing what we share, regardless of whether booking happens.
3. It’s Fair for Everyone
With access to our company history, longstanding community involvement, and exceptional reviews, pet parents can narrow down their search to West Houston’s best pet sitters and dog walkers – our team! For this reason, most families we meet are ready to move forward after the consultation. When services aren’t booked, however, the small fee helps honor the sitter’s time and effort. This way, everyone’s treated fairly, and those who are committed to booking don’t shoulder the extra costs of payroll and insurance coverage, which are required from us as employers.
4. We’re Professionals, Not “Pet Hobbyists”
We love what we do, and caring for pets is our passion! But it’s also our profession, with standards and policies just like any other trusted service provider. Having a consultation fee in place simply reflects the level of care, preparedness, reliability, and liability coverage we bring into your home.
The Best Care for Katy, Cypress & Fulshear Pets
At the end of the day, our consultation is really about starting a relationship with both you and your pet. It’s where we begin building trust, learning the little details that make your pet unique, and making sure everyone feels comfortable. The $25 fee, when services aren’t engaged, is simply a way to acknowledge the time and care your sitter has already invested.
Most importantly, when you do choose us as your pet care provider, our consultation is complimentary, because it’s the very first step in a partnership we hope will last for years. So, instead of paying a fee, give us a proper chance to provide exceptional care to your beloved pets. You won’t be disappointed!
Our Services & West Houston Service Area
Animal Admiration Pet Care offers customizable dog walking, dog sitting, cat sitting, home, plant, and chicken care in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress. For new clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services.
Existing clients, schedule your pet care visits here.
If you are outside our above-listed areas, please visit Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters to find a professional pet care provider near you.
Brooke Rozell began her professional pet sitting career in 2003. In 2011, she established Animal Admiration to bring trusted, professional pet care to the Katy, Cypress, Fulshear, and West Houston areas while elevating the pet sitting industry as a whole. Brooke is an active member of Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, the Texas Pet Sitters Association, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. Learn more about Brooke.
