Frequently Asked Questions
Please read this before applying for the Pet Sitting, Mid-day Walker and Overnight Positions. An opportunity to fill out the Independent Contractor Questionnaire is at the end of the questions.
Do you offer Full-time Employment, 40 hours per week?
No we do not. Please do not apply if you are looking for Full-time employment. All our work is on an as needed basis.
Is this a good job for those that need to pay lots of bills?
No, this job is best suited for someone just wanting to supplement their income.
If I have a Full time job should I apply?
This is not the type of job that you will be able to do if you already have a full-time job as you would not be able to be available during the hours that our clients need you the most.
How far will I be driving?
We only offer you assignment within a 5-10 mile radius of your home as driving any further than that it would not be feasible as you will be visiting pet's 1-3 times a day.
Do you accept aggressive pets?
No, we do not. And all clients and pets are pre-screened for your safety.
Will we be driving all over town?
No, Jobs will normally be assigned within a 5-10-mile radius of your home (except for overnight sitters which will be offered jobs in Hillsborough /Pasco County).
How long are the visits you offer clients?
Visits are 30 minutes for dogs, 20 minutes for cats, 10 minutes for small pets (gerbils, birds, mice, and fish).
Who tells me what time I must be at the home for the pet visits?
You will be in charge of your own schedule based on the variables given to you by the client.
Are you always busy?
There will be some weeks when you are quite busy, other times will be very quiet and you will have a lot more free time. Our peak periods are during spring break, summer months and the holidays.
Can I accept or decline an assignment?
You may accept or decline the assignment, if you accept; you are contractually obligated to complete the assignment.
Will I not be able to enjoy any Holiday time or must I work the whole day?
Since you have flexibility with your schedule you would be responsible for making sure to schedule in some time during holidays to spend time with family, friends or to attend religious services.
How many assignments can I take on?
You will have the flexibility to take on as many assignments as you would like. Schedules vary from day to day and week to week depending on the needs of our clients. You could work intervals of several consecutive weeks, and then be off 1 week. Jobs are assigned on an as needed basis. At any given time you may be handling only one assignment up to multiple assignments per day.
What if I become ill or have an emergency?
While we do our best to cover in cases of true emergencies, this is not a job where "calling in sick" is not tolerated. The pets in your care depend on you to complete your assignments, and one (1) no-call, no-show is cause for immediate termination of assignments. It’s important to note that pets and their owners become attached to the primary sitter. It is not our policy to rotate sitters in and out of a home.
Can I have someone accompany me on any of my Pet Sits or Overnights?
No. Only you are insured and contracted by the client to enter their home, therefore only you are allowed in the homes. Adults, children and other pets ARE NOT permitted to enter homes due to safety and liability issues. Adults can ride along with you as long as they stay outside the home. We never know how a pet will react to a child or another adult they do not know.
What is the Pay Rate for Pet Sitting and Dog Walking?
We pay by the job. The percentage is 50% which would be approximately $7.50 and up per 30 minute visit so you could make $15 up for making 2 visits per hour, + tips and compensation for New Client Consultations + Holiday pay which all increase your percentage.
What is the pay for an Overnight Sitter?
The pay for Overnight Sitters is 60% + tips and compensation for New Client Consultations + Holiday pay.
Is the pay the same for Pet sitters as for Dog Walkers?
The pay is the same but the opportunity is higher for pet sitters than dog walkers because the amount of sits you can do as a pet sitter is usually greater.
Will I have any Benefits?
As an Independent contractor and has with many part-time jobs you will not be receiving any Fringe Benefits of any kind--i.e. pension plan, health, vacation pay, sick pay, health insurance, workman's compensation or unemployment .
Do you take taxes out of what I earn?
You are responsible for paying all your own taxes. Federal, State and Local Taxes No federal, state or local income tax, social security or payroll tax of any kind shall be withheld or paid by Company on your behalf.
Can I work for other Pet Sitting Companies and have my own clients?
Yes, as an Independent Contractor you have the right to make your services available to the general public and to other pet sitting companies and we encourage it. You may not solicit any of our clients at any time.
Can I accept an assignment and then change my mind?
No, once you accept an assignment you must complete the job or you would be breaching the contract.
Will you be supervising me and telling me how I must do the job?
No, As an Independent Contractor you have the sole right to direct the time, place, means, manner, and method or order and sequence in which the services are performed. What we are interested in is that the end result of the assignment is completed satisfactorily per the client's instructions.
Will I receive training?
No, we only hire those with experience in pet care.
Am I responsible for maintaining the professional skills necessary to perform the services, for example Pet First Aid and CPR?
Yes, you are since you are an Independent Contractor you should keep up with the skills necessary to provide services in a professional manner.
Do you give me supplies to do the job?
No, whatever limited supplies you may need are provided by you or most of the time the client provides all that is necessary.
Will I be paid by the hour?
No, you are paid a percentage for each completed assignment.
Will I have an office that you provide?
No, you would work out of your own home and out in the field in client's homes. Assignments will be offered to you by phone or email.
Can I refer myself as an Employee?
No, you would never refer to yourself as an employee; as you are not an employee you would be hired and treated as an Independent Contractor.
Will this be a permanent position?
No, you will be working on an as needed basis and work is sporadic.
We hope we have answered most of your questions. You will have an opportunity to ask other questions if you are selected for an interview.
If you are interested in applying please click below to fill out the Independent Contractor Questionnaire below and email a copy of your resume with employment, educational and personal reference history (phone contacts included) to MiriamWagsandWigggles@msn.com.
No phone calls please!!!