A common lament among Pet-Sitters is not being taken seriously. Many times pet-sitters attend Chamber of Commerce events, are asked what they do, and when they respond, "I'm a pet-sitter," receive a response in the "Isn't that nice," or "Can you really make MONEY doing that?" realm.

To be treated like a professional, pet-sitters must remember what makes the difference between a professional pet-sitter and a next door neighbor or `hobbyist' pet-sitter. Professionals must determine the value and benefit they offer their clients and must constantly promote themselves as businesspeople and professionals.

Following are 10 tips and self-evaluation questions to differentiate you from the `hobbyist' pet-sitters:

1. Professional Pet Sitters have an entrepreneurial mind-set.

You are a business owner. You wake up each day facing the joys and challenges of owning a business – from scheduling, to client service and complaints, to bookkeeping. You are committed to owning and operating a successful business. You understand that you are the COO, VP Finance, Director of Sales and the Customer Service Director. (Have you taken time to write job descriptions for all of the roles you play in your business?)

2. Professional Pet Sitters are in it for the long-haul.

Professionals know that any business takes a lot of nurturing, time and education before reaching financial and market-share success. Professionals have taken the time to develop their 6 month, 1 year and five year goals and commit them to paper in the form of a business and marketing plan. (Do you evaluate your business plan and goals at regular intervals each year?)

3. Professional Pet Sitters put their best foot forward.

Professionals in any field know that they must take themselves seriously before anyone else will. This is displayed most in personal presence and communication skills. Dressing like a professional who deserves the key to a client's house goes a long way in initiating a long-term, trusting relationship. Professional Pet Sitters are in the business of putting clients' minds at rest. (Do you check the mirror each morning before leaving, to make sure that you will engender trust and that your clients, and potential clients, will feel good about handing over the keys to their house and the care of their precious pets?)

4. Professional Pet Sitters have their act together.

Professionals have completed the research to operate a business. They have acquired appropriate insurance, bonding, and licensing. (Do you have all the necessary paperwork and insurance to run a business in your city/state?)

5. Professional Pet Sitters are realistic.

Professionals know that emergencies happen and they have a plan in place to ensure their business continues to run whether they encounter a flat tire, a sick kitten that needs immediate and time-intensive veterinary care, or they have contracted the flu. They have interviewed reliable substitute sitters or have taken the initiative to hire staff or contractors. They have a written a policy regarding distribution of keys and client notification. (Do You have an emergency back up plan – or a way to allow for some needed down-time?)

6. Professional Pet Sitters listen to their clients.

Professionals have a knack for understanding the intricacies of their client's biggest concerns. They find ways to make their clients' lives easier, whether meeting a potential client at a time convenient for the client, or providing additional services to meet client's needs. Professionals understand that clients' lives and jobs are unpredictable, and they come up with ways to ease the tension for the clients and their pets. Whether it's adding a last-minute visit, or picking up the kibble. (Do you have room for flexibility in your policies and procedures?)

7. Professional Pet Sitters communicate.

Professionals understand that growing a business depends on outstanding communication. Professionals learn to network and build effective relationships throughout their community by joining the Chamber of Commerce and networking groups, and among their competitors by joining or starting a local Professional networking group. (Do you make time each month or quarter to network with other professionals?)

8. Professional Pet Sitters don't Burn Out.

Professionals recognize the healing effects of time-off and plan accordingly. They provide ample opportunity for time-off and employ the plans they developed in making this happen. (Do you schedule at least one annual vacation each year?)

9. Professional Pet Sitters continue their education.

They find and attend educational seminars that will enhance their skills, not only in the area of animal care, but in the areas of business development, networking and outreach as well. Professionals align themselves with National Pet-Sitting organizations and work to achieve certification through these groups. (Do you continue your education throughout the year?)

10. Professional Pet Sitters take pride in their profession.

Professionals do not bad-mouth other sitters, either by name or by association. Professionals recognize that each business owner runs their business, their way. They spend their efforts working to grow and enhance their business and the reputation of the industry as a whole. They realize that bad apples exist everywhere, and also know that law of commerce says that in time, the unprofessional or poorly run businesses will fail. (Do you make an effort to always take the `high-road' when discussing your competitors?)

All of these items take time to master.

Professional pet-sitters schedule time each week to attend to one or more of these items, do you?

Peggie Arvidson-Dailey, owner of www.Peggiespets.com and founder of Pet-Care University, is the author of the "Maintain Your Love Affair with Your Pet" series, as well as several articles on puppy and critter care. She has helped many pet-sitting business owners with her Pet-Care Business Success System™ and teaches the popular "How to Start and Run a Successful Pet-Care Company," course in Washington, D.C.

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