10 Mistakes that make Pet Sitting / Boarding Specialists Lose Clients - And How to Avoid Them
Pet sitting and boarding specialists in New Zealand face unique challenges in attracting and keeping local clients. This guide highlights common client-losing mistakes and practical ways to fix them, helping you build lasting trust with pet owners while growing your business.
Here are some tips that you might find interesting:
1. Underestimating Communication Importance
Clients want timely updates on their furry friends while they’re away. Neglecting regular communication can cause stress and loss of trust.
Weirdly enough, simple daily texts or photos can make clients feel connected and confident in your care.
Many Auckland pet sitters use platforms like Yada for private chats, offering peace of mind that their pets are in good hands.
2. Failing to Personalise Pet Care
Every pet has unique needs and quirks. Providing generic care without recognising these can disappoint owners.
Think of it as tailoring your service to match each pet’s personality, whether a shy cat or an energetic dog.
Christchurch sitters who customise feeding, exercise, and play schedules often get rave reviews and repeat bookings.
3. Ignoring Proper Safety Protocols
Safety mistakes, such as improper fence checks or unsecured medications, can be catastrophic and quickly end your reputation.
Show clients you follow strict protocols and are trained in pet health and emergency handling.
Wellington boarding experts highlight their transparent health and safety policies as a key trust builder.
4. Not Clearly Explaining Services Offered
Confusing or vague descriptions of what your sitting or boarding service includes can frustrate clients.
Be upfront about daily routines, exercise, feeding, and any extras like grooming or training.
A Tauranga specialist includes detailed service outlines in job posts on Yada, which helps manage expectations and reduce misunderstandings.
5. Overlooking References and Reviews
Ignoring the power of testimonials and reviews costs you credibility with new clients.
Encourage satisfied owners to leave reviews on directories like TradeMe Services or Yada.
A local Dunedin sitter who showcased client testimonials online saw a steady increase in bookings.
6. Setting Prices Without Research
Uncompetitive or unclear pricing can scare off potential clients, especially in price-sensitive Kiwi markets.
Research local rates and be transparent. Yada allows specialists to provide honest pricing without hidden fees.
Offering packages or discounts for long stays also appeals to many New Zealand pet owners.
7. Not Using Technology Efficiently
Clunky booking and communication processes frustrate tech-savvy clients.
Using mobile-friendly platforms like Yada speeds up bookings, payments, and client chats-all from a phone or tablet.
Even rural service providers in regions like Hawke's Bay benefit greatly from these tech tools.
8. Skipping Introductory Meetings
Failing to meet pets and owners before sitting or boarding can lead to mismatches and client worries.
Scheduling brief meet-and-greets helps establish rapport and better understand pet needs.
Auckland sitters find these intro sessions crucial for setting client expectations and easing separation anxiety.
9. Neglecting Emergency Preparedness
Not having clear emergency plans or contacts can alarm clients and endanger pets.
Share your emergency protocols upfront and keep updated contact details and pet medical info handy.
Christchurch boarding facilities who openly share emergency procedures find clients feel much safer.
10. Failing to Build Local Networks
Ignoring connections with local vets, pet shops, and grooming services misses valuable referrals.
Build relationships and collaborate with complementary businesses to expand your reach.
Yada helps local specialists connect, making collaborative referrals easy in communities like Hamilton and Dunedin.