WHY PET PROS?

Before launching PET PROS, we worked with other services; These experiences taught us a great deal about client and provider relations, the industry as a whole and specific needs within an expansive market but perhaps most importantly, what to carefully avoid.  Witnessing scenarios where vetting is nonexistent and the unfortunate consequences to pets and clients, has defined the uncompromising standards that shape the bedrock of our service model.  The following tips are derived from our shared experiences and compiled here to help better prepare you in making these important decisions.

• Employ the use of cameras, even if only outside. A bank of pictures can be collected in one visit and used to stage subsequent visits. Neighbors have also been valuable sources of information for who and when someone is or isn't at a client's home.

• Be certain the service agreement you sign specifies the individuals who will have access to   your home and security details. Have in writing the persons authorized for disclosure with use of codes and keys, clearance through security gates or check points and permissions with entry to your property.  This is especially important with businesses that have high attrition.

• Verify credentials. If some type of expertise or experience is claimed, substantiate this with industry-related professionals or experts they've worked for. If legitimate references can't be produced, ask for resume, CV, diplomas or transcripts.  Actual experts will often have memberships and affiliations with professional organizations combined with a historical body of work that can provide an alternate source of verifiable references (See June blog). Fraud typically originates with deceit or misrepresentation that can be easily sussed out with preliminary scrutiny.  Since inauthentic documents are easily fabricated, a quality background check will include verification of diplomas, degrees and certifications, also distinguishing between attendance versus conferment of academic institutions. Professional organizations have members listed for online search and verification or provide contact information for inquiries regarding membership.  

• Define critical terms that may be open to interpretation, especially in contracts. For example, the word 'vetted' can be used to insinuate processes or procedures, that generally imply a sense of security, safety or protocol which may not actually exist. Does 'vetting' mean, interviews, reference checks, security clearance through comprehensive criminal history search, skills testing, etc. OR simply "knowing" someone through personal relationship? 

• If you've hired a service, check in personally with the individual(s) caring for your pets to ensure they’re receiving any monetary tips you’ve intended for them.
   
• If GPS tracking is advertised, get in writing that it will be ON for every scheduled appointment.     

• Ask for direct means of contact (email or cell) for each person slated to provide care in your home. Reach out to them just before and during scheduled services to ensure you're not baited and switched. A provider can service your account using a shell profile of prior or fictitious staff, while sending someone completely unknown to you. Finding out that a stranger, whom you and your pets have never met, is in your home while away is beyond disturbing. Reference our August blog for actual real-life example.

• Ask to see driver’s license for anyone entering your home. With full legal name, DOB, a free PeachCourt account, some patience and time, intrastate criminal history can be checked. History outside of Georgia will require further background clearance. * Persons attempting to conceal prior convictions will often misinform their actual birth year *

                    Peachcourt.com

• Ask for business FEIN. Business banking in the US requires one and if a business is operating solely through personal accounts on payment platforms, this should be a red flag. 

If all of this sounds daunting or you simply don't have capacity for the extra work in critical due diligence, PET PROS LLC has already taken the measures required to guarantee none of the above will occur within our purview. Hiring a Pet Pro means peace of mind and the ability to travel being fully present for whatever has called you away from home. This is what Ken, a career HR Professional, Cat Dad and convinced customer has to say:

"I spent my career in Human Resources (with extensive experience in safety and security) and still do consulting work in that field.  I’ve been responsible for managing hiring of hundreds of employees during that time, including some circumstances in which employees worked in clients’ homes. One aspect is the immense responsibility that business owners or managers shoulder to take every precaution possible ensuring that only the most trustworthy and conscientious people are hired. I’ve consulted with Pet Pros, LLC, and can attest to the fact that this responsibility is one taken very, very seriously and pursued diligently.  My wife and I are satisfied customers of Pet Pros; with the hiring and vetting process used, we’ve recommended them to our friends."

Ken H.
HR Consultant and
PET PROS LLC Client