Pet Exchange Corner

I’m curious what you think of “nanny cams” for viewing pet sitters and canine walkers.

Have you ever set up a video camera to view your canine walker? Were you amazed by anything?

If you’re a canine walker like I was, have you ever taken care of a canine when you knew there was a camera? how did that make you feel?

I do have a video camera set up to view my cats when I’m away for much more than 24 hours. This is not to spy on our friend who in some cases checks on them. It’s so we can make sure our cats are doing ok while they’re alone.

So, I get where people are coming with “nanny cams” for pets.

As far as I know, none of my pet sitting and canine walking clients use cameras (that I’m aware of), but I’ve always just assumed there could be cameras whenever I’m at someone’s house.

I treat my clients’ homes with respect, obviously, and I always arrive on schedule and walk, run or spend time with the canine for the full half-hour or hour, regardless of whether there are cameras.

But I wanted to bring up the issue of “nanny cams,” because count on is a real issue as far as pet care. If people don’t count on a canine walker, then that canine walker is not going to have a very good business.

I do believe my clients count on me 100 percent, and for that reason have no reason to use a video camera and no reason to doubt me.

Here are some ways I try to build that count on with my pet sitting clients:

By being polite. For example, I ask if the client would like me to take my shoes off during the initial meet and greet.
If the owner is not home when I take the canine for his first walk, I send a text when I arrive and in some cases again best after my visit.
I also send a text with a picture to some clients after every visit, depending on the client. Some would choose an email every now and then or a written note.
If there is bad weather such as a blizzard or a lightning storm, I keep the client updated so they know the house is ok and that I made it there.
I offer references for any potential new clients that want them. I also set up a testimonials page on my web site.
I use a GPS view (love my Garmin!) to track distances. The Map My Run app also works well. Some clients are really interested in how far I go and where we walk. Others don’t really care.
I don’t open the client’s fridge, cupboards or anything else unless they specifically encouraged it.
I don’t use the client’s restroom unless I’m doing overnight pet sitting and staying at the house.

Is it ok for pet sitters to ask about cameras?

I don’t ask my clients about cameras, because it seems to be a non-issue for me. (I just assume they have them.)

But, I do know a professional pet sitter in my area who won’t care for animals if there are cameras, and that seems sensible to me too.

This woman is an recognized pet sitter and has all the company she needs. She and I meet for coffee every now and then to share ideas, and she said she’d just rather not deal with cameras. I can see her point.

Pet sitting is built on trust. This goes both ways. The client needs to be able to count on the pet sitter, and the pet sitter needs to feel trusted in return.

Whether you’re a canine walker or someone who has hired a canine walker, I’m curious what your thoughts are on this topic and if you have any examples to share.

Have you ever used a nanny cam to check in on your pet sitter?

I also wrote a post about the new ICPooch for video chatting with your pets.