A Guide to Choosing a Pet Care Professional
We know how important it is to find safe, compassionate, and reliable care for your pets. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision for your animal.
What to Look For
- Experience & Training
- Ask about education, certifications, and years of experience.
- For trainers, look for humane, science-based methods (positive reinforcement, fear-free, force-free).
- Communication
- Do they explain their approach clearly and respectfully?
- Are they open to questions and willing to share references?
- Transparency
- Clear policies about fees, scheduling, cancellations, and emergency care.
- Willingness to share vaccination requirements, handling methods, and facility rules.
- Compassion & Respect
- Staff handle animals gently and patiently.
- Your pet seems comfortable (tail wags, relaxed body language, curiosity).
Site Visits
Before committing, request a tour or observation. A reputable provider should welcome this. Look for:
- Clean, safe, and well-maintained spaces.
- Secure fencing and enclosures.
- Fresh water available at all times.
- Staff-to-animal ratio that allows for attentive care.
- Calm, positive interactions between staff and animals.
Trust your instincts. Be concerned if:
- Harsh or physical punishment (yelling, leash jerks, shock collars).
- Overcrowded or unclean spaces.
- Refusal to let you tour or observe.
- Vague answers about training methods or emergency procedures.
- Pressure to use methods or tools you’re uncomfortable with.
- Animals that appear fearful, withdrawn, or overly stressed.
When to Reevaluate
Even after choosing a provider, continue to monitor:
- Your pet’s behavior before and after visits (nervousness, reluctance, new behavior issues). If they consistently come home fearful, anxious, or unwell, it may be time to reevaluate. A good provider will leave your animal happy, healthy, and relaxed.
- Any injuries, unexplained marks, or sudden changes in health.
- Communication — a good provider keeps you updated and listens to concerns.
You can use the sections below to help guide you when choosing a specific Pet Care Professional
- What are your emergency protocols (after-hours care, referral hospital)?
- Do you offer preventive care (vaccines, dental, wellness plans)?
- How do you approach pain management and end-of-life care?
- Are you comfortable with my pet’s species/breed-specific needs?
- What is your approach to handling fearful or anxious animals?
- What training methods do you use? (Look for positive reinforcement, force-free, science-based approaches.)
- What education, certifications, or professional memberships do you hold?
- Can I observe a class or session before enrolling my pet?
- How do you adjust training for anxious, reactive, or fearful pets?
- How do you involve the owner in the training process?
- Can I tour the facility before booking?
- How are dogs grouped (size, play style, temperament)?
- What is your staff-to-animal ratio?
- What enrichment, exercise, and rest breaks do you provide?
- What happens if my pet gets sick or injured?
- Are you bonded, insured, and/or certified in pet first aid/CPR?
- How do you handle emergencies (medical or household)?
- Will you provide updates (photos, notes, messages) while I’m away?
- How much time will you spend with my pet at each visit?
- Can you provide references from current clients?
Final Thought
The right professional or facility should treat your pet as a valued family member – with kindness, safety, and respect. Taking the time to ask questions, visit in person, and trusting your instincts will help ensure your pet’s wellbeing.