Top Mistakes Families Make When Booking Pet Care (And How to Avoid Them)
What every family should know before choosing a professional; and how to set your pets up for the best possible experience.
Booking pet care seems simple, but the truth is: most families don’t realize how many moving parts go into a smooth, safe, and stress-free experience. Small oversights can lead to confusion, last-minute scrambling, or even uncomfortable situations for pets and professionals.
The good news? With a little preparation, and a clear understanding of what matters, families can avoid the most common pitfalls and ensure exceptional care every time.
Here are the top mistakes families make when booking pet care, plus simple ways to avoid them.
Waiting Too Long to Book
The mistake:
Families reach out just days before their trip or event, hoping to find a great professional who happens to be available.
Why it’s a problem:
• The best professionals book out early
• Holidays and weekends fill quickly
• Last-minute matches limit your options
• Pets get less time to meet and settle with their professional
How to avoid it:
Secure care as soon as you know your dates. Early planning gives your Concierge Team time to match your family with someone who truly fits your pet’s needs, routines, and personality.
Not Sharing Enough Details About the Pet’s Routine
The mistake:
Families assume their routine is “normal” or that the professional will “figure it out.”
Why it’s a problem:
• Missing details create stress for pets
• Routines may be interrupted
• Important needs may be overlooked
• Professionals don’t want to guess
How to avoid it:
Share the small details: meal portions, quirks, favorite hiding places, walking habits, medication timing, and bedtime rituals. These are the things that shape a great care experience.
Forgetting to Mention Recent Behavior Changes
The mistake:
Not telling your professional about reactivity, new anxieties, resource guarding, changes in appetite, or escape attempts.
Why it’s a problem:
Professionals rely on accurate information to keep your pets safe and comfortable. Surprises can create avoidable challenges.
How to avoid it:
Be open. Share anything new — even if it seems minor. The more your professional knows, the more supportive and prepared they can be.
Not Preparing the Home in Advance
The mistake:
Leaving instructions incomplete, supplies scattered, or access unclear.
Why it’s a problem:
• Care begins without clarity
• Doors, alarms, or gates may cause confusion
• Pet items may be hard to locate
How to avoid it:
Leave supplies in one place, confirm access codes, and walk through any quirks of your home (sticky locks, tricky alarms, gates that don’t latch, etc.).
Assuming a Single Visit Is Enough for All Pets
The mistake:
Underestimating how much time and interaction pets need.
Why it’s a problem:
• Puppies, seniors, and high-energy pets may need more support
• Long gaps between visits can trigger stress or accidents
• Some pets require multiple shorter visits to stay balanced
How to avoid it:
Work with your Concierge Team to determine the right schedule for your pet’s age, health, and personality. One size never fits all.
Changing Plans Without Communicating Quickly
The mistake:
Changing travel times, adding guests, adjusting routines, or modifying visit needs without updating your professional.
Why it’s a problem:
• It disrupts consistency
• It may conflict with other scheduled families
• Pets feel the impact long before families realize
How to avoid it:
Share updates early. Communication creates smooth care and protects your professional’s time and schedule.
Not Leaving Enough Emergency Information
The mistake:
Assuming no emergencies will happen.
Why it’s a problem:
Professionals must know:
• Your veterinarian
• Backup contacts
• Care preferences if you’re unreachable
• Emergency clinic locations
How to avoid it:
Create a simple emergency card or write it on your fridge. It gives your professional the clarity they need to act quickly and confidently.
Underestimating the Importance of a Meet-and-Greet
The mistake:
Skipping the introduction or doing it too quickly.
Why it’s a problem:
A brief meeting allows your pet to form a first impression. Professionals get a sense of behavior, environment, and expectations.
How to avoid it:
Schedule a calm, meaningful introduction when possible. It builds trust on all sides.
Not Asking About Insurance, Experience, or Specialties
The mistake:
Choosing based on convenience rather than qualifications.
Why it’s a problem:
Not all care providers are the same. Experience matters. Insurance matters. Safety training matters.
How to avoid it:
When working with DOTR, this is the easiest part — your Concierge Team selects accredited professionals with verified experience and specialties that match your pet’s needs.
Assuming All Pet Care Services Are the Same
The mistake:
Comparing a concierge-level, vetted professional to random app-based sitters.
Why it’s a problem:
There is a world of difference in experience, safety, training, communication, and reliability.
How to avoid it:
Choose a service that prioritizes personalized matching, accredited professionals, safety-first protocols, and real-time support; like Dogs On The Run.
Booking pet care shouldn’t be overwhelming, but it is a responsibility, and your pets deserve the kind of thoughtful planning that keeps them happy, safe, and calm while you’re away.
A little preparation, honest communication, and the right professional can transform your pet’s experience. and your peace of mind.
Ready for help?
Our Concierge Team is here to match your family with an accredited Dogs On The Run professional who fits your pet’s needs perfectly.
