Contents
Chapter
I
The Digital Handshake and the "Vibe Check"
Keep it fresh
Keep your availability calendar up to date.
The first impression
When a booking pops up, jump in! Have a pleasant, warm conversation. Think of it as a first date, but with more fur and less awkwardness.
Confirm and commit
Check your schedule, and if it is a match, accept!
Chapter
II
Meet and Greet
Before the stay, you will meet the owner and your new bestie. This is where trust is built.
Rescues and seniors
Check if the pet is a rescue or a senior, as they may have separation anxiety or need a gentler approach.
Reading the room
The social butterfly
If the dog is jumping for joy, match their energy, but keep it controlled.
The wallflower
If the dog is anxious, take it slow. Let them come to you. Don't take it personally. They just haven't realised how cool you are yet!
Win the owner over
The human needs to feel as safe as the dog. Share your story! Why do you love animals? Tell a funny pet story.
Don't guess - ask
- Is there a secret "leave it" command?
- Are there triggers, like cyclists, skateboards or men in hats?
- Can I leave the dog alone for an hour to go to the shop, or is there separation anxiety?
Chapter
III
The Deep Dive
Before the stay, the Pet Care Questionnaire must be fully complete. This is your cheat sheet.
Safety data
Record the microchip number and confirm the pet insurance details.
Medical accuracy
Verify vaccinations (rabies, DHPP and so on) and do a quick flea check before the owner leaves.
Vocabulary
Learn the commands the pet knows (sit, stay, leave it) so you can communicate effectively.
Chapter
IV
Home Prep for Welcoming
Furniture care
Use durable throw blankets on sofas and door protectors to prevent scratching.
Pet-proofing
Secure hazardous liquids, choking hazards and toxic plants, like lilies.
Toxic-free zone
Keep human food far out of reach.
Chapter
V
On the Drop-off Day
Information
Confirm feeding times, medicine doses and walk routines with the owner a second time.
The flat-lay tip
Take a photo of all the dog's belongings laid out on the floor.
Territory marking
Be aware that even house-trained dogs may mark a new home. Keep an eye out for territorial marking during the first few hours.
Chapter
VI
The Stay: Photos, Walks and Safety
The sniffari walk
Minimum four walks a day. Let them sniff and enjoy nature. Match their pace, fast for the runners and patient for the seniors. Always pick up after the dog.
The paparazzi phase
Send three photos per walk, for all four walks, for the first two days. After that, two photos every other walk is enough to keep the owner smiling without spamming them.
The daily scoop
Send short, cute updates like "Buster found a stick today that he is convinced is a sword. He met a Golden Retriever friend and was a total gentleman!"
No risks outdoors
If you see another dog, change your route. If you can't, shorten the leash, be firm and keep walking. No quick hellos unless the owner explicitly said it is okay and the other owner agrees.
Leash safety
Always leash the pet before opening a door to prevent sudden escapes. In a fenced park, check for gaps under gates or fences where a small dog might dig or squeeze out.
Gear check
If it is dark, reflectors on! Safety is stylish.
Chapter
VII
Professional Handling and Boundaries
Feeding peace
Never touch or approach a dog while they are eating. Some pets are protective of their food.
No toy theft
Don't take a familiar toy away suddenly. The pet may feel threatened in a new environment.
Balcony safety
If you live in a high-rise, never leave a pet on the balcony where they could slip through the bars or jump.
The pee and poo zone
Set up a dedicated indoor area with a tray or pee pads for emergencies, especially for dogs with small bladders.
Chapter
VIII
Handling "Bad" Behaviour
Not every dog is a "good boy" a hundred percent of the time.
Positive reinforcement only
Any form of physical punishment or shouting is strictly forbidden. At Pet Lounge we use treats and distractions.
The honesty policy
If a dog chewed a shoe or had an accident on the rug, tell the owner immediately. We appreciate honesty more than anything!
Chapter
IX
Lifestyle Habits
Sleep preferences
At Pet Lounge, pets can sleep wherever they feel comfortable.
Showers and grooming
Check with the owner whether you should give a bath or take the pet to a professional groomer if they are with you for a long stay.
Chapter
X
Hygiene Standards
Cleaning
Clean bowls and floors regularly and keep the home safe and tidy. Pets have natural oils and glands that leave a scent on furniture, so regular cleaning and vacuuming are essential to keep your home fresh.
Gothenburg weather
Rinse or wipe paws after every walk and dry them thoroughly after rain.
Accidents
If a potty accident happens indoors, immediately blot the area dry with absorbent pads to soak up as much liquid as possible, then treat the spot thoroughly with an enzyme-based cleaning spray and disinfectant to remove odours.
Chapter
XI
Health and Emergencies
Toxic foods
Never feed pets chocolate, raisins, garlic, onions, grapes or any human food other than what the owner has approved.
Emergency logistics
Keep the regular vet's and the emergency vet's numbers handy, and know who the backup contact is and how they relate to the pet.
Emergency protocol
In an emergency, the chain is owner first, then Pet Lounge, then the vet. Always have the address of the nearest 24-hour clinic ready.
The daily log
Keep a record of feeding, walks and any "unusual" behaviour to share with the owner.
Chapter
XII
Our Green Pawprint and the Final Farewell
Sustainability
Use biodegradable poop bags and explore nature in your local neighbourhood to minimise transport. Use reusable containers for treats to avoid single-use plastic.
Handover hygiene
If the dog's towel gets muddy or a toy gets filthy during the stay, clean it before the owner arrives. Returning a clean dog with clean gear is what turns a one-time customer into a lifetime subscriber.
The pet sitter report card
When the owner arrives, return all belongings (check your photo!) and share a highlight of the stay, like a cute habit or a new friend they made.
For Pet Sitters
The Pet Sitter Playbook: The Gold Standard of Care
Welcome to the Pet Lounge family! As a pet sitter, you are a professional peace of mind provider. Your goal is to ensure that while the humans are away, the pets have their best time ever in a safe and cozy environment.
Pet Lounge
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