League of New Jersey Pet Care Professionals

17/08/2024

Being "just a Pet Sitter" and owning a bonded and insured professional pet care business are two very different things, and it’s important for clients to understand the distinction. As professionals, we have dedicated ourselves to providing the highest standard of care, supported by bonding and insurance to protect your pets and home. This level of commitment goes far beyond casual pet sitting, offering you peace of mind and a reliable service you can trust.

With this professionalism comes the expectation that our clients treat us with the respect we deserve. We set clear terms and conditions to ensure the safety and consistency of our services, and it’s essential that these are followed. These guidelines are not just preferences—they are necessary for us to provide the top-tier care that your pets deserve.

During the busy summer months, our schedules are often packed, with 16-18 hour workdays becoming the norm. We miss meals, family gatherings, and personal time to ensure that your pets are safe, happy, and well-cared for. This level of dedication demands understanding and kindness from our clients.

We are not "just the pet sitter." We are professionals who have chosen this career because we love and care deeply for animals. Disrespect, micromanagement, and poor treatment are not only unwarranted—they are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We are here to provide the best possible care for your pets, and in return, we ask for the respect and cooperation that our role as professional caregivers deserves. Let’s work together to create a positive experience for everyone, especially the pets we all love.

The pet industry has grown so much over the last 30 years, and is projected to be a $500 billion a year industry soon. Unfortunately, many people still don’t understand what it is we do and the professionalism we bring.

From scheduling and admin work, to the actual pet care and watching over the client’s home, there’s so many hats we wear. It’s critical we don’t wrap our entire identity up in our career, but continue the education and outreach efforts of raising awareness to more people about the pet sitting and dog walking industry.

14/08/2024

Celebrate the end of summer with us at the LNJPCP Afternoon Potluck Get Together!

This is more than just a gathering—it's an opportunity to network and connect with pet care professionals. Bring a dish and beverage to share as we enjoy good food, great conversations, and celebrate SURVIVING THE SUMMER!!!

Date: Saturday September 21,2024
Time: 2p-5p
Location: 91 Jean Street
Ramsey, NJ 07446

Please RSVP to [email protected].

We look forward to seeing you there!

10/08/2024

More and more people in New Jersey have also been bringing their pups everywhere from restaurants and bars to department stores. Here's why.

19/07/2024

Our very own Kim Karman Dobson with Excellent Canine Exercise LLC and her amazing pup Saga earned three perfect scores at the AKC Rally National Championship! Let's celebrate them! Go Team Saga!

06/07/2024

Why should pet owners hire a professional pet care company versus a sitter from an online platform for their pet care needs?

Professional pet care companies prioritize our training and education, in areas such as best practices, behavior and first aid, often backed by certifications and memberships in professional industry organizations such as PSI and NAPPS. In contrast, sitters from online platforms may lack the same level of specialized knowledge and ongoing training, as they typically only require a basic background check and a minimum age of 18.

Professional pet care providers may have a team of caregivers for consistent service, as well as solid contingency plans. We network with and have connections to other local pet professionals. On the other hand, hiring independent contractors through online platforms may not ensure the same level of reliability and continuity of care that we provide.

Professional pet care providers hold industry-specific insurance, offering added protection for both pet owners and caregivers. This insurance coverage may not be available when hiring sitters through online platforms.

Professionals adhere to higher standards of professionalism and accountability compared to individual contractors on online platforms. We have established policies, specific care plans, and procedures in place to ensure quality care for pets.

We are integral members of our local communities, fostering trust and reliability.

Pet owners should recognize that they are hiring professionals not just for routine care but also for handling challenging situations. The expertise and preparedness of professional pet care providers offer peace of mind in any circumstance.

By choosing a professional pet care company over a sitter from an online platform, pet owners benefit from our expert training, reliable service, insurance coverage, professionalism, and community engagement. These factors collectively contribute to a higher quality of care and assurance for pet families seeking the best possible care for their beloved companions.

05/07/2024

If you have not yet listened to this episode of Pet Sitter Confessional, it is well worth a listen. This episode is engaging, relevant and extremely important for the pet care industry.🐾

Are you ready to future-proof your pet care business against emerging technologies like robotics? 🤖On this podcast episode, we explore the transformative potential of automation in pet services and how it might affect traditional business models.

We delve into strategic adaptations inspired by the digital transition of Encyclopedia Britannica, highlighting the importance of evolving with changing market demands.

Additionally, we discuss overcoming challenges related to regulatory changes and insurance in the pet care industry. By embracing technological advancements and refining business strategies, pet care professionals can turn potential threats into opportunities for growth and innovation.

Listen on Apple Podcasts or click:
💁‍♀️ petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/504

Thanks to sponsor Pet Sitters Associates

03/07/2024

EMPLOYEES VS INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.

At some point, you're going to make a decision either to stay solo or to expand your team. Staying solo means fewer administrative headaches, but less income as well. Expanding your team increases both administrivia and income. Should you decide to expand, it's important to know the rules.

From the NJ Department of Labor:

"All business owners who retain workers to perform jobs for their business need to establish if those workers are employees or independent contractors. Our 'ABC' test can help you determine the right category for your workers.
"Per New Jersey Unemployment Compensation Law, a worker should be considered an employee unless all the following circumstances apply:
"A. The individual has been and will continue to be free from control or direction over the performance of work performed, both under contract of service and in fact; and
"B. The work is either outside the usual course of the business for which such service is performed, or the work is performed outside of all the places of business of the enterprise for which such service is performed; and
"C. The individual is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession or business.
"Employers must understand that ONCE AN INDIVIDUAL PROVIDES REMUNERATED SERVICES, THIS CONSTITUTES EMPLOYMENT, unless the services are exempt or the statutory requirements for the ABC test have been met." (emphasis added)
https://www.nj.gov/labor/ea/audit/independent-contractor-vs-employees/

17/06/2024

Please enjoy this trailer for the League’s seminar (presented by Rock N' Rollover Dog Company) - Brain Games to Beat the Heat, a very timely topic considering the heat warnings for this coming week.

Join the New Jersey Pet Care Professionals group to see all the videos!

📦 Box Games 📦
🧺 Makeshift Agility & Canine Fitness 🧺
🦴 Food Enrichment 🦴
🎾Fetch etc 🎾

11/06/2024

If anyone is interested in learning more about National Association of Professional Pet Sitters They are now offering a free trial.

06/06/2024

Check out this blog post written by one of our Board members, Cherie Van Zile owner of Wags Walks n Whiskers LLC

Five tips for professional dog walkers to keep your business thriving during the summer-

Summer can be a challenging time for pet care professionals, particularly those with a large percentage of clients who take a break from their regular dog walking services. However, there are plenty of strategies you can implement to stay busy and even grow your business during this period! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the summer months:

1. Get Active in Your Local Community
One way to stay busy during the summer is to get involved in your local community. Participate in local events such as pet fairs, charity walks, or outdoor markets and festivals. You might also consider hosting an ice cream social at a dog park to bring dog owners together~ Make sure to promote these events on social media to attract participants and showcase your involvement in the community and get your company noticed!

2. Explore Advertising Opportunities
Take advantage of the summer months to explore advertising opportunities in your target areas. Schedule time to visit small businesses in your service area (or target area!) and ask if you can hang flyers or leave brochures at their establishments. This not only helps you reach potential clients but also opens up networking and collaborative opportunities with other local businesses. Be creative with brainstorming ideas on how you can also support the small business in the communities that you serve.

3. Target Pet-Friendly Apartment Communities
Consider reaching out to pet-friendly apartment communities in your service area. Many apartment residents are busy professionals or commuters who may need dog walking services year-round. Introduce yourself to property managers and highlight the benefits of your services, such as providing security and familiarity to the residents' pets. Building relationships with apartment complexes can lead to a steady stream of clients throughout the year and is another way to grow your clientele. Read more in comments-

16/05/2024

It is so easy to get sucked into the highs and lows of business and forget about your own self-care. Self-care is bigger than a bubble bath, a pedicure, or even a glass of wine after a long day. The fact is, true self-care is much more important and fulfilling than that. It’s something you have to prioritize — especially if you’re a business owner or entrepreneur. Self-care is all-around care, and keeping all aspects of your life balanced.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Beth & Pam from Monarchs in Motion are thrilled to be part of the 2024 Pet Sitter International (PSI) Mental Health and Wellness Summit on May 21st.

As Monarchs in Motion Coaches, and Co-Owners of All Friends Pet Care, they pre-recorded a special 55-minute presentation with PSI to explain what it really means to say "Self-care Means Business!".

The good news? You don't need to be a PSI member to join! Click here to register for the summit for FREE: www.petsit.com/wellness

13/05/2024

Have you all put THIS SATURDAY, 11 AM on your calendar?

The League of NJ Pet Care Professionals is hosting Charlie Potenzieri and Julie Gordon of Rock and Roll Over Dog Company (https://www.rocknrolloverdogcompany.com/); they’ll be talking about Brain Games to Beat the Heat. If last summer is any indicator, you’ll want to know these games so you can keep the dogs in your care busy & content.

@ 15 Shuart Lane, Ramsey NJ.

Rock n Roll Over Dog Company provides Professional Dog Training and Dog Care in the Northern New Jersey area!

10/05/2024

SCORE is a great resource for small business owners.
"SCORE mentors offer area-specific advice at no cost (financing, human resources, business planning) via email, telephone and video. SCORE mentors, all experts in entrepreneurship and related fields, meet with their small business clients on an ongoing basis to provide continued advice and support. SCORE provides a wide range of services including training, webinars, online workshops, courses on demand, and a library of online resources."

One of their online resources is this webinar about funding opportunities for New Jersey small businesses. Check it out!

01/05/2024

Time to Pet announced today that they are offering a version of their software specifically for solo sitters/walkers.

We are very excited to announce our Lite plan! Lite is designed for those just getting started with their pet care journey.

24/04/2024

A couple of important rules that we should be aware of dropped yesterday.

“Today, the Labor Department announced a new rule that would guarantee that salaried workers who make less than $59,000 a year are compensated fairly for overtime work. The Trump administration set the salary threshold for those who did not have overtime protections at $35,568. As of July 1, 2024, the threshold will be $43,888, and on January 1, 2025, it will rise to $58,656. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), former chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, said the change could affect 4 million workers.

“Also today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted 3–2 along party lines to ban the noncompete agreements that prevent workers from minimum-wage earners to top executives from changing jobs within the industry in which they work; senior executives can still be bound by such agreements. Initially used to protect trade secrets, noncompete clauses have expanded to cover what the FTC estimates to be 30 million people—one in five U.S. workers. They take away workers’ ability to improve their wages and conditions by quitting their jobs and moving to another company or starting their own. The FTC estimates that the end of such clauses could add almost $300 billion a year to workers’ wages.”

(Source: Heather Cox Richardson, 4/23/2024)

21/04/2024

Big shoutout to Louise Van Osten from LVO Management Consulting for sharing her invaluable expertise with us this Saturday! Our league members had an enlightening session diving into the importance of profit and loss statements and learning the ropes to create one.

Louise's insights were truly eye-opening, and we're thrilled to announce that she will be joining us again in the future to continue sharing her business acumen with us.

Our next meeting will be on Saturday, May 18th, details are coming soon. We hope to see you there!!

20/04/2024

April Meeting Agenda~

20/04/2024

March Meeting Minutes

18/04/2024

17/04/2024

How can you make your business more than pet care? ➡️ Sarah Schloerb, owner of Sit Stay NJ, discusses the importance of professionalism and how she leverages her experience in the veterinary field to offer specialized services.

She emphasizes the significance of building a robust network with local pet care professionals to enhance service offerings and prepare for possible industry legislative changes.

Sarah also shares her efforts in community education through Pet First Aid/CPR classes, and her role in founding a league of pet care professionals aimed at advocacy and education.

Sarah’s passion for providing tailored and compassionate care to pets shines in all she does, making it clear that her work is both a personal calling and a professional endeavor.

Listen to her story on Apple Podcasts or click:
🐩 petsitterconfessional.com/episodes/483

Thanks to sponsors Time To Pet and National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

15/04/2024

Mark your calendars with our upcoming meetings for 2024.

We have lots of plans ahead, and your participation and collaboration is essential 🐾

09/03/2024

We couldn't let the week come to an end without thanking YOU for all you do! Your care and dedication to your client's pets is valued and appreciated. You make a difference every day.
Happy

06/03/2024

If you or your employees are looking to get CPR certified, this is the class for you. Tom Rinelli is the best. I hope to see you there!!

Head over to https://www.pawsnclaws911.com/register-online to register. 🐾

03/03/2024

Saga and I had a fun time at the Great Pet Expo in Edison yesterday! Saga’s favorite part was the lure coursing. I enjoyed sharing our vision of Education , Collaboration, and Advocacy with On Duty Mobile Dog Gym, K9 Doodie Patrol, and Sit Means Sit Dog Training - New Jersey, and hope they join us!

03/03/2024

Sarah Schloerb and Cherie Van Zile got the opportunity to volunteer some time and experience walking dogs for Renegade Paws Rescue in Savannah, GA for the NAPPS 2024 Conference: Bloom & Grow Your Business. Some of their big energy dogs don't get to get many walks sometimes so we were happy to help out. The pups really enjoyed their sniffaris! 🐾

03/03/2024

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Founded 2024- We are a professional non profit organization welcoming pet care professional providers within NJ.