Visit Windows and Scheduling
Visits windows indicate the timeframe in which the visit needs to be completed. The windows are usually 2-hours long but can be longer or shorter depending on the needs of the animals. When you look at your schedule in LeashTime, the visits are arranged chronologically according to the visit window. You can complete the visits in this order, but you do not have to. It is “ok” to complete the visits on your schedule in a different order than they appear on your schedule; just as long as you have started the visit in the window, you are considered on-time!
LeashTime has a “set up route” feature that allows you to change the order of the visits while mapping out the route! Here is the how-to video! Please know you must be in a full browser setting to use the set up route feature.
If you will be more than 10 minutes past the end of the window timeframe in starting your visit, please notify the on-call manager. You can start a visit before the window begins, but not more than 5 minutes before. Please consult with the on-call manager if you need to start a visit earlier than 5 minutes ahead of time.
Care for the Pet(s) for the Entire Visit Length
Even if the pet does not wish to engage you in play or affection time once the visit objectives are met, you MUST remain at the residence with the pet until the visit time has come to an end. DoggyWalker.com provides you with your schedule and client profiles that include a link to Google Maps for driving directions to the client’s homes. It is ultimately your responsibility to know how to arrive at a scheduled visit destination and you are expected to be on time (within the visit window) for all scheduled visits. Please let management know ahead of time if you are running late to visits and we will make additional arrangements to help you succeed. You must also follow any/all instructions given by the owners, provided that those instructions do not conflict with DoggyWalker.com policy (such as not allowing dogs off-leash). DoggyWalker.com believes that successful visits occur for pets whose owners are away if their normal routine is followed as closely as possible. If you see any changes that need to be made to a client’s profile (updates such as the location of leash or treats, new feeding arrangements, etc.), please log into LeashTime and update the client’s profile or notify the on-call manager with those details.
Profile Updates in LeashTime
Each pet profile includes information about:
Please keep in mind that our role is to care for the client’s pets in a manner that they direct us to; walking dogs is our responsibility and we are not providing obedience or other training services as part of the walk. However, if there are needed changes that you would suggest to help the visit be more successful, please share your thoughts with a management team member for discussion with the client.
Weather Conditions and Visits
Heat, rain, snow, ice, and cold weather can impact the visit; please exercise caution in all weather conditions to maintain the health and safety of the animals and of yourself! You are still responsible to complete the objectives of the visit (see previous) and if time spent on the walk is shortened, you must spend the remaining visit time indoors for cooling, drying, or warming along with some additional pets and play.
Entry and Exit Procedures
You will be provided with a key carabiner designed to hold multiple keys and will be issued one set of keys to your client’s homes. All individual keys MUST remain on the key ring to ensure they will not be misplaced or lost.
Be certain to secure/lock the door through which you entered the client’s home upon exiting. Any other exit or entry doors (back door, door to patio, etc.) must also be locked upon exiting the home. Make sure ALL doors are locked and closed before leaving, including garage doors. The only exception is if the owner requests a lock or door to remain unlocked –if this is the case make sure management is made aware of the situation if this information is not listed in the profile.
Be sure to review profiles carefully and follow any and all instructions pertaining to keys and door locks –for example, if the door sticks when it is humid; if the key must be turned in one direction or jiggled to unlock the door and/or if a lock should never be touched and/or locked.
If a door is left open, unlocked, or the key and lock instructions are not followed requiring Doggywalker.com to employ a locksmith, DoggyWalker.com will pass any expense resulting from the oversight on to you and will withhold it from your wages.
Alarms: If the client has a security alarm system in their home, you will be provided with the proper entry and exit codes and instructed as to how the system works. You will be expected to deactivate and activate any alarms upon entering and exiting client’s homes (provided the system is set upon entry to the home). If an alarm is accidentally set off, it is common for the alarm company to call the home and ask for an override password. If the client has provided DoggyWalker.com with the override password you should have that password available in the profile. Be prepared to answer the phone call from the alarm company, identify who you are and why you are there, and give the password if you have the information. If these procedures are not followed, the police are usually notified by the alarm company, and fines may result. It is very important for you to contact the DoggyWalker.com office or the on-call manager as soon as the situation has been resolved. If you are told of any changes to the system, those changes must be reported to the management as soon as possible.
