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Today it seems that the “gig economy” has pervaded almost all aspects of our lives. From getting a taxi to laundry services to learning a foreign language–there are part time “freelancers” empowered by new technology and waiting to perform these services for you. With a few taps on a smartphone, you can enter into a short term contract with someone you’ve never met for just about anything–including pet sitting and dog walking.

In the presence of so much apparent convenience, it can be tough to see the downside of these service apps. But here at Fur Heart Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC, we believe there is cause to draw a line in the sand when it comes to caring for pets. A professional dog walking and pet sitting company is the right choice when it comes to choosing a caretaker for any pet, and we’d like to give some insight on why we believe this.

The reality of the pet sitting apps that have descended on cities across the US (including Phoenix) is that they are a bad deal for workers, consumers, and most importantly– our pets. We think of them as “Big Pet Sitting” and we very purposely do not share their business practices.

The issues with pet sitting apps stem from the fact that they are not small businesses operated by pet lovers and others passionate about animal welfare. Often, individuals seek out part-time employment with dog walking apps in order to build supplemental income. This is the main appeal; having a side hustle rather than building a career in pet care. Despite what these companies may claim, they can’t possibly match the rigor we do in our hiring practices, nor can they guarantee the quality of a pet sitter or dog walker that we can.

For anyone using one of these apps, they will likely find themselves having to change sitters after a few weeks, after the college student or seasonal worker taking care of their pets has a change in situation and can no longer keep your appointment schedule. This only leads to more friction for you and your pets over time in searching for new sitters. Introducing your dog to a new stranger every few weeks is as disruptive to their life as it is to yours. Our policy at Fur Heart Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC is to ensure our clients have the same sitter in every possible case, with 1 back-up or emergency sitter for exceptional circumstances. We believe this is the right way to do business, and the best way to provide consistent and predictable care for your pets.

It is our belief that pet care is a profession, not something that belongs in the hands of amateurs equipped with a few hours of training and an online certificate. Clearly, the purpose of dog walking apps is to create a marketplace and take a fee on each pet sittingappointment. This is not the same as providing the highest standard of care for.

Fur Heart Pet Sitting and Dog Walking, LLC is a member of the local community here in Peoria, a friendly face to your and your pets, and above all else, staffed by people who are professional to the bone. So next time you’re looking for pet sitting services, bark up the right tree by giving us a call or shooting us an email. It’s easy, just as convenient, and we’re here for the long run.