In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too.
Different disasters require different responses. But whether the disaster is a hurricane or a hazardous spill, you may have to evacuate your home. Leaving pets behind, even if you try to create a safe place for them, is likely to result in their loss, injury or death. So prepare now for the day when you and your pets may have to leave your home.
Determine a Safe Place to Take Your Pets
- Most Red Cross disaster shelters cannot accept pets because of state health and safety regulations and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are the only animals allowed in Red Cross shelters. It may be difficult, if not impossible, to find shelter for your animals in the midst of a disaster. So, plan ahead!
- Learn as much as possible about hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. Familiarize yourself with your area FEMA staff. They can provide you with a wealth of information concerning the area you reside in and what to expect in various types of disasters and the area's evacuation plan.
- Locate the area evacuation shelters and pet-friendly hotels in and around your state. A great source of information on this is the Web site http://www.petswelcome.com. Call ahead and find out availability and make a reservation if needed.
- Also consider friends, relatives, your veterinarian or professional pet sitter, etc. outside of the evacuation area that can care for your pets in the case of an emergency. Make a list with contact information to have handy should the need arise.
- Most shelters operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Be one of the first to arrive and give the pets plenty of time to settle in while you are there with them. Remember, this is a new experience for them in a strange place with strange people and it may take a while until they become familiar with the smells, sights and sounds of their temporary home. Keep pets on leashes at all times.
Assemble a Portable Pet Disaster Supplies Kit
Whether you are away from home for a day or a week, you’ll
need essential supplies. Keepitems in an accessible place and store them in sturdy containers that can be carried easily. The following list contains some great suggestions:
• Crates. Each pet should have its own kennel/crate with a photo on the crate. On the bottom or back of the photo, write the pet’s name, sex, and either your name and phone number(s). The pet carrier/crate should be large enough for the pet to stand up and turn around in. If possible, include the pets’ beds and toys.
• Bowls. Each pet should have its own food/water dishes. Have their names written on the bottom of each bowl.
• Information. Have a file on each pet containing health history and vaccination dates. Should you be required to take the pet to a shelter or animal-friendly hotel with you, this information will be required. Also include information on feeding schedule. Store these materials in a waterproof container.
• Containment. Have a leash and collar with all pertinent information on the tags readily available. This will include pet’s name, rabies tag and contact phone number.
• Food and Meds. Have an ample supply of food and medication for the pet with specific feeding and medication instructions written out in clear handwriting. If the pet tends to be anxiety ridden during storms or car travel, ask your veterinarian for a prescription of sedatives to carry in the pet's personal belongings bag.
• Be Prepared for Accidents. Pack your car with a pet first aid kit, flashlights, batteries, trash bags, baby wipes, newspapers and paper towels in case the pets either get sick or go potty while in their crate.
• Pack Enough. Remember that you cannot predict Mother Nature. You may be evacuated much longer than you had originally thought. Pack enough supplies for an extended stay. If you don't need them, great! You can keep them on hand in case of another emergency situation.
Additional Disaster Preparedness Resources for Animals:
Caring for animals is second nature to Jordan Di Marco, owner of Dogma Catma Pet Sitting in Boulder, Colo., and PSI’s 2011 Pet Sitter of the Year™.From spending summers on her father’s ranch in New Mexico as a child to working in veterinary clinics, doggie daycares, and at PetSmart, she has been around pets—both personally and professionally—her entire life.
Since she began pet sitting in 2004—and started her own pet-sitting service, Dogma Catma Pet Sitting in 2006—Jordan has learned many business lessons as she followed her passion for pets and entered the professional pet-care industry.
In a recent interview, PSI asked Jordan to share the #1 piece of advice she would give to new pet sitters, as well as some of the most important lessons she has learned as a professional pet sitter over the last several years:
1. What is the #1 piece of advice you’d give to brand new pet sitters?
Contact other local sitters just to chat over coffee or join a network. I can't tell you how much that has helped me, not only in a "how do I handle this situation?" but also if I am booked or a client is outside my area. It really pays to network!
2. What advice would you give to more established pet sitters?
Take time for you! Clients will understand if you need a few days "off the grid"!
3. What has been your most successful marketing/advertising tool?
Personal referrals! I give a free visit to clients who refer my services. I give a referral fee (equal to the price of one 30 minute sit) to my sitters when they bring in new clients, whether or not they are the assigned sitter for the job.
I also have a close relationship with a pet-supply store. The store has a great reputation and lots of fun treats for critters! The store staff refer my services and in turn I put a coupon for their store in my new client packets.
4. If you could go back to when you first founded Dogma Catma Pet Sitting, is there anything you would change (given the knowledge and experience you have now)?
Oh yes! The part of the business I am least competent in would be the bookkeeping and tax part. I taught myself a lot of the operations because I thought I couldn't afford to have someone else do it for me. Later it was more stress and it ended up being something I procrastinated on! I would happily go back and have someone help me right off the bat.
5. Do you have any tips or advice for keeping clients happy? Is there anything you do to go above and beyond to keep clients happy?
Mistakes happen and no one is perfect. When you make a mistake with a client, address it right away, apologize, and ask what you can do to make it right. That puts the scenario in their hands and makes them feel listened to and valued.
I really like to make sure everything is tidy when I leave a house, even if it was kind of messy before I got there. I will often vacuum or sweep up and make sure everything is arranged before the client gets home.
6. Have you been able to find a work/personal life balance—and if so, what advice would you give to other pet sitters?
I will admit, it took me a while to get a good balance and I occasionally struggle with it still. I would advise to have clear policies in your business and stick to them, such as having set hours you answer the phone. Clients will understand and frankly if they don't, you don't need the hassle. Schedule time off with friends and family, find time between sits to catch up with a friend over lunch or lounge in the park, whatever gives you a little time to yourself.
Thanks to Jordan Di Marco for sharing her experiences and tips! Stay tuned for a future blog post where we will share Jordan's experience with disaster preparation and her tips to help pet sitters and their clients prepare for disaster.
Recently, PSI received an e-mail from long-time member Jay Pattiz, co-owner of Pampered Pet Sitting inWarrensburg,Missouri. His pet-sitting service had recently participated in a unique project that garnered lots of positive attention:
“We are one of the 26 sponsors of Burg Dog Unleashed Public Art Project here inWarrensburg,MO.The specially designed dogs were unveiled Saturday April 14 as part of Old Drum Festival. Our dog, the yellow one with the “Adopt A Shelter Pet” theme, was painted by an University student. The dogs are now displayed throughout Warrensburg. Maps are available for the public to locate and view the dogs. Our dog, which we named Lucky, has a dog tag that features Pampered Pet Sitting’s new logo. He is displayed in front window of local furniture store in downtown Warrensburg. We were only professional pet business in our area to sponsor a Burg Dog.
Though this is the first time for our community to do this type of project, it’s been done by other communities. Thought you might find interesting, and perhaps it’s the type of community project that would benefit other PSI members. We’ve already received tremendous amount PR from this project!”
Congratulations Jay and Pampered Pet Sitting on a unique marketing idea that supports your community and promotes your pet-sitting service!
We asked other pet sitters on the PSI Facebook page to recommend creative or unusual marketing/advertising/public relations ideas that had worked well for their pet-sitting services.
Here are some of the responses:
- “Partnering with local rescue groups—we have not generated any business or new clients (yet), but we definitely help spread the word about their cause.” – Pet Works of Maine
- “We will have a booth at a huge annual pet fair in the next town over - even a very small fraction of the average attendance to the fair will put us on the map and well on our way.We've even purchased a dog mascot costume (his name will be Igby, complete with t-shirt) who will be handing out balloons, brochures and biz cards at the fair. Kids can also take hime for walks if they like. :)”-Ma & Pa Fur LLC
- “We have linked our Facebook and Twitter accounts to our email signatures, and have asked our customers on our email list to "like" us or follow us. One of the most fun things we did was to sponsor a goody basket give away on Facebook. Everyone who posted a comment to the question "Why do your pets love Barks and Blooms?" was entered in the drawing. There was quite a bit of participation for that one.” –Barks and Blooms Dog Walking Company
- “ I offer referral rewards, check in with clients and treat them like friends and family. I also do Facebook and talk about it every chance I get. I don't spend money on marketing except our website costs and business cards because our reputation and word of mouth proves to be enough!” –Homeward Bound Pet Care
- “ We bring 5' long peacock feathers to our meet and greets for the cats. It's a perfect introduction; giving the cat something to get it's hunting/playing going and gives mom/dad a chance to watch their baby (even older babies of 15) play like a kitten. We always leave it so they get a chance to play too and then we show up with a new one at the visits. Giving these out along with our business card at pet shows is a great conversation starter and seller.” –Au Purr Feline Child Care
- “Networking with other pet-related businesses is always good but think "off the leash" & cultivate relationships with other local businesses such as realtors, travel agents, condo/apt. managers, etc. Being a member of our local Chamber of Commerce has really proven to be a plus for Copy Cat & Dog Care; SO many people have pets and people usually find pet sitting "interesting" and want to learn more about the service.” –Copy Cat and Dog Care
- “Search Engine Optimization (SEO).” –Alpha Pet Care
Interested in seeing other unique or low-cost marketing ideas? Take advantage of this free on-demand webinar from PSI “Building Your Business without Breaking the Bank.”
Do you have any unique marketing/advertising/PR tips to share? Post below in the comments section.
Business Insurers of the Carolinas (BIC), PSI’s Preferred Provider for pet-sitter liability insurance and bonding often reviews the claims history of the PSI insurance program.
BIC’s data continues to show that care, custody and control (CCC) claims are the biggest producer of claims in terms of frequency, while dog bite and bodily injury claims continue to lead the way in severity. The statistics also indicate a significant rise in veterinary medical expenses and bodily injury (dog bite) claims over the past four years.
The list of recent insurance claims submitted by professional pet sitters below is shared as a way for all PSI members to improve their business practices. Pet sitters have shared with BIC that these examples bring home the importance of learning from others’ mistakes—and avoiding these types of problems in their own businesses.
30 Pet-Sitter Insurance Claims from 2011
- A dog in an insured pet sitter’s care got into a scuffle with another dog, causing injury to both dogs. Total Paid $1,619.
- While two dogs were in a client’s garage with their pet sitter, both ingested ant-freeze and required medical attention. Total Paid $3,024.
- An insured pet sitter was walking a group of dogs when one of the dogs in the group attacked another, causing injury. Total Paid $3,332.
- A client’s dog pulled the leash out of his pet sitter’s hand and bit a porcupine. The dog was taken to the veterinary clinic for treatment. Total Paid $354.
- A dog in its pet sitter’s care swallowed a tennis ball and required surgery. Total Paid $2,976.
- While staying with an insured pet sitter in her home, a client’s dog was bitten by spider, became ill and required veterinary treatment. Total Paid $934.
- An insured pet sitter placed a pill she was going to give a client’s dog on the counter to help the dog, which was getting sick. The client’s cat jumped on the counter and ate the pill. Total Paid $1,161.
- While a pet sitter had her client’s dog on a retractable leash, the dog lunged towards the housekeeper and the pet sitter locked the leash while dog was in mid-jump. The dog fell down and injured its leg and required surgery. Total Paid $8,472.
- An insured pet sitter broke an antique lamp while in client’s home. Total Paid $1,000.
- A dog in a pet sitters care came out of its collar and attacked another dog, causing serious injury. Total Paid $1,198.
- A pet sitter was taking care of multiple dogs. Two dogs were attacked and injured by another dog in pet sitter’s care. Both dogs required medical attention. Total Paid $8,237.
- While on a walk with an insured pet sitter, a client’s dog stepped off the sidewalk and fell on a drain grate and broke its leg. Total Paid $1,857.
- While in a dog park, dog in a pet sitter’s care attacked and injured another dog in the park. Total Paid $1,951.
- A dog in a pet sitter’s care jumped up and nipped a person standing nearby while the pet sitter was waiting for an elevator. Total Paid $36,865.
- An insured pet sitter overfed a client’s dog, causing diarrhea. The carpets in the client’s home had to be cleaned. Total Paid $1,695.
- A dog in a pet sitter’s care attacked a third party. Total Paid $65,000.
- A client’s cat became sick while in an insured pet sitter’s care and required medical attention. Total Paid $1,212.
- While at his pet sitter’s home, a dog received a cut from the doggie door and required stitches. Total Paid $515.
- While being groomed by a pet sitter, a client’s dog was cut on back of the leg with the clippers. Total Paid $987.
- A group of dogs were playing outside at an insured pet sitter’s home. The dogs got into a fight and one was injured and required medical attention. Total Paid $1,892.
- While being walked by a pet sitter, a client’s dog escaped from his leash and was attacked by another dog. Total Paid $2,103.
- Before leaving a client’s house, a pet sitter did not put lid the back on the litter box correctly. The cat urinated on carpet. Total Paid $534.
- An insured pet sitter injected a client’s cat with two much insulin. The cat became sick and was taken to the veterinary clinic. Total Paid $2,515.
- While playing at his pet sitter’s home, a dog broke his leg. Total Paid $3,360.
- A pet sitter walking two dogs on leashes lost control of the dogs. Both dogs jumped on a woman who was passing by, knocking her down. Total Paid $18,000.
- An insured sitter did not shut the crate correctly before leaving a client’s home. The client’s dog got out and damaged carpet, footboard of a bed and a comforter. Total Paid $2,951.
- While playing in an insured pet sitter’s yard, a client’s dog tumbled down a hill, rupturing a disk in its spine. Total Paid $5,054.
- A pet sitter left a client’s dogs unattended for several days. The dogs urinated and defecated throughout the house. Total Paid $9,593.
- While in an insured pet sitter’s care, a dog suffered a heatstroke and died. Total Paid $12,825.
- A pet sitter placed a hidden key outside a client’s home. The client’s home was burglarized and merchandise was taken. There was no sign of forced entry and it was discovered that the hidden key was missing. Total Paid $10,000.
Do you need more information on selecting the right pet-sitter insurance for your business? Download this free resource from PSI.
In these trying economic times, chances are you've had at leat one or two clients who are paying late—or maybe even not at all. Collecting from non-paying clients can be tricky and the task involves particular tact, especially when dealing with long-time clients.
Below, PSI members share the most effective methods they’ve found for dealing with clients who don’t pay in a timely manner.
You just might find a way to solve your next delinquency dilemma!
“Non-paying clients are rarely an issue for me as I explain my payment policies in detail at the introductory visit. My payment policies are also explained on my Web site and I tell my potential clients to look at my Web site prior to the introductory visit. By presenting my payment policies up front it establishes the importance of my time, services and, most importantly, it weeds out those who do not take me seriously.”
- Colleen, Pittsburgh, PA
“If we don’t have a check on the first visit, we leave an invoice with a self-addressed, stamped envelope (the cost of a stamp is totally worth getting the money). If we don’t receive the payment within five days, we send an e-mail informing the clients how to avoid a late fee. If another five days go by without any word, we e-mail an invoice that includes the late fee. This has worked for us so far. Knock on wood...we’ve never had to take it past the late fee.”
-Jennifer, Durham, NC
“When I’m waiting for a payment that I haven’t received in a timely manner, I will call my client and ask if there is an issue with the ability to pay at this time. I offer to let them make payments to me (if the bill is large). I wait a week before I make this phone call.”
-Karen, Oak Park, CA
“Based on my experiences as a pet-sitting business operator and a credit counselor, I’ve developed some ways to collect slower-paying accounts without hurting business relationships. Assume that the error is yours. What I do is mail or e-mail another invoice with an updated due date assuming that they never received the first one. I attach a note that apologizes for the delay in billing, give a reason for the delay and thank them for their cooperation. I’ve found this is much better for client retention.”
-Jay, Warrensburg, MO
“We’ve found phone calls work best. I have a very friendly office assistant who makes our collection calls. She puts the clients at ease and collects over the phone by credit or debit card. People are busy. If you ask them to mail a check, they know they can put off paying your bill because you won’t send them to collections or foreclose on them. Taking credit/debit cards helps immensely. We usually approach a collection situation with a three-pronged approach: a friendly phone call (leave a message if no answer), followed by a friendly e-mail and finally a friendly letter with a return envelope included.”
-Cathy, Schertz, TX
“A simple, polite phone call almost always does the trick—and the understanding that clients who have an outstanding balance will not be able to use our services again until the balance is brought to zero.”
-Kim, Travelers Rest, SC
“First we e-mail clients and then we call them. If that doesn’t work, we send a formal letter reminding them of the money they owe. If they still don’t pay, we send a formal letter that states that if we do not hear from them within seven business days we will send their account to collections. We almost never get that far, but that usually settles it. If not, off they go. The whole process runs 60 – 90 days.”
-Becky, Alexandria, VA
Have you had to deal with any late-paying or non-paying clients? What strategy has worked best for your business in following up with these clients?
“What should I charge for my pet-sitting services?”
It’s a question we hear a lot here at Pet Sitters International (PSI). To avoid the appearance of price fixing, service providers, such as pet sitters and dog walkers, are prohibited from collectively discussing specific pricing details.
Fortunately, PSI included questions on rates and services in its 2011 State of the Industry Survey, which can be shared.
Keep in mind; rates vary depending upon where you live--so it's a good idea to take a look at what other pet sitters and boarding facilities and doggie daycares in your area charge to get an idea of local pricing.
Also, keep in mind that almost all of the pet sitters completing PSI’s survey maintain pet-sitter liability insurance.
Below are the national averages for various services offered by professional pet sitters and dog walkers*:
|
SERVICE
|
AVERAGE LENGTH
|
AVERAGE FEE
|
|
Basic pet-care visit
|
31.6 min.
|
$17.75
|
|
Dog walking
|
30 min.
|
$17.40
|
|
Overnight sits
|
12.5 hrs.
|
$61.90
|
|
In-home boarding
|
|
$39.90/day
|
*PSI surveys its more than 7,000 member businesses every three years on topics including pet-sitter demographics, service prices, income, business size and types of services provided. The survey results are used to develop an accurate PSI member profile and to examine industry trends. Twenty-seven percent of PSI’s members responded to the 2011 survey.
A word about setting your pricing…
Remember, when setting fees, you’ll want to do some calculations to anticipate what your overhead business costs will be. Expenses to consider include:
- insurance and bonding
- utilities
- phone bill
- printed literature
- advertising
- professional membership fees, etc.
To be able to meet these expenses, you will need to factor a flat overhead cost and a margin of profit into each services fee.
“You have to remember all the expenses that go into this professional pet care service you’re
providing. And you have to believe that you’re worth it and be ready to explain to surprised customers that there is more to this business that simply putting out some pet food. Once customers understand the value of your services, price is usually not a deterrent.”
–PSI President Patti Moran
See what fellow pet sitters have to say:
PSI posed the following question on its Facebook page. Here’s what other professional pet sitters suggest:
"Pet sitters, what "formula" did you use to determine your pet-sitting rates? Did you look at the competition, factor in mileage, etc.? (Please do not list specific rates)"
**Update March 30, 2012: Scroll to bottom to see the winners!**
Time flies when you are having fun! It’s hard to believe, but this month Pet Sitters International celebrated its 18thbirthday.
Industry veteran Patti Moran opened the doors to PSI on March 17, 1994, and we at PSI are so proud to celebrate this milestone with you!
And, we thank each of you, whether you’re a longer term member or in your first year with us! PSI would not exist without your support and dedication to the pet-sitting industry. We hope you know that your participation and feedback is vital to our ongoing success.
Share your favorite memory and win!
So, help us celebrate! Post your favorite PSI memory in the comments section below.
Your favorite memory can be anything from a phone conversation you held with a staff member to when you saw your name in print in Pet Sitter’s WORLD to a special time you experienced at a Quest for Excellence conference. Or maybe it’s the first time you professionally cared for a pet as a PSI member!
All those sharing a favorite memory will be entered for a chance to win the Ultimate Pet First Aid Kit from the PSIStoreonline.com. It’s the perfect gift to kick off April, National Pet First Aid Awareness Month. Two additional participants who post favorite memories will be selected to receive $25 gift certificates to the PSIStoreOnline.com.
All winners will be randomly selected on Friday, March 30, at 4:00 p.m. ET from all members who participate in the PSI Birthday blog post. Winners will be announced by Friday, March 30, at 5 p.m. ET.
Thanks to each of you who shared your favorite PSI memory! Congratulations to our winners:
- Lynn Hall
- Cheryl Wilson
- Cindy Hess
The number of online pet-sitter directories and locator sites are on the rise—and many savvy pet sitters are learning how to use these sites as resources for new clients and additional revenues.
Before listing your service on any online directory or locator listing, remember that some sites are better than others. Keep these questions in mind to determine whether a site may be a good place to list your pet-sitting service:
You’re known by the company you keep. It is important to research any site you are considering and pay special attention to the other service providers listed. Does the site have requirements for listing? Are the service providers listed professional businesses or does the site accept listings from kids, college students and other non-professional sitters? Does the site differentiate between professional and non-professional sitters—and are potential clients able to see that your business is a professional pet-sitting service? Also, be sure you know the business that is offering the listing service and get answers to these questions before listing your business on any site.
Understand their business model and know your ROI. Many locator sites charge a fee for listing or a percentage of any assignments for clients you meet through their sites. Before signing up, make sure you understand any upfront or ongoing fees and evaluate the return you are getting on the investment. If you do sign up, be sure to keep a tally of any inquiries you get from the site and any resulting assignments to help you best evaluate your ROI from the site.
If you are a PSI member, be sure you are also taking advantage of your free listing on the 
Official Pet Sitter Locator™ at petsit.com/locate, visited by 30,000 pet owners each month. Remember, the Official Pet Sitter Locator maximizes your online exposure—in addition to its location at petsit.com/locate, it is also available as a mobile version on smartphones, indexed by Google search engines and a quick search is available on PSI’s Facebook page as well. PSI members can learn more about taking full advantage of their Locator listing in the Members Area of petsit.com.
Also, don’t forget local online directories and review sites that offer free opportunities to market your services to local pet owners. These listings allow users to search for specific types of businesses or services nearby and read reviews from local consumers, when applicable.
Some location-based sites require that you include your address, so you may want to exclude certain sites if you do not have a business/office address you can list for your pet-sitting service.
Local online directories and review sites to consider are:
- Yelp
- Google Places
- Bing Local
- Yahoo Local
- Foursquare
Many pet sitters often promote their pet-sitting services on other free sites, such as their local Craigslist site.
Pet sitters, where are you advertising your services online? Where have you had the most success? Please comment below and let us know!
Last week, March 4-10, marked the 18th annual celebration of Professional Pet Sitters Week (PPSW)—a week to honor professional pet sitters worldwide and recognize the viability of professional pet care as a career.
Pet sitters had many reasons to celebrate, including the announcement from the American Pet Products Association (APPA) that annual pet-spending reached an all-time high in 2011—and the service category, including pet sitting—grew more than any other, surging 7.9 percent from $3.51 billion in 2010 to $3.79 billion in 2011.
Here's a look at how PSI and its members celebrated this special week:
Pet Sitters International Recognizes Individual Contributions, Collective Growth During Professional Pet Sitters Week
PSI releases first-ever television commercial March 5, 2012.
Each day last week, PSI featured one member's "pet-sitting success story":
Monday: Sophia Stevenson
Tuesday: J. Robin Cara
Wednesday: Cindy Johnson
Thursday: Christine Santora
Friday: Power Pet Sitter
PSI members found ways to celebrate as well:
Wag Wagon Pet Services donated 10% of profits and 100% of all tips for the week to the NHSPCA in Stratham, New Hampshire.
WETNOSES made the most of Professional Pet Sitters Week by offering a 10% discount to new clients who take advantage of our daily walking services during the month of March.
Pet sitters from the Columbia and Greater Columbia areas met for lunch at Carabba’s On March 4 to celebrate.
Pet-sitting companies in attendance were: Palmetto Paws & Tails LLC, Petsitting by Denise, The Paddy Waggin’ LLC, Karen’s Creature Comforts, A Bone To Fetch, Petsit 4 U, Kind2Animals, Critter Sitter and Pampered Pets.
Thanks for sharing your photos!
For those of you who have a Facebook page for your pet-care business, you’ve likely seen the notification that as of March 30, all Facebook pages will be converted to the new Timeline format.
As you prepare to update your page, here are five things you need to know about the new Timeline format:
1. It’s time to change your profile image! Many of you may have just taken advantage of the option to do away with your small square photo and create a tall profile image for your company’s Facebook page. Now, it’s time to go back.
With the new format, you will want to upload your small square profile image (likely your business logo), but you also have the option (and should) upload a cover image. A good option would be a photo of you and pets you care for.
2. There’s no longer a default landing tab. Many of you took our advice and created a Welcome tab to welcome non-fans to your page and encourage them to “like” you. With the new Timeline format, this is no longer an option. However, you do have the option to “pin” specific posts to the top of your page. (See #3)
3. You can now feature specific content. The new format allows you to select and “pin” a specific post to the top of your Facebook page, which makes it the first post visitors will see when they come to your Facebook page. Since you no longer have a default Welcome landing tab, this featured post is the perfect opportunity to include a call-to-action, encourage visitors to “like” your page or visit a specific area of your Facebook page.
4. You can add company milestones to your page. Just like the Timeline format on personal profiles, the new Timeline format for business pages allows you to add company milestones. Take advantage of this functionality to share your company history, highlight achievements and special events.
This gives current and would-be clients an inside look into your pet-sitting service and what makes your business so special.
5. Company pages can now receive private messages. With the new updates, Facebook users will be able to send private messages to your company’s page, a feature that was previously only available for personal profiles. This offers a great opportunity for visitors to your page to connect with you and ask questions without having to post to your wall.
The ability to receive messages can be a great benefit to your pet-sitting service, but ONLY if you check Facebook and respond to messages. If you do not want respond to messages or do not check your Facebook regularly, it would be better to turn this feature off.
Pet sitters, have any of you already switched to the new layout? What questions do you have?