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Creating a pet-sitter presentation book

As a professional, it is important to set yourself apart from the competition. Using a pet-sitter presentation book is wonderful at initial meet and greets to demonstrate to the pet owner that you are a trained professional and take your work seriously. When trying to establish networking opportunities or event partnerships with fel­low pet sitters, other pet-care professionals, veterinarians or local businesses, your presentation book conveys your commitment and professional image.

What is a “pet-sitter presentation book?”

Your presentation book may include a variety of materials and information that reflect your professional qualifications, involvement and accomplishments. Often compiled in a three-ring binder, the book will contain a record of your qualifications, possibly including your resume, transcripts or any accreditations or certifications you may possess. Newspaper articles, photos and letters of recommendation may be included to demonstrate your business achievements and to highlight your involvement, including pet-related volunteerism, association membership, as well as attendance of conferences and pet-sitting events.

Does your presentation book have to be an actual “book” or in a physical binder?

No! For convenience, you may also consider compiling the recommended items below in a simple slideshow or presentation you can share from your iPad or laptop at a client’s home or during a meeting with another pet professional.

Once you create your presentation book, it can be shown to your potential clients, potential partners and your peers. It allows you to demonstrate your professional­ism, qualifications and accomplishments in a clear, organized manner. Using your presentation book (or presentation from your iPad) at an initial meeting can also help guide the conversation and ensure that you don’t leave out any vital information you want to share.

What should your pet-sitter presentation book include?

Below is a list of items you may wish to include in your presentation book. Be sure to tailor the presentation book to reflect your business:

• PSI Membership Certificate, if a member

• Copy of PSI’s Member Code of Ethics, if a member

• Copy of business license, if required in your state/city

• Proof of pet-sitter insurance and bonding

• Proof of clear criminal history/background check

• Professional/education resume, if relevant

• Certified Professional Pet Sitter (CPPS®) certificate, if obtained

• Copies of any certifications, trainings or certificates of completion related to your pet-care business

• Certificates of attendance from PSI conferences (or other pet-related conferences)

• Newspaper and magazine clippings that highlight your business

• Brochures, itineraries, etc., from events in which your business participated

• Photos related to your business and involvement in the pet community

• Letters or recommendations from clients or other pet-industry professionals

Compiling a presentation book involves time and attention. Do not wait until the night before a client meet and greet or a meeting with a potential event partner, as it may take time to collect and make copies of the materials you plan to include. And remember, if you use a binder or notebook, never leave your presentation book with a client or potential sponsor or partner — you do not want to lose the certificates, photos, etc. that it contains!

Tips from fellow pet sitters:

“I use a three-ring, two-inch binder that I take with me to all of my pet-sitting visits and consultations, and I keep all of my clients’ folders in this binder, along with my portfolio. I keep everything in sleeve protectors too. It keeps everything clean and neat.” –The Chipper Pet Sitter, Blakely, Pa.

“Put anything in [your presentation book] that gives you an advantage, shows how professional you are and demon­strates the training you are willing to do to provide the best care available. I think my presentation folder wins me business. It is a hard folder and everything is presented in sleeves so it does not get dirty or damaged. Everything has its own section or tab, so a client can eas­ily turn to [each section]. I have my logo on the front with a cute picture of a dog with glasses sitting on a chair and reading a book (as if he were reading my pres­entation folder). I get a lot of comments on that, and I’m glad I took the time to put it together.” –Executive Pets, West Albury, New South Wales, Australia

Pet sitters, do you have a presentation book? Share tips for other pet sitters in the comments below.

Comments

Kathleen Williams

March 31, 2024  |  7:k PM
As part of our New Client intake packet, we have a form... Veterinary Release... that each client signs in the event of having to take a critter to their regular vet and/or an emergency vet. That form tells them who we are, who the pet is, who the pet belongs to, who the regular vet is, and authorizes a dollar amount to begin emergency treatment. When time is of the essence, fiddling around with a phone to pull up contact information and think of all the details to communicate to the staff, is impractical and potentially dangerous. So, my staff and I also carry that form with us in our binders. Those are, of course, not something we show to the client, but we do explain what the forms are and why we keep them with us. Our attention to detail and think ahead have been well received.