Why Choose Daytime Dogs versus other types of services?
There are quite a #number of choices when choosing the care for your pet.
We created this brief comparison to help educate you on the differences to consider when choosing someone to care for your pets. Even if you do not choose Daytime Dogs as your service, we hope that this helps you choose the right professional for your needs.
| SERVICE COMPARISON | DAYTIME DOGS | NATIONAL PET CARE COMPANY (like Rover) | FRIEND OR NEIGHBOR | BOARDING FACILITY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trust & Professionalism | DTD&F is a locally owned and operated company and #1 recommended by Veterinarians in and around Gainesville. You and your pet will always be treated with the utmost of care and respect. | Each sitter works independently so their background is unknown. Level of professionalism will vary. | Trusted because you know them and have a relationship. Level of professionalism will vary. | Depends on how long the facility has been in operation, etc. Professionalism will varies depending on facility. |
| Sitter Availability and Backups | 24/7 365 days a year; you will always have a primary and a backup handler. Once a client, we can accommodate you in most situations. DTD&F works as a team so if someone is not available there is always a backup; Manager knows client and team | Availability varies by the person the client contacts. Client is responsible for finding a replacement if primary sitter not available; Support not familiar with local area or sitters | Limited availability and based on their schedule; most likely not available 365 days because they make get sick, go on vacation, have school, or other obligations, etc Most likely no-one to cover in case of illness, injury, etc and if they do have a backup what are their qualifications | Facility has set hours of operation. |
| Keys & Personal / Pet Info | DTD responsible for keys & pet information / assignment | Client responsible for keys and making sure pet info gets passed on to backup sitters | Client / Friend / Neighbor responsible for keys | N/A |
| Health & Safety | All staff is certified in Pet CPR with American Red Cross. We do not mix dogs from other homes on walks; Pets stay in their own home and do not interact with other pets | Unknown | Unknown | Dogs can pass illnesses to each other due to group interaction; Group dog play can lead to injury |
| Personal Attention | Pets receive one-on-one attention from our caring team | Varies by sitter | Pets received one-on-one attention | Several people responsible for all dogs cumulatively; one-on-one attention is billed additionally |
| Convenience and Pet Stress | No Stress. We take care of your pet(s) in your home with their own bedding & supplies - no need for transportation; pet is waiting for you upon your return | Varies | No Stress. Take care of your pet in your home - maintain routine. | Pet must be picked up / dropped off during open hours; vaccine requirements and some require flea / deworming packages; facility supplies bedding and toys |
| Special Needs and Seniors | Ideal for dogs that would not be a candidate for boarding; we can handle special dietary, exercise, medication, or other individual needs | Varies | Could handle but if your friend is not available then it's difficult to trust a backup to meet the same needs | Senior dogs may not do as well due to energy levels and other age related issues; Dogs with special dietary, medical needs will probably be kept separate from other dogs or not accepted at all |
| Puppy Care | We care for puppies and include basic obedience, consistency, and routines. We even have a special puppy package! | May not be consistent and not responsible for basic obedience | May not be consistent and not responsible for basic obedience | Usually a minimum age limit for puppies |
| Experience and Training | DTD&F has been in business since 2008; Average team member has been with DTD for 5 years. Formal training program & rules that includes shadowing another team member for 3-4 weeks | This is a hobby for most; majority are experienced. No formal training program | Varies | Varies depending on facility and personnel |
| Hiring | In-person personal interview. Each applicant is required to undergo a national criminal background check prior to being considered. Reference checks conducted. | Online interview / review of profile submitted; no reference check | No background check | Varies depending on facility |
| Insurance Protection | All team members are covered under General Liability & Bonding insurance maintained by DTD. Provides you with security & piece of mind. A copy our of Insurance certificates are provided to every client at initial orientation. | Not bonded; it's up to the individual sitter to bond themselves; requires a claim of more than $250 and must be paid by pet owner | Unlikely to be bonded or insured; individual can sue if injured in the home | Unknown |
| Scheduling | Easy online scheduling once you are an established client | Client contacts sitter through site | Varies | Varies - some offer online reservations |
