(614) 636-6644
Best dog walkers and pet sitters in Columbus Ohio

How Scheduling Works at Hands N Paws

At Hands N Paws, we use a unique hybrid scheduling model that gives you both flexibility and guaranteed work. This guide will walk you through how to find, accept, and manage visits in Precise Petcare.

Our Scheduling Philosophy: Team-Based & Flexible

Clients book with Hands N Paws, not with one specific sitter. This means we work together as a team to provide reliable care. You get the benefit of choosing your own visits while also receiving assigned work that matches your availability.

The Two Ways You Get Scheduled

Scheduling here is a mix of two things:

A. Manager-Assigned Visits (Your Guaranteed Work)

  • How it works: Our managers assign visits based on the availability you set in your Precise Petcare profile. To be eligible for these assignments and maintain your active status, you must set and maintain availability for a minimum of 15 hours each week.
  • Why it matters: This is your foundation for consistent work and income. Fulfilling the 15-hour weekly requirement ensures you receive a steady flow of manager-assigned visits.
  • Pro Tip: Keep your availability updated at least 2 weeks in advance to get the best assignments and easily meet your weekly hour requirement.

B. First-Come, First-Served Visits (Self-Added Work)

  • How it works: New visit requests appear as white service boxes available to the entire team
  • The process: You’ll get a notification → Open Precise Petcare → Review details → Click “Accept”
  • Speed matters: These visits can be claimed quickly, so keep notifications enabled!

How to Accept a Service Request

  1. Find Available Visits. Go to your ‘My Schedule’ page and look for white service boxes with the ANYONE tag.
  2. Vet the Visit. Before clicking accept, you MUST review:
    • Client & Pet Notes: Click the client’s name to open their full profile. Review all care instructions, home access details, and pet routines.
    • Location: Check the address and assess the travel distance from your other visits.
    • Time & Duration: Ensure it fits realistically in your day without causing you to rush.
  3. Claim It. Click the “Accept” button at the bottom of the white service box.
  4. Confirm. The box will immediately turn yellow, confirming it’s now on your personal schedule.

Overbooking yourself or accepting visits with unrealistic travel distances is a common mistake. Vet every visit thoroughly before accepting.

Strategic Scheduling: How to Work Smarter

1. Master Geographic Clustering

  • Use Route View on the My Schedule page to see all assignments on a map (Click here for help with changing your page view)
  • Group visits in the same neighborhood/area
    • Example: Schedule all Bexley visits together instead of bouncing across town
  • Benefit: Less drive time, more earning time

2. Practice Realistic Time Blocking

  • Maximum 3 visits per 2-hour window
  • Always include 10-15 minute buffers between visits
  • Account for traffic, parking, and unexpected pet needs

3. Plan in Advance

  • Claim visits as soon as you get notifications and/or see open assignments on schedule
  • Build your schedule weeks ahead
  • Update your availability regularly for the best manager assignments

Pro Tips for Success

  • Refresh often: New visits are requested by clients every single day
  • Communicate: If you’re running late or have issues, message in Slack #help
  • Be consistent: The more you schedule, the easier it becomes to build ideal days
  • Quality over quantity: It’s better to do fewer visits well than to rush through many

Remember: Your schedule is in your hands. Use these strategies to create a workflow that matches your goals and provides excellent care to our clients!

Maintaining Your Active Status

To ensure we can reliably serve our clients and offer you consistent opportunities, all team members must maintain an active status.

  • The Requirement: You must be available for and complete a minimum of 15 hours each week.
  • How to Meet It: Keep your availability in Precise Petcare updated and proactively accept visits that fit your schedule.
  • Why It Matters: This commitment allows us to:
    • Guarantee visit coverage and build trust.
    • Fairly distribute visits across the entire team.
    • Ensure you receive a steady flow of work and earnings.

Your active status is the key to unlocking manager-assigned visits and your long-term success on the team.

➡️ Next Steps: Learn how to set your perfect availability in [Managing Your Availability in Precise Petcare]

Other Help Articles

Stop your worry & stress about your pets!

Get Started
X
Screenshot 2024 05 06 at 11.59.44 AM fotor bg remover 20240506122627

By signing this agreement, you confirm that you’ve read, understood, and agreed to the policies below. Your signature also allows us to add your email to our mailing list (you can change your preferences anytime).

Key Terms
– Client = You
– Company = Hands N Paws
– Team Member(s) = Our pet care professionals

—

Emergency Care Policy
You’re responsible for providing emergency instructions and medical details for your pet. Otherwise, we’ll contact your vet or an emergency clinic in case of an emergency. Team Members may make urgent care decisions (excluding euthanasia) if immediate action is needed. You’re responsible for any veterinary costs, and Hands N Paws isn’t liable for circumstances beyond our control.

—

Home Access Policy
A lockbox with a spare key is required to ensure we can access your home. Garage or keypad codes are okay but don’t replace the need for a lockbox. Provide clear access instructions in your account notes. If entry is complicated, email us a video walkthrough to avoid delays. Our priority is your pets, not troubleshooting access!

—

Cancellation Policy
We get it—plans change! Here’s our policy:
– 48+ hours notice: 100% refund as Account Credit.
– 24-48 hours notice: 50% refund as Account Credit.
– Less than 24 hours: No refund.
Refunds are issued as Account Credits and auto-apply to your next invoice.

—

Safe & Sanitary Environment
You understand and agree that the environment in which we provide services is reasonably sanitary and safe. If we determine that your home is unsanitary or unsafe, we’ll let you know and take appropriate action, which may include stopping services.

—

Service Termination Policy
In rare cases, if we believe there’s a serious danger to the health or safety of our Team Members or your pets, we may terminate services during a scheduled period. If this happens, you agree to cover the cost of boarding your pet or arranging alternative care until you return. We’ll do our best to notify you and/or your emergency contacts in these situations.

—

Third-Party Access Policy
You’re responsible for letting us know if anyone else will have access to your home during the scheduled services. Hands N Paws is not liable for any loss, expense, or damage caused by third parties entering your home during this time.

—

Vaccination, Licensing & ID Policy
Before services begin, all pets MUST:
– Be up-to-date on vaccinations and local licensing.
– Wear an ID tag with your contact info or be microchipped for identification.

—

Pet Safety Policy
For everyone’s safety, dogs must remain leashed during walks. Off-leash walks are strictly prohibited.

—

Accurate Pet Information Policy
Keep your pet’s info in your account accurate and up-to-date. Every three months, you’ll be prompted to review and confirm your pet’s details before being able to request services. Hands N Paws isn’t responsible for issues caused by outdated or incorrect information.

—

Provide Visuals Policy
For complex routines or home entry instructions, please record a video and email it to us. A visual guide helps us better understand your needs and ensures smooth service delivery.

—

Flexible Arrival Times
Services are scheduled within a two-hour arrival window to accommodate travel and other clients. While we’ll do our best to meet your preferred times, exact arrival times can’t be guaranteed.

—

Trial Visits
For extended pet care (e.g., vacation services), we require a Trial Visit while you’re still in town. This helps ensure your pet is comfortable with our team before committing to long-term care.

—

Service Request Approval & Availability
We do our best to accommodate all requests, but approval depends on Team Member availability. After submitting a request, you’ll receive an email confirmation or declination within 48 hours. If declined, we’ll work with you to explore alternatives.

—

Communication Policy
Team Members will update you on your pet’s care through post-service journal entries in your account. If they have urgent questions during a service, they’ll call you using the number on file. If you receive a Team Member’s personal number, please don’t use it freely. Keep all communication in your account by responding to journals, updating service notes, or, if needed, contact our main office.

—

Team Appreciation
Our Team Members work hard to care for your pets, and a little appreciation goes a long way! Feel free to leave kind journal comments, rate services, or tip for exceptional care. It means the world to us!

—

Meet N Greets
A Meet N Greet is required before starting services to ensure we understand your pet’s needs and provide the best care. New Clients can schedule at *www.myhandsnpaws.com*; Existing Clients can book through their account.

—

Pricing & Surcharges
Visit *www.myhandsnpaws.com* for the most up-to-date pricing. Additional fees may apply in certain situations:
– Last-Minute Services: $15 for requests made within 24 hours.
– Holiday Services: $20 per service on major holidays.
– Additional Pets: $7 per pet beyond the first two.
– Service Adjustments: Fees may apply if additional time or tasks are required.
– Account Assistance Fee: If you request us to schedule services, cancel services, update pet notes, or otherwise manage your account without first attempting to do so yourself, a surcharge of 10% of your most recent invoice (minimum $25) will be applied. Our handy Client Support Center is available to guide you step-by-step in managing your account.

—

Payment & Billing
We accept all major credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover). A valid card must be stored securely in your account.
– Ongoing Services: Auto-charged every Friday for the previous week’s services.
– One-Time Services: 50% deposit charged upon confirmation; the rest is due by the last service date (auto-charged).
– Declined Payments: You’ll be notified immediately and have 24 hours to resolve it. A 10% late fee (minimum $20) applies after a second declined attempt.

—

Contract Terms
This agreement starts when you sign it and continues until either of us ends it. You can book additional services online anytime, depending on availability. By signing, you authorize Hands N Paws to enter your home and care for your pets without needing extra contracts for confirmed bookings.

—

Thanks for trusting Hands N Paws with your furry family! 🐾