Last Updated: 04/14/2025 | For: Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers
STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Your Next Steps (After Orientation)
Follow these 4 steps to start accepting pet visits:
1. Complete Digital Onboarding
Onboarding includes all the official paperwork needing completed to make your new position with Hands N Paws official. Onboarding includes 4 digital documents:
Click on each one linked to complete that document. Please complete within 24-48 hours of your orientation.
2. Download & Log In to Apps
| App | Purpose | How to Access |
|---|---|---|
| Precise Petcare | Scheduling, visit notes, client details, etc. | Download: [iOS/Android] • Login: Your email + teamhnp123 (temp password) |
| Slack | Team communication | Join workspace: Invite sent via email • Key channels: #general, #tips-n-reminders, etc. |
Need help? Email: support@handsnpaws.com
3. Add Your Work Availability
- Open Precise Petcare → Go to Scheduling > My Availability.
- Block off days/times you can/can’t work (e.g., vacations, other jobs). Click here for help.
- Pro Tip: Update this on a rolling two-week basis if possible!
4. Message Benny
- Slack: DM Benny with:“Hi Benny! I’ve completed onboarding and set my availability. Ready for my first visit!”
- What’s next? Benny will assign your first pet visit ASAP. He’ll also coordinate a team lead to join you for that visit—someone who’ll be present to answer questions and be your go-to support for your first official service.
Your First Pet Visit
Before the Visit
✔ Review client and pet notes in the Precise Petcare app (home address, routines, etc.)
✔ Pack supplies (extra leash, waste bags—full list here)
✔ Come with a learner’s mindset—a team lead will join to support/share best practices
During the Visit
✔ Keep client and pet notes + our service checklist handy for easy reference
✔ Complete the visit as usual—your team lead will step in if any guidance is needed
✔ Don’t hesitate to ask your team lead questions or advice/tips—they’re there to help!
After the Visit
Once you’ve wrapped up the visit and completed all your tasks in Precise Petcare, Benny will likely reach out that same day to check in, hear how it went, and share a bit of feedback to help you keep growing moving forward.
Recommended Reads for Success
Click to view our top reads that’ll ensure you’re set up for success now and beyond in your new role!
Click to view our top reads that’ll ensure you’re set up for success now and beyond in your new role!
How to Amaze Clients
Win Clients with Psychology
Redefining ‘Above & Beyond’
Pet Photo Tips
Pet Care Best Practices
Top 10 All-Time Best Practices
First-Time Visit Tips
Cleanliness Musts
Dog Harnesses 101
Behavioral Issues on Walks
Helping a Shy Dog Feel Comfortable
Kitty Litter Boxes
Giving Meds 101
Emergency Preparedness
Top 25 Emergencies
Emergency Response Guide
Communication & Escalation
Team Communication 101
When to Contact Pet Parents
Weather-Related Dog Walks
Rainy Day Walk Tips
Summer Walk Tips
Winter Walk Tips
Home Care
App Usage & Job Guide
[TBD]
Ongoing Support
From your very first week and well beyond, you’re never alone in this work. We’ve built a strong support system to help you feel confident, informed, and empowered every step of the way. Here’s what ongoing success looks like at Hands N Paws:
Slack: Your #1 Support Tool
Slack is your most important resource for staying connected and set up for success. Since we all work independently, it’s how we build community, stay informed, and support one another as a team.
From important pet updates and work announcements to fun team challenges (like our Monthly Contest!) and well-deserved recognition shoutouts—you’ll find it all here.
Have a question during a visit? Drop it in the #help channel—someone from the team will gladly jump in to assist.
Need to talk about something more personal? You can always DM your team leader for one-on-one support. We’ve got your back!
For more on our Slack workspace, click here.
24/7 Support
We’ve also created on-demand resources you can tap into anytime:
- Team Support Center – A searchable library of step-by-step guides, how-tos, and pet care tips for quick troubleshooting or a knowledge refresh.
- HNP Blog – Packed with articles on pet care, client communication, seasonal tips, and more to keep you sharp and inspired.
We’re constantly adding new content to both hubs—so be sure to check back often and stay in the loop!
New Hire FAQs
Click on each question below to expand.
Can you review the main points discussed during my orientation?
Sure, here’s a review of the main points discussed during your orientation:
Our Story & Purpose
Founded in 2018, Hands N Paws was built on a simple belief: happy pets mean happy people. We know life gets busy, and pet parents deserve reliable care they can trust. That’s why we provide loving in-home pet sitting and dog walking services—so your furry family members are well cared for, even when you can’t be there. Explore our current service areas (cities where we offer in-home care) by clicking here.
At Hands N Paws, our pet care technicians are the heart of our mission to make a difference in the Columbus pet community. Their dedication allows us to positively impact countless pets and their owners every day. Our team embodies the qualities of exceptional pet sitters and dog walkers—trusted by clients and valued by our company.
Team Leadership & Support
Our pet care professionals don’t just represent our company – they bring our “peace of mind” mission to life every day. We know that exceptional pet care starts with exceptional team support. That’s why our leaders go beyond management to provide true mentorship, creating an environment where every team member can:
-Feel genuinely supported and valued
-Receive guidance to grow their skills
-Develop confidence in their pet care expertise
-Build meaningful connections with colleagues
More than supervisors, our leaders serve as dedicated mentors committed to helping you shine in your role and advance your pet care career. Their door is always open – whether you need advice, encouragement, or celebration of your successes.
How our leaders support the team:
-Reviewing journals frequently to stay connected with team members’ work and provide feedback/praise
-Providing real-time support and resources through our Slack channels
-Consistently publishing new blogs and team support articles
-Hosting monthly team roundtable calls (video/phone) to discuss field challenges, clients, advice, and celebrate wins
-Organizing monthly game nights featuring HNP and pet care topics
Team Responsibilities
Every technician is essential in delivering outstanding care while supporting our mission. Your key responsibilities include:
-Providing exceptional pet care services at all times
-Maintaining clear, proactive communication with pet parents
-Being a team player and supporting your fellow technicians
-Welcoming feedback as an opportunity to grow
-Helping uphold and advance the Hands N Paws vision
Team Scheduling
Before explaining how our scheduling works, here’s how clients book services:
1. Pet parents submit service requests through Precise Petcare.
2. All team members are instantly notified of new requests.
3. Requests are first-come, first-served, allowing technicians to add them to their individual schedules.
Clients customize each visit by:
-Choosing a duration (20, 30, 45, or 60 minutes)
-Selecting an arrival window (we don’t offer exact times)
-Adding specific care instructions
Once submitted, requests go live to all technicians immediately. This system keeps things fair while ensuring quick responses to client needs.
If scheduling feels overwhelming or you struggle to claim visits fast enough, don’t worry—our team leaders will work with you to manually build a schedule based on your availability. You’ll never miss out on opportunities!
Team Apps
In your daily work at Hands N Paws, you’ll primarily use two apps: Slack and Precise Petcare. Slack serves as our central hub for all team communication, announcements, and support. Precise Petcare is your go-to field app for managing visits, checking in/out of appointments, communicating with clients, and accessing detailed pet care instructions—everything you need to provide seamless service.
For info on all things Slack, click here.
For info on all things Precise Petcare, click on the following links correlated with the main-menu tab names in the app:
–My Schedule
–My Availability
–Client Profiles
-Pet Profiles (support article pending)
–Resources
–General App Support
Team Misc
–Service Checklist: A step-by-step guide to completing pet visits according to our standards. This is your accountability tool to ensure proper service delivery. We strongly encourage using it during your first month with Hands N Paws.
–Taxes: As independent contractors (1099), your tax obligations differ from employees (W-2). Be sure to take advantage of all eligible tax write-offs to reduce your tax liability.
–Team Support Center: Your go-to resource hub for everything related to being a Hands N Paws team member.
How do I accept/decline service requests on the schedule?
Requests come through Precise Petcare and are claimed first-come, first-served. You’ll get instant notifications—act fast!
What if I can’t claim visits quickly enough?
No worries! Team leaders can manually assign visits based on your availability. Just let us know.
Are there set hours or is scheduling flexible?
For the most part, flexible! Weekly part-time availability (at minimum) is required to maintain consistent service coverage. While you can select visits that work with your personal schedule, please note that management may also assign visits based on your indicated availability to ensure all client needs are met.
What’s your best advice for new team members to approach scheduling with ease?
We recommend following a few key strategies when scheduling pet services. The My Schedule page may seem overwhelming initially, which is why understanding its purpose and functionality is crucial. Once you’re comfortable with how it works, use these tips to efficiently accept available services into your personal schedule. Always be strategic and intentional with every visit you book.
Please note that we use a hybrid scheduling approach—some visits are assigned to you based on your provided availability, while others are available for you to schedule yourself. When we assign visits, we do so thoughtfully and strategically. As you become more familiar with our scheduling methods, you’ll be able to apply the same principles when managing your own calendar.
What can I expect for my first pet visit with Hands N Paws?
For your first official pet visit, a team leader or another experienced team member will likely be present to guide you through the process. They’ll be an in-person resource to help you navigate the visit and answer any questions you might have. They’ll also share their best practices and tips for completing pet visits smoothly, ensuring that you cover all the essentials with the pets and complete the necessary tasks in your pet sitter account on our app, Precise Petcare. Additionally, they’ll make sure Slack is set up properly for you and that you have access to all the tools and resources you may need in the future.
At the end of the service, the team member can review your journal report to the client before you submit it, offering any suggestions for improvement if needed.
How can I make more money working at Hands N Paws?
As you know, all team members start at a base pay of 50% commission. However, our clients are often very generous with tips, typically giving 15-20% or more on services, and team members keep 100% of the tips they receive. Additionally, we offer various higher-paying opportunities, which you can explore here!
Are there any disciplinary protocols I should be aware of?
Yes, we have an accountability system in place that works like a points system. If you receive points for significant deviations from our best practices, it will be recorded as a work infraction. While most of the guidelines we emphasize are considered best practices, serious deviations—such as very late arrivals (or no-shows) to visits, failing to communicate with clients about their pets, disrespecting/mistreating team members, clients, or pets, or cutting visits shorter than what clients have booked—will result in points being added to your record.
We have this system in place to encourage everyone to maintain the high standards we set, which we know you’re fully capable of achieving. Instead of viewing it as discipline, we refer to it as accountability, as it’s designed to help guide and redirect you back on track to the level of performance we hired you for and know you can deliver.
You can learn more about our accountability system here.
What does it mean to be an independent contractor?
Being an independent contractor means you operate as a “self-employed” individual rather than an employee of a company. As an independent contractor, you typically have more control over how, when, and where you complete your work. Here are some key characteristics:
- Flexibility and Control: You generally have the freedom to set your own schedule and decide how to complete tasks or services, as long as they meet the agreed-upon requirements.
- Payment: You’re paid per project or service provided rather than receiving a regular paycheck. You’re also responsible for tracking your income and expenses for tax purposes.
- Taxes: As an independent contractor, you’re responsible for paying your own taxes, including self-employment tax, which covers Social Security and Medicare contributions.
- No Employee Benefits: You don’t receive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans, which are typically offered to employees.
- Contracts: You work based on a contract or agreement, which outlines the services you will provide, the terms of payment, and other expectations.
Essentially, being an independent contractor allows for more autonomy, but it also comes with the responsibility of managing your own business-related expenses and taxes.
Can you explain everything I need to know about taxes?
Everything you need to know about taxes as it relates to being an independent contractor at Hands N Paws can be found in this support article.
How can I be the best possible pet sitter and dog walker at Hands N Paws?
To truly excel as a pet sitter and dog walker, remember the saying “knowledge is power.” We recommend regularly refreshing your pet care knowledge by exploring articles on our blog, with new posts added weekly. You’ll find valuable insights on topics like safe dog walking in bad weather, basic cat care, must-have dog-walking equipment, and how to communicate effectively with clients. Having this knowledge will not only help you handle a variety of situations confidently but also ensure that you provide top-tier care for the pets you work with.
Preparation for visits is also essential. Make sure you have:
- Dog walking tennis shoes for comfort and longevity during walks.
- Weather-appropriate gear like raincoats, gloves, or sunscreen to keep yourself and the pets comfortable in various conditions.
- Waste bags for dog walks and proper cleanup.
- Water and a portable bowl, especially during longer walks or hot weather.
- Extra leashes and collars in case it can’t be located at a client’s home.
- Treats (ONLY if allowed by the pet parent!) to reward good behavior or provide comfort.
- Phone with all company apps to reference notes, checklists, and stay connected with the team or client as needed.
While on pet visits, be sure to follow care instructions exactly as outlined by pet parents. Care notes are often very detailed and specific, so be attentive and focused. To stay on track with service duties, you can adhere to our Service Checklist; this will ensure that each service is completed to the absolute highest standard.
More Tips:
- Be reliable and punctual for every single visit.
- Communicate clearly and consistently with clients and the team.
- Go the extra mile for pets and clients—small gestures get recognized and rewarded.
- Be open to learning and embrace feedback from team members and leaders.
- Always strive to improve and refine your pet care skills.
- If unsure or needing guidance, reach out to the team on Slack for support.
What supplies should I bring to be prepared for pet visits?
- Comfortable Walking Shoes – Invest in good-quality, supportive tennis shoes for long walks.
- Weather-Appropriate Gear – Raincoat, umbrella, gloves, hat, sunscreen, and a towel to dry wet paws after walks.
- Waste Bags – Always carry extra dog waste bags for proper cleanup.
- Water – Bring water and/or a dog walking water bottle, especially during long walks or hot weather.
- Extra Leashes & Collars – Have a backup leash and collar, plus consider using a shoulder-strap leash for hands-free convenience.
- Treats (If Allowed) – Check with the pet parent before offering treats to reward good behavior or comfort pets. Of course, use any treats client provides first!
- Phone with All Necessary Apps – Ensure your phone has all company apps installed, fully charged, and ready to reference notes, checklists, and stay connected.
- First Aid Kit for Pets – Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pet-safe ointment, and emergency vet numbers.
- Hand Sanitizer & Disinfectant Wipes – Keep your hands and surfaces clean during and after visits.
How can I connect with my fellow teammates?
We stay closely connected as a team through our Slack workspace, which is our primary virtual platform. To make the most of our virtual space, here are some tips:
- Engage on Slack by joining team channels, offering support, and asking questions.
- Participate in company-wide challenges or activities to bond with teammates over shared goals.
- Reach out directly to co-workers on Slack to introduce yourself and build relationships.
We also hold quarterly in-person team meet-ups, coordinated and announced by team leaders in Slack, providing opportunities for face-to-face connection.
FAQs
Tools & Tech
Q: Which apps do I need?
A: Slack (team communication) and Precise Petcare (scheduling/visit tracking).
Q: Where do I find pet care instructions?
A: All details are in Precise Petcare under each client’s profile.
Policies & Support
Q: What if I’m running late or need to cancel?
A: Notify the client and your team leader ASAP via Slack. Same-day cancellations should be emergencies only.
Q: How do I handle difficult pets/clients?
A: Reach out to your team leader in #help on Slack—we’ve got your back!
Q: Are there training resources?
A: Yes! Check the Team Support Center (linked in Slack) for guides, checklists, and FAQs.
Pay & Taxes
Q: When do I get paid?
A: Payments are processed biweekly via direct deposit.
Q: What tax forms do I need?
A: As a 1099 contractor, track expenses for write-offs. We recommend a tax professional for advice.
Culture & Team
Q: How do I connect with other team members?
A: Join #general in Slack, attend monthly roundtables/game nights, and participate in challenges!
Q: Who do I contact for urgent issues?
A: Post in #help on Slack or message your team leader directly.
