We went on a vacation to WDW from 2/8 to 2/14 and our regular sitter had taken some time off, so we…read moredecided to use Furry Pals.
We were put in touch with Jill, to take care of our home and finches.
Right off the bat we liked her. She was on time for the meeting, she was personable, and was interested in our birds. We were excited to leave, and felt so confident things would be fine, we didn't leave our house security cameras on. We asked jill to come every morning from 2/9 to 2/14. She said that wasn't a problem, and she would text me after every visit. My husband was at this meeting too, that is exactly what she said she would do.
The good: our birds received daily care. They also got their cage papers changed, she left me extra newspaper, she got the mail, and vacuumed the area around the birds. The house was still as clean as I left it, and our house was secure when we got home. I would like to say this visit earned 4 stars, but there are communication problems........
We left early on the 8th and took care of the bird bath /drinking water before we left. I texted jill to let her know we left, I asked for text updates, and let her know what I took care of before we left. She said she would text me after every visit and we were confirmed.
So the 9th I waited to hear from her in the morning, and didn't. I texted her to find out what was going on, and she said she had a doctor's appt in the morning, and now, after lunch, she was on her way. I was not aware of any other appointments she had, and our birds had to go a long time between when we left to when she arrived to change the bath water. I had to ask her how things went after she finally arrived, she didn't send me a text update automatically.
I wrote Nancy to let her know what happened. She basically forwarded my info to jill. I would rather Nancy have talked to me instead of just passing the info back to where the issue seemed to be, communication with Jill.
For the next few mornings, the texts consisted of 3 word sentences like: "all good here". Since there are no care notes being left at home, I felt that was very vague. Did we get mail? Are there any office notes left on the door? Are the birds doing okay? If all I am getting is just a text update, it should be a little more than "all good here".
So on the 14th, the last day, I waited to hear from jill after her morning visit. At 1:20 in the afternoon I had to text her to find out what was going on at home. We were on a long drive, and I am having to chase down info from home. This is the pet sitters job. On their website they boast about the detailed notes you will receive from your pets. And how they give these long 30 minute visits for every pet visit.
So I ask about the key. She told me when we met that she could drop it off. She knew it was my husbands key, no worries.
So I asked her if she could stop by tomorrow. No.
She now offers to mail it, or put it under the mat. I sent text instructions to put it on the back porch. So she went to lunch, and was going to come over.
I heard nothing else. No confirming the key was left. She didn't respond to my text.
So I wrote Nancy. I guess jill told her the key was left. Nobody updated me.....?
I let Nancy know I wasnt pleased that on this trip I had to ask what was going on, she didn't tell me about the first day being late, I didn't know she left the key, and Nancys response was that jill told us both she had a doctor's appointment that first day, she only tells Nancy she leaves keys and not clients, there was no appologies for lack of text updates, and Nancy believes what jill tells her.
Jill did not tell us the first day would be a delayed visit for any appointments . I know she didn't because the response from her was "well emergencies come up". I assume that when you talk to the owner, Nancy, there would be some acknowledgement or concern that her employee /IC/etc would be showing up, also a client having to keep asking for updates, and not knowing whether a key was left or not. I felt she was basically telling me it was my word against jills, and well, she said she knows what jill told her. Good to know where clients then stand. Any issues, she defends the sitter.
But I have the texts. Me asking for info. Me asking if she had visited. Me having to ask her boss. I have the paperwork where I asked for morning visits. And no communication about the first visit being late.
You shouldn't have to chase anyone down for info, details, especially, "have you been to my house today"?????????
That is part of the job. And you know what, if something happens at a house, is this how it goes? The employee was in the right? They don't show up for hours, ah, that's ok. They don't let you know where your key is, that's ok. They don't even text you the last day so you know they were there.....REALLY?
And I find it very suspicious that there are three new yelp reviews left today....when the last ones were 11 months ago....and all 2 days apart. Hmmm
