According to the World Animal Foundation, 66% of American households have pets, and 40% have a least one pet dog. It’s likely that at some point in time a service tech is going to go face to muzzle with a pet… maybe your pet. At Day & Nite we consider our pets part of the family, and we know that most pet owners feel the same way, so it’s very important to us that we handle them carefully and correctly.
We believe so strongly in keeping your pets safe and happy (and our techs safe and happy), that on occasion we have had Pet Psychologist Robin Grannell, owner of the Canine Behavior Center, attend our weekly tech training meetings to help us know how to handle customer’s pets properly. She helps us understand that in the dog’s mind, your family is the dog’s pack. And the dog should, and normally will, protect their pack. When we come to your home to do plumbing, heating, or air-conditioning work, we’re either taking stuff away, leaving stuff, or opening stuff, and the dog doesn’t like that. This flurry of activity is stressful for animals; even “friendly” dogs may act unpredictably.
So how can you help? Do these three things:
- Mention that you have pets, and the particular care that you would like. For example: “We have a cat, please don’t let the cat out.” Our technicians are trained how to leave the animal alone, or how to approach them, depending on your preference.
- Introduce us to your dog. Unless you introduce us to your family dog, we’re an outsider and may be perceived as a threat.
- Crate your dog. If your dog is crate trained, it offers a nice, safe, comfortable place for them when strangers and service techs are visiting. Dens are a natural habitat for canines in the wild and can help them feel safe and secure rather than anxious and on alert.
At Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating our techs are trained how to handle a service call correctly when pets are present, but you shouldn’t assume that’s the case with all service providers. The next time you schedule a service tech, remember that a little bit of preparation and communication on your part can keep your pet’s stress level to a minimum and allow the job to be completed as safely and efficiently as possible.
After all, you are the “Leader of the Pack.”
Since 1954, Day & Nite Plumbing & Heating, a family owned and operated company, has been meeting the plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning needs of homeowners and businesses in Seattle and the surrounding areas. Whether you have a plumbing emergency, or you need a heating and cooling home comfort system, “Do it Right! Call them anytime “Day or Nite”. Be sure to browse here for in-depth answers to homeowner’s top plumbing and heating questions, or send your own questions directly to the experts.
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