Safety is a top priority, and while the platform has measures designed to help support the safety of sitters and cat parents, it's important for you to be aware of potential risks and how to avoid them. Here are some key tips for staying safe while you are out and about running your cat sitting business.
Trust Your Feline Instincts
If a potential cat parent's behavior or communication raises red flags at any time, trust your intuition and contact Meowtel Support via [email protected] or 1-844-MEOWTEL as soon as anything feels off. Red flags may include unrealistic expectations set by the cat parent, a lack of information about the cats or their needs, or any requests that seem off such as filling out an external form or a request to be messaged on Snapchat, Instagram, text, or e-mail prior to them booking a reservation with you. If something doesn't feel right, it's okay to decline their requests and report the account to Meowtel. For more advice on handling tricky situations, check out our guide on knowing when to put your foot down.
Not every cat parent who has the above issues is necessarily "up to something," as some may still be in the process of completing their profiles. However, if anything sticks out to you as strange and you are unsure, always let Meowtel Support know so the team can review the situation.
Don't Let Scammers Get Their Claws On You!
Unfortunately, some scammers may try to contact you through the marketplace, posing as potential cat parents. They may ask for personal information such as your phone number or email address or ask you to contact them outside the app before making a reservation. It is very important not to share any personal details until a reservation has been confirmed through the platform. When they do book, you'll have access to their user profile, reviews, vet release form, address, and contact information. In addition to them filling out their information, they also complete payment for the reservation in full, which is another signal that their intent and need for cat care is serious. That's why it is recommended to keep your communication on the Meowtel chat with all prospective cat parents.
Watch Out For Empty Profiles
Before accepting a reservation, take a closer look at their profile. Although it's not unusual for some customers to leave out some details, very empty profiles or profiles with little information can sometimes be a red flag. Additionally, verify if the address listed matches your service area. Requests with addresses that are out of your state are often BIG red flags. If something seems off, don't hesitate to contact Meowtel Support so the team can review the suspicious account.
Choose Your Service Zone Carefully
As an independent contractor, you have full control over where you work. Be mindful of the areas you're comfortable working in, and consider your mode of transportation and familiarity with using it in your service area because you don't want to get lost or stranded in an unfamiliar place. It's important to avoid areas or places where you may not feel safe working alone - since you are the only individual that can access cat parents' homes, take the time to research the neighborhoods you'll be working in and familiarize yourself with the local area.
Additionally, if you are able and it matches the cat parent's needs, you might try to schedule your visits while it is still daylight outside. Booking windows on the platform are categorized as follows to help you manage your schedule:
Morning Visits: 6am - 12pm
Evening Visits: 4pm - 10pm
Anytime Visits: 6am - 10pm
Don't Be Afraid To Hiss If You Are Uncomfortable
If you don't feel comfortable with the interactions with someone, report it to Meowtel immediately by dialing 1-844-MEOWTEL. Meowtel takes such reports very seriously and has a dedicated support team available to assist the community with any concerns. If you need assistance outside support hours, which are from 8 am to 6 pm PST, you can send an SMS or leave a voicemail.
Keep Your Personal Information Secure
It's important not to send any personal identification documents, send payments, or provide sensitive information to other users (even if they ask for it). If a cat parent should insist, verifying your identity in person, during a meet and greet (should you choose to offer one) after you have accepted their reservation request, is a suggestion. You can read more about conducting successful meetings in our article on making the Meet and Greet meow-velous.
Share Your Location With a Friend or Family Member
Want to take an extra step to cover your paws? Try dropping a location pin to a trusted friend or family member via text before heading out to a meet and greet or visit. Google Maps provides the option of sharing your location so that others can know where you are. Simply open up your Google Maps app, find the location, tap the location on the map, and hit share. Then just text it to the person of your choice.
From there you can discuss with your friend how long you anticipate that you will be at the location, and when or if they should reach out to you/seek help if they haven't heard from you. Meowtel provides tools designed to support the safety of sitters and cat parents, but it never hurts to have a backup plan in place.
Don't Meet Up Before Having a Reservation
It's very impurrtant not to meet potential cat parents in person before they have confirmed a reservation through the Meowtel platform - you can always remind them it's a platform standard to meet only after a reservation has been placed and politely share the rebooking policy. Meeting someone in person before they've confirmed their reservation could put you at risk, and it's not necessary to meet in person before a reservation is made - remember the booking can always be cancelled and refunded if either one of you feels you weren't the purrfect fit.
With that said, it is important to prioritize your safety by considering this advice. By staying alert for potential red flags, reporting any concerns to Meowtel, and following these safety guidelines, you can help make every reservation a pawsitive and safe experience!
Meowtel is committed to providing a kind and secure space for all sitters and cat parents alike, so by using these resources and following these tips, we can help the marketplace remain a trusted space for everyone.
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