SOP Library

Searchable standards for the details that matter

These quick-reference field standards summarize the curriculum. Always verify company-specific details in the current Wags & Kisses policies.

Creating Joy

Care

Joyful, pet-led experiences strengthen trust and make our visits a bright spot in the day.

Field sequence

  • Learn what the individual pet enjoys.
  • Offer play, exploration, affection, or calm companionship without forcing interaction.
  • Celebrate small wins and moments of confidence.
  • Stay present instead of rushing through the task list.
  • Share one genuine joyful detail with the pet parent.

Common mistake: A common mistake is assuming every pet experiences fun in the same way.

Wags tip: The best kind of fun is safe, voluntary, and shaped by the pet in front of you.

Profile Review

App

Current profiles prevent avoidable care and access errors.

Field sequence

  • Refresh before every visit.
  • Read home and pet records.
  • Check alerts and recent updates.
  • Resolve conflicts before travel.
  • Never rely on screenshots.

Common mistake: A common mistake is reading only the booking summary.

Wags tip: Open every pet listed on the service.

Controlled Doorway

Home

Most escapes happen during transitions.

Field sequence

  • Remove all distractions.
  • Scan the area for pets.
  • Control how far the door opens.
  • Close the door immediately behind you.
  • Account for every pet.

Common mistake: A common mistake is opening wide while carrying supplies.

Wags tip: Set down your supplies when necessary, because controlling the doorway comes first.

Final Security Sweep

Home

Care is incomplete until the home is secure.

Field sequence

  • Account for pets.
  • Check water and hazards.
  • Restore approved settings.
  • Secure gates and doors.
  • Pull-test the final lock.

Common mistake: A common mistake is trusting the sound of a latch.

Wags tip: Touch every final check.

S.A.F.E. Walk

Dogs

A repeatable system catches changing risks.

Field sequence

  • Scan the dog and the surroundings.
  • Attach the approved equipment and tug-test every connection.
  • Flow through the route with awareness and control.
  • Evaluate the dog and the conditions continuously.
  • Return home early when safety or comfort changes.

Common mistake: A common mistake is skipping gear checks for familiar dogs.

Wags tip: Familiarity is not a substitute for a safety check.

Trigger Navigation

Dogs

Distance protects dogs, people, and handlers.

Field sequence

  • Look ahead.
  • Cross early.
  • Use calm U-turns.
  • Do not greet.
  • Report meaningful reactions.

Common mistake: A common mistake is waiting for the dog to react before moving.

Wags tip: Create space while the dog can still think.

Cat Care

Cats

Choice and predictable movement reduce stress.

Field sequence

  • Move slowly.
  • Respect hiding.
  • Refresh essentials.
  • Clean and observe litter.
  • Offer optional play.

Common mistake: A common mistake is forcing visual confirmation by chasing.

Wags tip: Use notes, quiet observation, and approved checks.

Food Verification

Care

Incorrect portions and food mix-ups can harm pets.

Field sequence

  • Confirm that you are feeding the correct pet.
  • Confirm that you have the correct food.
  • Measure the correct amount.
  • Use the method described in the care plan.
  • Record how much the pet ate.

Common mistake: A common mistake is using an old routine from memory.

Wags tip: Read the instructions, prepare the food, verify the details, and then serve it.

Medication Pause

Care

Medication errors can be serious.

Field sequence

  • Verify all required medication details.
  • Stay within the limits of your training.
  • Never double or repeat an uncertain dose.
  • Report a refusal before trying another approach.
  • Document the outcome accurately.

Common mistake: A common mistake is repeating an uncertain dose.

Wags tip: If you are uncertain, stop and contact the approved support person.

Litter & Elimination

Care

Output is an important wellbeing signal.

Field sequence

  • Use assigned supplies.
  • Remove waste fully.
  • Note amount and changes.
  • Keep area tidy.
  • Report concerns.

Common mistake: A common mistake is cleaning without observing.

Wags tip: Notice first, then clean.

W.A.G.S. Journal

Communication

Families need reassurance, and the team needs accurate information.

Field sequence

  • Welcome the family with a friendly greeting.
  • Account for all the care you provided.
  • Give specific and neutral observations.
  • Sign off by explaining how you left the pet and secured the home.
  • Proofread the complete report before sending it.

Common mistake: A common mistake is using vague, copy-pasted updates.

Wags tip: Include one meaningful detail that could only belong to this visit.

Urgent Escalation

Safety

Complete information delivered quickly improves the team’s response.

Field sequence

  • Move people and pets to safety.
  • Use the approved urgent communication channel.
  • State who is involved and where you are.
  • Describe the facts and the actions you have taken.
  • Remain reachable for further instructions.

Common mistake: A common mistake is sending a vague message.

Wags tip: End your message by clearly stating what help you need.

Lockout

Access

Forced or improvised entry creates risk.

Field sequence

  • Confirm address.
  • Reread current notes.
  • Try only approved methods.
  • Contact support.
  • Document timing.

Common mistake: A common mistake is asking a neighbor for access.

Wags tip: No approved access means pause and escalate.

Weather Adjustment

Safety

Conditions and pet tolerance change quickly.

Field sequence

  • Check alerts.
  • Assess the pet.
  • Test the route and surface.
  • Choose a safer alternative.
  • Report the change.

Common mistake: A common mistake is following the usual route at all costs.

Wags tip: A shorter safe service is better than a completed unsafe route.

Coverage Request

Team

Clear requests protect continuity of care.

Field sequence

  • Notify early.
  • Use approved channel.
  • Include visit facts.
  • Remain responsible.
  • Wait for confirmation.

Common mistake: A common mistake is assuming a post transfers responsibility.

Wags tip: No confirmation means the assignment is still yours.

Incident Record

Safety

A factual timeline supports an appropriate response.

Field sequence

  • Address immediate safety concerns first.
  • Record all relevant times.
  • Describe exactly what you observed.
  • List the actions you took and the people you contacted.
  • Avoid assigning blame or suggesting a diagnosis.

Common mistake: A common mistake is writing from memory hours later.

Wags tip: Record the facts as soon as the situation is stable.