Client's kids

[ncpetspa]

Anyone have any suggestions on taking a client's kid on the road? I have been approached by two (really great) clients who want me to have their kids "ride along" with me for a day. I am bit apprehensive from the standpoint of what happens if: a) they fall getting in/out the van or b) they cuddle up to the wrong end of a Chow.
I want to do the right thing, but not lose a client in the process.
Thanks!

[NUNGUIS]

just tell them that you called the ins company to ask about it and that they said they dont cover them if they get hurt that should fix the problem i would think.

[misscatahoula]

I guess my first question would be how old are these kids? If they're in their teens it probably wouldn't be a problem to ride along & watch. If they're younger, I'd want a parent around. The second question would be about liability issues. Are you insured to have people in there with you? Would the parent sign a release?

[mustluvdogs1]

I would NOT agree to do that...

The liability would be too great. Your insurance would not approve. Why are they asking? Sometimes kids want to watch, and even step inside uninvited thinking they can stay. I just say no, I am sorry, it will distract me and the dog. It is a bad idea all the way around. Even if they want tro write a paper for school. Write a diary of your day and let them inclue it in a school paper. No one would say it would be a good thing. Any accident could occur. From auto to job related, on and on.tell them your insurance agent said no.I am shocked anyone would ask such a thing of you. Why,what are they thinking? You are business, not an entertainer or kid sitter. Other clients you see for the groom wouldn't like it.

[mustluvdogs1]

I would NOT agree to do that...

The liability would be too great. Your insurance would not approve. Why are they asking? Sometimes kids want to watch, and even step inside uninvited thinking they can stay. I just say no, I am sorry, it will distract me and the dog. It is a bad idea all the way around. Even if they want tro write a paper for school. Write a diary of your day and let them inclue it in a school paper. No one would say it would be a good thing. Any accident could occur. From auto to job related, on and on.tell them your insurance agent said no.I am shocked anyone would ask such a thing of you. Why,what are they thinking? You are business, not an entertainer or kid sitter. Other clients you see for the groom wouldn't like it.

[Verna C]

Clients Kids

Tell them that you don't have liability ins. to cover that or that your liability Ins forbids it. I can just imagine a bored kid after the first hour and you still have a days worth of grooming to do. Is she willing to pay you to babysit her children? HeeHee. I would maybe consider a responsible Highschooler who is investigating a career report. I think it all boils down to age, behavior, and how well you know the kid. Is it the kids idea or the parents' ? Sorry it's not a simple reply but check out the motive and fall back on the ins. if you havea bad feeling about it.

[neanea]

This sounds like a HUGE liability. What is the purpose of the ride along and how old are the "kids"?

I know that you don't want to disappoint your clients, but would it really be worth it if one of their children got hurt? Some people just don't understand what's involved when working with animals. They think that all dogs are just as friendly and loving as their pet, but in reality it's not that black and white.

Not to mention, there are alot of dogs that just don't like kids and that would make YOUR job much harder, when your trying to clip a dog that is barking, lurching, backing away, or whatever because of the "assistant" that is helping you.

Now, I work in a salon, and we are always having clients asking if their kid can come and work part-time during the summer "playing" with the dogs and such, but we just don't feel it's conducive to a constructive relationship with the client AND since we're talking about 14 - 17 year olds, they need supervision when working with the animals (as it's not fair putting someone's pet in the hands of an untrained individual) and we just don't have the time or money to "hire" someone like this. A good client can turn into a lawsuit if their child got hurt while in our care, not to mention the damage it can do to our business.

[Doug]

reduce the risk

Pick a day that is very light good dogs only and only a couple of them.More like a mock work day.Why do they want to do this in the first place? Keep in mind your insurance probably wont cover them in the truck.They dont work for you and they are not even the customer.

[azoci]

OSHA & Medical release

Howdy, Well aside from the insurance issue,, did you know that you would be in violation of OSHA, if a person under 18 uses any of the equimpent (like HV) ...big no no! Technically speaking that's one reason my salon never had teenagers working after school or summers. (Family is different, but non-family as employees...they can't use the equipment).

Second, if you take on a child under the age of 18, you have to have a medical release form. This speaking as a 4-h leader of 18 years...anytime we took the kids anywhere, we had to have medical release forms for them.

Just 2 more things to add fuel to your reasons why to say ...No.

[PetsRus]

I agree with the others. I am not mobile but with the way people are today what would happen if you were in an accident, even if it weren't your fault they could sue you. Why put your self through it.

[piffy]

Lets reverse this a little, How would you client feel bringing some stanger to their home univited? I don't know about all of you, I have some of Hollywoods must famous. Clients that I have seen more on TV than at their own homes. These clients dememd privacy rememeber you are an invited guest,

If something happens the ride along trips falls on someone else property, the dog bites them, you may be personally liable not your insuance company. These ride alongs are not part of your employ, your insuance could go through the roof.

[katydid]

Our clients also don't like new people being in the trucks. It makes them very uneasy.

Besides the huge insurance and liability issues, another point to think about is What If? the child misconstrues something during the grooming process as abusive or mean? You could very easily lose that client and all their friends and never know why.

[Wolfheart]

Instead of a ride along day in your mobile unit, could you take them to a local shelter and work on some charity grooms? Most shelters have a release that they ask volunteers to sign (regardless of age-if the person is a minor, then a legal guardian signs for them). I would still speak with my insurance company to see if there would be any issues, but charity grooming could be an acceptable substitute to "child labor day" within your business.

[c.c.]

I actually think it was a very out of line request, but as discussed many times before, people just don't really know what we do. I don't think I'd agree to this arrangement.

If the clients and their kids are special to you in some way, and you REALLY want to do this, maybe you could allow them to observe (not help) you grooming your own dog.

I have allowed eighth graders to spend a few hours with me at my shop for job shadow day. The kids were always great, the school brings them and picks them up. Many businesses, including fire and police, are hosting kids across the city on job shadow day. It's really quite exhausting lol and it's only a few hours, I could never handle a whole day, neither could the kids for that matter.

[SiotehCat]

I'm not mobile, but Ive had clients ask if their teenage girls could "work" for us. They just love dogs! I would love to be honest and tell them how much I dislike children, but honesty isnt always the best policy. Riding with a mobile groomer is something I can see a lot of "kids" enjoying. Its something I have wanted to do for a couple of months now, because im interested in purchasing a mobile unit and dont know how everything works. If your insurance is ok with it, and you are too... why not give it a try?