A fast‑track checklist to move from a new trial to live operations.
How to use this guide
Complete the checklist in order.
Follow any linked article for details, then return here.
Skip a setting if its default already works—you can fine‑tune later.
Practice Mode is on by default for new trials. It lets you explore safely with sample data. Think of it as a sandbox; you can jump in and out at any time.
1. Confirm or Enable Practice Mode
Free trial – You should already see the red Practice Mode banner. If not, click Practice Mode in the gray Live‑Mode banner.
Subscribed account – In your left-side user menu choose Practice Mode (Admins & Managers only) or toggle it on the Staff Accounts page.
At first launch, choose how many sample Sitters, Clients, and Pets you want, then click Generate. Regenerate anytime via the ⚙️ icon.
See Practice Mode for full capabilities and limits.
2. Explore the Workflow (in Practice Mode)
Schedule visits, send a Pet Care Journal, create an invoice—everything affects only sample data.
Use this sandbox to get comfortable before touching your live database.
3. Configure Business Settings (in either mode)
Open Business Settings and adjust just the essentials:
Branding – Company Name, Logo, Colors.
Clients – Client & Pet Fields (Required only for must‑have info). Tags for safety/medical alerts.
Time & Scheduling – Visit Times for Sitters, Require Clients to Review Profile/Pets (pick interval or Off).
Pet Sitters & Journals – Assigned Visits behavior, Late Arrival Alerts.
Changes here apply to both Practice and Live data, so you can set them anytime.
4. Build Service Settings (switch to Live Mode first)
Custom services replace the sample ones, so do this outside Practice Mode.
Create Time Blocks.
Add Service Groups (optional).
Build Base Services with price, sitter pay, and time blocks.
5. Set Up Billing Essentials (in either mode)
Billing Settings › General – Default Terms, Invoice Logo, Footer.
Billing Settings › Online Payments – Turn on Integrated Processing or add PayPal/Venmo.
6. Configure Communication (in either mode)
Portal Email Address & Email Signature.
Provision SMS Phone Number (optional).
In Office | Sitters | Clients tabs choose which events trigger Push or Email notifications.
See Communication Settings for guidance.
7. Add & Train Staff (Live Mode)
Admins can enable their own Practice Mode for self‑training or turn it on for Manager accounts.
Share the Precise Petcare App links and the Pet Sitter Manual.
Pet Sitters cannot enter Practice Mode; use individual Training Visits instead.
8. Import Real Clients & Pets (Live Mode)
Get spreadsheets of your records, save as CSV files and Import them into the system.
After import, spot‑check a few profiles for accuracy.
9. Invite Clients & Go Live
Send invitation emails to clients.
Archive any sample data you no longer need.
Announce portal and app links.
Welcome aboard!