Should pets on the loose during your signing appointment concern you?

Most notaries public don’t walk into a signing appointment expecting to defend their lives from ferocious creatures. With more people having pet companions both at home and at the office, this trend will continue. But how should you handle yourself and your notary supplies if they’re potentially ripped to shreds? This depends on your comfort level and your professionalism.

If you feel potentially threatened by a pet at an appointment, be sure to communicate your concern to your client. You can remind the client that, to keep the appointment on time, distractions should be removed. Or share honestly if you have an allergy or even fear of the animal itself. Once a pet is secured, then everyone can get back to business, and your appointment can get back on track.

What if a client or customer insists their pet is friendly and harmless?

Most clients and customers have requested a notary appointment that fits their schedule. If the notary public cannot complete the appointment, the customer is left in a bad spot. If the customer insists that their pet will not disrupt your appointment, firmly suggest moving to a space where the pet cannot be literally underfoot. In my experience, I have had two situations where I did not insist on moving to a pet-free space, and I paid the price.

During a lengthy loan-signing appointment, the client’s cat insisted on sitting in the chair next to me. Since the cat seemed to mind himself and not get into the papers or supplies for the signing appointment, I didn’t protest the cat’s presence. But my severe cat allergies were really setting in by about the 30-minute mark, and I finished the appointment with watering eyes and a running nose. Not a very professional look. 

The second experience was when a client’s small dog just would not leave my side while seated at the signing table. This was another lengthy signing appointment, and even though the clients were very nice people, their dog showed me I was no longer welcome by biting my ankle. I was not injured, but the clients were embarrassed and apologetic. Now, in the name of safety for all, I always request that my clients and customers secure their pets for signings.