Pet sitter business management system

Abstract

We provide a system that can provide a consistent service from receiving pet sitters' orders to reporting after the service is completed. [Solution] A pet sitting business management system for pet sitters who take care of pets at a location specified by a user in accordance with a method specified by the user, the system having: a storage means for storing a contract, a care management file containing details of the care, and a care report; a means for limiting the people who can access the contract, care management file, and report stored in the storage means; a means for limiting the authority to modify the care management file and report; a means for confirming that the sitter has arrived at the location specified by the user; a means for the sitter to notify the user that care at the location specified by the user has been completed; a means for the sitter to send the user photos, videos, and / or messages of the pet care being completed; a means for reporting that care has been completed; and a means for saving the photos, videos, and / or messages.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pet sitter's business management and reporting system for looking after pets. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for managing pet sitters' work, from receiving orders to caring for pets and reporting. [Background technology]

[0002] Previously, there were systems that created and saved electronic medical records for animal patients and sent them to users (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, these systems were configured to extract the animal patient's medical record information each time a user requested it, edit it as needed, and send it to the user's information terminal. While this system was useful for animals that did not visit the hospital frequently, if a pet that was not sick was cared for multiple times, the reports would become enormous, and sending each care report to the user was cumbersome. It was also inconvenient to carry around the reports in a file or on paper.

[0003] In addition, there was no system that allowed pet sitters to handle everything from receiving orders to caring for the pet and reporting, and to report to customers in real time. Users would only find out the details of the care in a report covering the entire period after they returned home, rather than in real time, and managers would only find out the results of the care through simple verbal reports from individual sitters, and would check the details in a report after the care period had ended.

[0004] Therefore, there was a need for a management and reporting system that would handle everything from pet sitter orders to real-time reporting and subsequent aftercare. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-103426 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] We provide a system that can provide a consistent service from receiving pet sitters' orders to reporting after the service is completed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) A business management system for pet sitters who take care of pets at a location designated by a user and in a manner designated by the user, a storage means for storing a contract, a care management file containing care details, and / or a care report; A means for limiting the people who can access the contract, care management file, and / or report stored in the storage means; A means for limiting the authority to modify the care management file and report; A means for the sitter to notify the administrator that the sitter has arrived at the location designated by the user; A means for the sitter to notify the user that care at the location designated by the user has been completed; A way for the sitter to send you photos, videos and / or messages while caring for your pet; and a means for storing the photos, videos, and / or messages. Here, the means for limiting who can access the reports may be an ID and password, an email address and password, etc. The storage means actually refers to a folder dedicated to the customer in which contracts, care management files, reports, etc. are stored. (2) A means for limiting the persons who can access the report is provided. A means of sending the user a URL to access the folder containing the report; means for transmitting an access code for folder access; A means for users to enter an access code to read reports in a folder The pet sitting business management system according to (1) above, characterized by having: (3) A management system as in (1), in which the care management file and the care report are created using different software. By creating them using different software, the care management file and the report can be opened, read, and manipulated simultaneously. For example, the care management file can be created in Excel and the report in Word. This is because, while two or more files cannot be opened simultaneously on a smartphone using the same software, they can be opened and viewed simultaneously using different software. (4) In addition, the pet-sitting business management system (1) allows users to apply for pet care online. (5) The pet sitting business management system of (1) characterized by the ability to identify the sender of the official LINE. (6) The pet sitting business management system described in (1) is characterized by the ability to send messages to specific target individuals. This function allows for targeted delivery. For example, necessary information can be sent only to people who own cats or to people in a specific area. (7) The pet sitting business management system of (1) above, in which the AI ​​cycles through the storage means, reads the schedules and reports of all sitters, extracts the characteristics of the sitters, and when a new pet request is made, outputs the best sitters for that pet in the best order. The storage means preferably includes the sitter's schedule, as this allows the AI ​​to make decisions based on the sitter's schedule as well. This system is for pet sitters, but can also be used for caregivers. In that case, simply replace "user" with "person requesting care," "pet" with "person receiving care," and "sitter" with "caregiver." [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a system is provided that allows users, managers, and sitters to view details of care provided and a report of care provided from the pet sitter's visit to the end online in real time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the flow of accepting new customers. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of an application for a repeat customer. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the flow of the day of care. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a care management file. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a report. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The system of the present invention is a system that allows a pet owner to request someone to look after their pet for some reason, such as traveling, and the requested manager will have the pet sitter visit a location specified by the user (usually the user's home), look after the pet, and report back to the user when the care is complete for each requested visit. The overall system is shown in Figure 1.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention is a system that stores signed contracts, care management files containing care instructions, and care reports online in dedicated folders for each client, and allows only the administrator, pet sitter, and client to view the folders in real time. This folder is highly secure.

[0012] To access this customer-only folder, use the folder sharing function, register the email addresses of those who will have access, and create an access link (URL) for the folder. Display the dedicated URL with this email address by clicking the button in the rich menu of the official LINE app, and click the URL (or paste it into a browser such as Safari). A button will appear that will send a code to the registered email address, so click on it (clicking will transition to a screen where you can enter the next confirmation code (access code)). By entering the access code sent to your email address into the input box on the site linked to the URL and submitting it, you can access the customer-only folder and read the contract, care management file, and report. This customer-only folder can only be accessed by the administrator, all sitters, and customers who have that email address.

[0013] As a method other than using the access code, an email address, an ID and password, or an authentication code on a mobile phone in addition to these may be used. In short, there are no particular limitations on the method as long as a high level of security can be achieved.

[0014] Conventionally, contracts, management sheets, reports, etc. have been managed on paper, but storing hundreds of reports each month on paper requires space and is inconvenient to carry. With the system of the present invention, a huge number of reports are stored online in separate folders for each client, making them easy to search and read as needed, and offering the excellent advantage of being able to view past similar cases in real time and take action while caring for a pet.

[0015] When making an initial application, the service provider visits the actual care location (usually the client's home) and explains the care methods, fees, and other conditions. Once an agreement is reached, the service provider has the client digitally sign the application and contract, which are then saved as a PDF (Figure 2). This contract is saved in a folder for each client. An electronic signature system can also be used for signing. In this case, the downloaded contract after signing is saved in the client's folder. This allows the client to review the contract at any time, and any changes to the contract can be reviewed in real time by uploading an amended contract. During the visit, the service provider also interviews the client regarding details such as the pet to be cared for, toilet facilities, and window opening, and fills out a detailed care management file, which is saved in an Excel file in a folder for each client. Reservations for care can also be accepted as needed, and payment can be completed during the visit.

[0016] From the second time onwards, applications can be made online. When an application is made online, the administrator will check the sitter's schedule and, if possible, will respond to accept the request. If the previous sitter is unable to make the request, another sitter will be searched for and the most suitable sitter will be assigned (Figure 3). Sitter selection can be done manually, but it is preferable to have an AI such as ChatGPT load the sitter's schedule, past responsibilities, strengths and weaknesses, types of animals previously requested, and dates, and then automatically allocate the schedule.

[0017] On the day, when the sitter arrives, they will contact the administrator via LINE with the user's last name and pet's name, allowing the administrator to confirm that the sitter has arrived at the care location. If the sitter is late due to an accident or other reason, the administrator will contact the customer in real time.

[0018] It is preferable for sitters to send photos, videos, and / or messages to users while caring for their pets at their discretion. This is because many users find it reassuring and enjoyable to see videos of their pets having fun in near real time. In this case, since images and other information are only stored for six months when sent via the official LINE app, it is preferable to use an add-on program (such as L-Message) that allows permanent storage.

[0019] After each visit, the sitter will create a report in a Word file, save it in the client's folder, and contact the client (for example, via official LINE or email). For easier management, it is preferable to register only clients on the official LINE account. When the client clicks on the URL included in the message, an access code will be sent to the client's email address. The client can then read the report in the folder by entering this access code in the input box on the next screen (automatic transition) after the link. The URL can also be displayed from the LINE rich menu.

[0020] Access to this folder is protected by email address and access code, and the folder can only be viewed by clients, all sitters, and administrators. Clients do not have editing rights to the care management files and reports; clients can only view them, while only administrators and sitters can edit the care management files, and sitters and administrators can edit the reports. Editing rights for files in the folder can be set for each person using their email address.

[0021] By making the report files available to sitters other than the assigned sitter, even if the assigned sitter is unavailable or has left the sitter due to a move, the new sitter can still provide appropriate care by looking at past reports to find out the pet's preferences and care points.

[0022] In addition, by looking at past reports, sitters can learn know-how such as how to deal with illnesses and unexpected accidents, which also serves as training for sitters.

[0023] If you record the pet sitters' knowledge and know-how in reports and videos, you can use it to train new employees who join the company later, reducing the amount of training required.

[0024] In the case of pet sitters, many customers tend to repeat orders once they have placed an order, and if requests are made multiple times each year, the reports become enormous, making it difficult to print them out and bring them with them. Therefore, in the past, pet sitters would bring only the most recent report, but this was insufficient as it sometimes did not contain important information from previous years. According to the present invention, all information about the pets being cared for can be viewed online, allowing for more personalized care.

[0025] In addition, L-Message has been improved to extend the storage period for images, videos and / or messages, allowing them to be stored permanently, whereas LINE only stores them for six months. This means that you can view them whenever you want, and by looking at videos and photos of past playtimes and enjoying them while caring for your pet, you can make your pet happier, which has the advantage of increasing customer satisfaction.

[0026] In addition, LINE can be customized and tagged, allowing users to narrow down the messages they send to specific pets, such as cats only or dogs only. This prevents messages from being sent to unrelated people and reduces delivery costs.

[0027] The sitter will report their arrival at the client's location via a message such as LINE, allowing the manager to check whether the sitter has arrived properly and whether they are late.

[0028] All sitters can read the reports of all pet sitting sessions, so even if the person in charge retires or someone else takes over, they can review the reports and care management sheets in advance and provide the best possible care, even if it is their first time.

[0029] If there are any changes to the request, the location of the toilet, etc., the customer will contact them in real time and the changes will be entered into the care management file, allowing the sitter to be aware of the changes in real time and respond accordingly.

[0030] When a request comes in, it is preferable to use AI to decide on the allocation of sitters. A master email address with access to all folders is designated, and by reading all reports in the folder, the system learns the characteristics of sitters. Then, the system can read the pet's type, age, gender, characteristics, etc. from the care management file, and recommend the most suitable sitters from top to bottom. If necessary, instead of reading all reports, it is also possible to read only the most recent reports, such as those from the last three years, one year, or six months, and use them to allocate sitters.

[0031] A simpler recommendation system could be one in which each sitter self-reports the types of animals they are good at, their age, and their sex, as well as the types of animals they are not good at, their age, and their sex, and when a request comes in, the system would compare that data and display suitable sitters in order of suitability. [Example]

[0032] An overview of the present invention is shown in Figure 1. The present invention consists of a server containing a report database, the official LINE app, and its add-on program (e.g., L-Message), and users can access and read their pet care reports by sending a folder access URL via LINE.

[0033] In FIG. 1, 9. Sitter DB, 10. User DB, and 11. Pet Information DB are preferably relational DBs.

[0034] Administrators, sitters, and users can access 8. Report DB using their respective email addresses and access codes. It is preferable to set permissions so that administrators have the right to edit all files, including care management files, sitters have the right to edit reports and care management files, and users only have the right to view. This can be set using email addresses.

[0035] Communication between users and administrators or sitters is conducted via the official LINE app, and photos, videos, and / or messages are sent to users through the official LINE app. The 15 official LINE add-on programs allow users to customize LINE for easier use. For example, messages sent through the add-on program can be identified as having been sent by a specific sender. Furthermore, messages, images, and video files can be viewed for a period of time, for example, indefinitely, instead of the usual six months for the official LINE app. Furthermore, users can be narrowed down to specific attributes, such as only dogs or only cats, and messages can be sent only to users who match that attribute.

[0036] Figure 2 shows the flow of accepting new customers (users). New customers apply through the application form on the website, then meet face-to-face with the manager at the location where the pet will be cared for (for example, the user's home), and if they are satisfied with the terms, they sign a contract. It is preferable for the customer to sign on a tablet device (such as an iPad (registered trademark)) on the screen. The signed contract is saved in the user's folder, so the user can view it at any time.

[0037] Next, the manager will interview the client and create a pet care management file. It is recommended that the care management file contain detailed information, such as that shown in Figure 5, so that the sitter can care for the pet without any confusion when they visit. It is recommended to include as much detail as possible, such as whether to open the windows, open and close the curtains, how to hand over the keys and receive payment, how to dispose of the litter box, where to store the food, and how much food to eat.

[0038] If necessary, users can also apply for care at the same time as the interview. If they apply, the administrator will contact them with the amount to be charged, and after confirming payment, they will select a sitter and begin care on the specified date.

[0039] Repeat customers can make a request through the official LINE application form, as shown in Figure 3. In this case, it is preferable to be able to apply from a rich menu. If the request is accepted, a notification of acceptance and an invoice are sent, and after payment is confirmed, a sitter is selected (this can also be selected at the time of application) and dispatched. The amount of the invoice can be displayed automatically, and it is preferable to be able to pay by credit card.

[0040] The flow of the day's care is shown in Figure 4. When the sitter arrives, they will notify the administrator via LINE or other means. If they are delayed for any reason, it is preferable for them to contact the administrator and the user. After arriving, they will enter the room using the key they were given in advance and begin caring for the pet. If they deem it appropriate during care, they will send photos and videos to the user. This puts the user at ease and makes them feel happy when they see the pet enjoying itself. It is preferable to send photos and videos using the official LINE add-on program, L-Message, because this allows images and other information to be viewed for a longer period of time (for example, indefinitely).

[0041] After completing care, the sitter will record the details of the care in a report in the user's individual folder, and once the entry is complete, they will send the user an access URL. The user can view the report in the folder by clicking the URL and entering the access code sent to them via email into the input box on the transition screen. This report is written every time a caregiver cares for a pet, so it also accumulates care know-how and is useful when changing or adding caregivers, or when handing over responsibility, and it also serves as a useful resource for sitter training.

[0042] When a request is made, assigning a sitter can be done manually, but it is tedious. Therefore, artificial intelligence (AI) can read the schedules and reports in all users' folders, learn the strengths and weaknesses of each sitter, and, when the requested pet's characteristics (species, sex, age, whether it needs walking, personality, favorite activities, etc.) are entered, the system will display the most suitable sitter in the most appropriate order. Programs that achieve this function can be created using code-generation AI such as ChatGPT, Claude, GitHub Copilot, Amazon Q Developer, Replit Agent, and Cursor.

[0043] Alternatively, such an allocation system can be programmed using ChatGPT's GPTs. In this case, GPTs can be programmed to read a Word-formatted sitter report file, and then ask questions about the pet's characteristics (species, sex, age, whether it needs walking, personality, favorite activities, etc.), and by inputting the answers, the system can display an appropriate number of sitters (e.g., 3 or 5) in order of best fit.

[0044] Even more simply, you can enter a score for each sitter's strengths and weaknesses in a sitter database and compare it with the characteristics of a newly requested pet. For example, you can assign scores such as 3, 2, and 1 for cat-friendly, average, and weak-friendly, and then assign a score to each item and display sitters in order of the highest total score. Items that can be scored include cats, dogs, age, gender, and walks. This scoring system can also be used for the AI ​​and GPTs systems mentioned above. [Industrial Applicability]

[0045] The present invention can be used in pet sitting businesses and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1. Babysitter terminal 2. Administrator terminal 3. User terminal 4. Authentication Information DB 5 Authentication Section 6 Data transmission and reception unit 7. Report Input Section 8 Report DB (document storage means) 9 Sitter DB 10 User Database 11 Pet Information DB 12 Access Code Issuance Department 13 Sitter Recommendation Department 14 Official LINE 15 Official LINE Add-on Program

Claims

1. A business management system for a pet sitter who takes care of a pet at a location designated by a user in accordance with a method designated by the user, a storage means for storing a contract, a care management file containing details of care, and / or a care report; A means for limiting the people who can access the contract, care management file, and / or report stored in the storage means; A means for limiting the authority to modify the care management file and report; means for confirming that the sitter has arrived at the user's designated location; A means for the sitter to notify the user that care at the location designated by the user has been completed; A means for the sitter to send photos, videos and / or messages to the user while caring for the pet; A means of reporting completion; means for storing said photos, videos and / or messages; A pet sitting business management system with

2. A means for limiting the people who can access the report is provided. A means of sending the user a URL to access the folder containing the report; means for transmitting an access code for folder access; A means for users to enter an access code to read reports in a folder 2. The pet sitting business management system according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. 2. The pet sitting business management system of claim 1, wherein the care management file and the care report are created using different software.

4. The pet sitting business management system of claim 1, further comprising the step of allowing applications for pet care to be made online.

5. The pet sitting business management system according to claim 1, characterized in that the sender of the official LINE message can be identified.

6. 2. The pet sitting business management system according to claim 1, wherein a message can be sent by specifying only a specific target person.

7. The pet sitting business management system of claim 1, wherein the AI ​​cycles through the storage means, reads the schedules and reports of all sitters, extracts the characteristics of the sitters, and when a request for a new pet is received, outputs the best sitters for that pet in the best order.

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