The Cali Notary
A DAY IN THE LIFE

February 13, 2024

Nice Doggie(?) Dealing with Pets at Notary Appointments

The Cali Notary
A DAY IN THE LIFE

You arrive at your signing appointment and there is a lot of barking behind the door. What could go wrong?

Mobile notaries visit not only offices but homes on a daily basis. Going to the customer where it is most convenient for their schedule is high priority in this business.

For many people, pets are members of the family and also tend to function as a secondary doorbell or gate keeper. It can be a little unnerving when a pet comes to greet you along with your client or customer. 

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 is a scenario that will continue. But how should you handle yourself and your notary supplies from potentially being 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 in order for the appointment to stay on time that 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 the notary appointment to fit into their schedule. If the notary public cannot complete the appointment, this leaves the customer in a bad spot. If the customer insists that their pet will not disrupt your appointment, then firmly suggest to the client that you move 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 just 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 that I was no longer welcome by biting me on 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.

The Cali Notary – A DAY IN THE LIFE

That phone ringing could be a new client! Grab a pen!

Scheduling notary appointments to meet with clients is very exciting. Having an organized scheduling system is crucial so that your day doesn’t turn into a circus act.

Over the course of my 20-year notary career, I can tell you that the availability of notaries is something that most people take for granted. Most “on staff” notaries public can be called up to serve the client with barely any hesitation. But mobile notaries are running (and I mean literally running) their own business out of their car and/or home. Not having an organized and realistic schedule can cost you business big time. If you don’t already use a calendar or personal scheduler, either digital or paper, you need to get on the ball. Depending on the documents that are presented for notarization, signers and notaries might need to meet anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour or more. 

Why are signing details so important?

When those important and lucrative requests for notary appointments are made, the more details you get from the client during your initial conversation can help you determine how long the signing appointment will really take. Many clients have asked me to “come in for a quick notarization”. But when I get there, many times something always needs a little clarification, signers’ identification is misplaced, more signers need to be rounded up, etc. But a notary public needs to be ever mindful of their time so that their schedule can be as realistic and profitable as possible. It can be a little daunting to ask the client for details on the content of their documents like how many signers and how many signatures are taking place. Sometimes you will be speaking to the assistant or the spouse of the signer. If that is the case, they might not have all the details that you are looking for. When you can’t get all the details in advance, pad your time wisely. Booking clients back to back to back with little time for unexpected delays is not only juggling, now you are juggling flaming torches! And showing up late is never professional.  

How long should I schedule a notary appointment?

Not every client needs a full hour of your notary time. But having more details will help you build that realistic timeframe. And most of this comes from experience. Don’t go anywhere without your trusty schedule. If that scheduler is digital, remember that if you are driving in our Golden State, you cannot use that cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, with speaker phone or voice commands; never while holding it. Having some cards with a little script to remind you to ask those all important “who, what, when, where, how many” questions can secure those details for your schedule. Keep script cards in the car, in your preferred notarial satchel or tote, paper clipped into your personal calendar for the week or month, or as a note in your digital device. Being mindful of your time will help set you up for success.    

Introduction:

In the realm of legal documents and certifications, the notary plays a pivotal role. Traditionally, this meant scheduling appointments and traveling to a notary’s office. However, mobile notary services have revolutionized this process, bringing unparalleled convenience and efficiency. In this blog, we’ll explore why choosing a mobile notary service is a game-changer for anyone needing document notarization.

The Rise of Mobile Notary Services:

Mobile notary services have seen a surge in popularity, and for good reason. These services offer a modern solution to document notarization, catering to the needs of a fast-paced and convenience-driven society.

Key Benefits of Using Mobile Notary Services:

1. Unmatched Convenience: The most significant advantage of mobile notary services is convenience. You no longer need to travel to a notary’s office. A mobile notary will come to your location, whether it’s your home, office, or even a local café. This flexibility saves you time and effort, especially in urgent situations.
2. Flexible Scheduling: Mobile notaries often provide more flexible hours than traditional notaries. They are available outside of regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, making them ideal for people with busy schedules.
3. Time-Saving: In today’s fast-paced world, time is precious. Mobile notaries save you a significant amount of time, as you don’t need to worry about commuting, parking, or waiting in line.
4. Ideal for Urgent Situations: Mobile notaries are perfect for urgent or last-minute notarization needs. Their ability to come to you quickly can be crucial in time-sensitive situations, such as closing real estate transactions or legal matters.
5. Enhanced Accessibility: For those with mobility issues or limited transportation options, mobile notaries are a blessing. They ensure that everyone has access to notarial services, regardless of their ability to travel.
6. Privacy and Comfort: Having a notary come to your preferred location allows for a more private and comfortable experience. This is particularly important for sensitive documents or when discussing confidential matters.
7. Reduced Risk and Increased Safety: In times when health and safety are paramount, minimizing travel and public interactions is essential. Mobile notary services align perfectly with this need, offering a safer alternative to traditional notarization methods.
8. Personalized Service: Mobile notaries often provide a more personalized and attentive service. They can spend more time with you, ensuring that all your questions are answered and that you fully understand the documents you’re signing.

Conclusion:

Mobile notary services represent a significant advancement in the way notarial services are delivered. They offer a blend of convenience, flexibility, and efficiency that is hard to match. Whether you’re a busy professional, a caregiver, or someone who values the convenience of modern solutions, mobile notary services are designed to meet your needs in today’s fast-moving world.

Remember, the next time you need a document notarized, think of the simplicity and ease that mobile notary services can provide. It’s not just about getting a signature; it’s about getting it done right, at your convenience.

Introduction:

Welcome to The OC Mobile Notary – your trusted, efficient, and convenient solution for all notarial services in Orange County! In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for even the smallest tasks can be challenging, let alone for something as crucial and time-sensitive as notarization. That’s where we come in, offering a unique blend of convenience, professionalism, and reliability, right at your doorstep.

What We Offer:

At The OC Mobile Notary, we understand the importance of your time and documents. We specialize in offering a wide range of notarial services tailored to meet the needs of individuals, businesses, and legal entities. Our services include but are not limited to:

• Acknowledgments and Jurats
• Loan signings
• Estate planning documents
• Power of Attorney documents
• Trust certifications
• Affidavits
• Healthcare Directives

Why Choose The OC Mobile Notary?

1. Convenience at Your Fingertips: Our mobile notary service means we come to you, wherever you are in Orange County. Be it your home, office, or a local coffee shop, we ensure that getting your documents notarized is as convenient as possible.
2. Expertise and Professionalism: Our team consists of experienced, certified notaries public who are well-versed in California notary laws. We ensure that your documents are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
3. Flexible Scheduling: We understand that your schedule is tight. That’s why we offer flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends, to fit your busy life.
4. Confidential and Secure: We adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality and security. Your documents and personal information are always safe with us.
5. Affordable and Transparent Pricing: We believe in transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our services are competitively priced, ensuring that you get the best value for your money.

Our Commitment to You:

At The OC Mobile Notary, your satisfaction is our top priority. We are committed to providing you with a seamless and hassle-free notarial experience. Our goal is to build lasting relationships with our clients based on trust, efficiency, and exceptional service.

Ready to experience the ultimate in notary convenience? Contact “The OC Mobile Notary” today! Schedule your appointment by calling us at (949) 981-4369 or We look forward to serving you and making your notarial needs stress-free!

The OC Mobile Notary is more than just a service; it’s a solution designed to bring peace of mind and ease to your notarial needs. Let us handle the legwork while you focus on what’s important to you. We’re not just notaries; we’re your partners in ensuring that your documents are legally binding and recognized. Trust us to be there for you, anytime and anywhere in Orange County.