Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Does the Service Agreement bind the client to a certain number of days or visits? If a long term assignment, can we cancel at any time or add more visits? A. My Service Agreement does not bind to a certain number of days or visits. It gathers information about your pet and their routine, but it is binding on my business policies, such as: A promise to perform services and a promise to be paid for services or supplies that the pet may suddenly need (food, medical care, etc), that outdoor pets be vaccinated for rabies. The agreement is flexible as to the number of visits you will need in the future and no long term committment is required by the client. ------------------ Q. Do you watch the pet at your home or ours? A. Your pets remains in the comfort of their own home, with all their familiar items and scents. When we set up an initial interview to go over the Service Agreement, we will establish how many visits your pet needs and how long each visit will be. Many only need 1 or 2 visits, some 3 or more. You know best what your pets needs. --------------------- Q. What if my pet needs medication? A. Not a problem at all! I have experience as a veterinary assistant/technician and as a certified medical assistant (for humans). That experience allows me to be comfortable administering oral, topical, and injectable medications. ------------------ Q. What other services (other than pet-sitting) do you offer? A. I offer Veterinary Transport and Pet Taxi to take your pet to vet visits, groomers, etc. I also offer Dog Walks if you have long work hours or you have a new puppy that needs midday walks. There are also "quick visits" for those who only need a 15 minute visit to check on the pet, check your home, etc. I can also run small errands for you if needed. Charges would depend on length of time (I would be very efficient) and the cost of the purchased item. ---------------------- Q. What are your business policies? A. - That any add-on visits, or necessary costs (such as: food, vets fees or unusual supplies) be paid for by the client. - That I agree to provide services in a reliable and trusworthy manner. That the client understand that pets are unpredictable and unusual circumstances will be dealt with in the best manner possible at the time. - If the pet has a history of aggression or biting, I reserve the right to refuse service. - Dogs and outdoor cats must have a current/valid rabies vaccination. - I do ask for payment at the beginning of my services. Cash or a check can be left in the "communication folder" that I will provide at your meet-n-greet. ------------------ Q. How much advanced notice is needed to be scheduled for your services? A. It is preferred that at least a week notice is given. However, emergencies do come up for pet owners. I will make all attempts to work your pet in the schedule. It is important to me that you and your pet have a pleasant experience, which is why I like to meet your pet prior to their visits. Please call me as soon as you know you will be needing the emergency service. A Service Agreement is still required for first time clients. Once established, a simple phone call is all I need. --------------- Q. Do you keep keys on file in your office? If so, are they secure? A. I do keep keys on file for future services. It is especially handy for an established client for last minute needs. We would not need to figure out how to exchange keys. The keys are kept in a locked key box in a totally separate area from client files, which are in a fireproof file cabinet. Each key is coded with a unique code only I and my husband know how to decode. I only keep the keys I need for the days' visits on my keyring.------------------Q. Do you work on holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas? A. I do work on holidays. Keep in mind that those popular holidays, especially when attached to a weekend, tend to fill up fast, so advanced scheduling is recommended. For Thanksgiving and Christmas, my visit schedule is very limited. My family is just as important to me as your family and pets are to you and it is necessary for me to enjoy those special occasions with my loved ones. I do not offer mid-day visits. I will do some early/mid-morning visits (til 11am) and evening visits (no earlier than 8pm). The rest of the day is non-negotiable. I do appreciate your understanding and apologize if this causes inconvenience.-------------------Q. Are you insured and bonded? Do you have employees?A. I am insured through the Pet Sitters Associates, LLC (http://www.petsitllc.com). I am bonded through the Business Insurers of the Carolinas (http://petsitterinsurance.com). I do not have employees and at this time, am not considering hiring any. Either my husband or myself will be performing your pet sitting needs. On the occasion of a true emergency, you will be notified and be given the option of me trying to locate another pet sitter to cover my absence. Those sitters are also Independent Contractors like myself and have their own pet sitting insurance and liable for their own selves.
