If it were only that easy!  However, these people are busy, putting their jobs, family, and social events ahead of your pets.  They may not be able to devote the time and attention that your pet will receive from a paid/professional pet sitter.  Your friends, neighbors, or family members may also resent frequent requests to look after your pet while you're away; likely resulting in less attention/TLC for your beloved pets. 

 

For additional peace of mind, I am also better able to handle an emergency with your pet. I am certified in cat and dog first aid and CPR, with the American Red Cross.  Also, if your travel plans must be extended, we will be available to continue to take care of your pet until you return.

 

Lastly, unlike friends, neighbors, or family, when I go out of town, I won’t ask you to watch my pets.  :-)

 

Sending your pet to a boarding facility can be a traumatic experience for you and your pet.  When you are away, your pets’ routine is disrupted.   By hiring a pet sitter, your pets can stay in their home and get plenty of one-on-one love and attention.  In a kennel, they will be exposed to unfamiliar surroundings and sounds -- and possibly even illness of other animals -- not to mention pesky FLEAS/TICKS!  For many pets, being transported can be very stressful. 

 

In addition, a pet sitter will watch over your home while you are away. A pet sitter can water plants, bring in the mail/newspaper, turn on/off lights, open/close blinds, do a perimeter check, and notify you should there be a problem with your pets or your home.

 

Yes!  For your peace of mind, I an insured and bonded through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC.

 

Absolutely!  I find this to be very important, therefore every client schedules a free introductory visit with me before services begin. During this visit, I will meet your and your pets to review everything, and answer your questions.  It is very important to me that you feel comfortable leaving your "family" in my care!

 

I realize that the needs of each animal and home are unique. To accommodate your needs, I offer a wide variety of services, to include:

• Daily dog walking: I walk and/or run your dog while you’re at work during the day (and pick-up/dispose of waste).

• Short-term daytime pet care/house sitting: I can visit your dog or cat every day while you’re out of town. I will maintain your pet's usual daily routine with play, feeding, and exercise.  I will also scoop litter boxes, clean up accidents, ensure they have clean water, etc.  Dog bathing and brushing is also an option.

• Overnight pet care/house sitting: I provide the usual daytime pet sitting services, and also stay the night at your house so your dog or cat is not lonely.

• Pet taxi service: I can transport your pet to the groomer, veterinarian, airport, or other location.

 

Except in an emergency, I will personally be taking care of your pets. If I am unavailable because I am going on vacation, you will be notified in advance so you can meet with the substitute pet sitter.  Except in an emergency, as described above, I, nor an emergency substitue, will bring, children, family or friends into your home without your prior permission.

 

Your personal contact information: cell phone number and email address.  If you will not be carrying a cell phone or a cell phone will not work in the area that you are staying, please provide us with the name and phone number of the hotel or place of stay.

• Emergency contact person: In the event of an emergency and I am unable to reach you.

• Veterinarian name & number for emergency medical purposes.

• Pet Information: This includes the daily routine of walking, feeding and playing. Also tell me about your pets’ favorite treats, location of toys, and about any behavioral problems.

• Medical History: If medication is to be given, please provide detailed instruction from the veterinarian. Of course, we cannot administer medication to a pet that poses a danger.

• Security company phone numbers & codes, if applicable.... Just in case I set off the alarm.

• Key to your home: Please test it first to make sure copies work.

• Names & number of others who may be entering the house: Maid, family, pool service, friends, etc.

 

I keep your key in a secure location in my home or purse. For your security, keys are labeled with your pet’s first name (not your last name, address, nor phone number).

 

I am experienced with pets of varying temperaments. If your cat is shy, I ask that you point out your cat’s favorite hiding places upon the introductory visit. When I arrive for a visit, I will search for your cat. If she can’t be found, I will still stay at your house for the full visit time that you stipulated in your contract. I will also check that your cat is eating and using the litter box to make sure they are just being shy, and is not injured.

 

Generally, I recommend two to three visits per day for a dog, and one visit per day for a healthy cat. Of course, you know best how often your pet is used to going out or being fed. I will work with you to set up a schedule that’s comfortable for you and your pet.

 

Please make sure you have left enough supplies such as pet food, cat litter, medications, and treats to last the duration of your trip. Also, please leave out your pet’s leash (if applicable) and bowl. Be sure to show me where to find cleaning products in case an accident needs to be cleaned up. Please be sure to inform me of any changes in the health of your pets.

 

If I am concerned that your pet may be ill, I will follow the emergency instructions you provided. This usually entails taking your pet to the veterinarian, unless you request otherwise. I will also attempt to contact you right away.

 

If I have an emergency, I will make every effort to contact you for your approval before sending the "emergency partner" in to take care of your pets. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can cancel the current service and make other arrangements.

 

You should return to happy pets!  I ask that you confirm when you return home, so I can be certain you have arrived and I no longer need to visit your pet. Delays often happen and I don't want to make any incorrect assumptions, and leave your pet unattended for too long.

 

Two weeks (or more) notice is preferred. To ensure availability, it is best to contact me as soon as you anticipate you will need pet sitting services. If a last-minute need arises, please do not hesitate to call or email.  I will always try to work with your schedule. Existing clients whose contracts and keys are already in our files can be accommodated on short notice.

 

Depending on the services desired, prices generally start at $15 per visit, which includes multiple pets.  Please refer to the "Services and Rates" page for a price list.   This can be customized, based on your special needs.

 

For vacation/out-of-town visits, clients pay 50% upon start of the job, and 50% upon completion.  For regular/daily visits/dog-walking, invoices should be paid bi-weekly, in advance of visits. 

 

Cash, PayPal (via credit or debit card), and checks.  A $30 NSF fee will be charged for returned checks.

 

You can call or email me to set up the free introductory meeting.