Q. What happens if my pet becomes injured or ill?
A. We are dedicated to the excellent care of your pet. In the event of an emergency, we will take your pet to the nearest animal hospital or your own vet. We will also contact you or your designated emergency contact. The pet sitter will stay with your pet until you are reached and appropriate action is taken.
Q. Will I always have the same pet sitter?
A. The goal is for you to have a long-term relationship with your pet sitter. The only time you would have a different sitter is in the event of illness or injury to your assigned sitter. A backup sitter will be trained and aware of all your needs.
Q. Are you bonded and insured?
A. Yes.
Q. How do you handle pet accidents and destruction of property?
A. We will make every attempt to clean accidents with supplies that you have on hand for this purpose. If you have no suitable supplies, we will purchase them for you, adding them to your final bill. Please be aware that not all accidents can be completely erased, no matter what product is used. If you have scheduled one or two visits per day for your pet and we find feces or urine during the next scheduled visit, we will increase the number of visits per day. You will be notified if this occurs and billed accordingly.
Q. Pet taxi service
A. This service is available. In the case of cats that hide, we will make every attempt to get them into a carrier. If this proves impossible after at least 15 minutes, we will advise you so that you can notify the vet or groomer.
Q. Should I do anything upon my return home?
A. We ask that you call Society Pet Sitter to confirm your return home.
Q. Can I have someone share pet-sitting responsibilities?
A. Insurance does not cover the presence of visitors or other caregivers in the home. In the interest of our safety and that of your pets we request that you contract solely with us. We reserve the right to discontinue caring for your pets if we become aware of another person performing duties we are contracted to perform or neglecting to care for your pet on their scheduled times.
Q. What supplies should I have on hand?
A. You should have plenty of pet supplies on hand, including food, litter, pocket pet bedding, bird cage lining, etc., for the period of time you will be away. If supplies run out, we will purchase additional supplies and bill you accordingly.
Q. Will my dog be walked during temperatures extremes?
A. If the heat index is above 100 degrees, we will not walk dogs unless they are accustomed to being outdoors, and then only for a short walk. If there are strong storms, with thunder and lightning, your dog will not be walked. In either case, Society Pet Sitter will take your pet outside long enough to relieve him/herself, and spend the remainder of the visit indoors. If the temperature in your home is too warm or cold for your pets we will adjust the thermostat.
Q. What time will you visit my pets?
A. We want to maintain your pets routine including the times that they are let outside so they are on their same routine when you return home. In general, specific visit times cannot be guaranteed. We like to keep within an hour on either side of your requested time. Two visits per day are scheduled approximately 12 hours apart unless otherwise agreed. In the case of time-sensitive medication issues these will be priority visits.
Q. Why do you need two sets of keys?
A. Occasionally, the unexpected happens and we need to ensure we can have the pets cared for no matter what. Therefore, we ask for two sets. We keep one locked away and one is taken by the sitter. Client keys are marked with your pets name and last name. Address will NOT be on your key tag.
Q. How much notice of cancellation do you need?
A. We do not require a time frame for cancellation. If the sitter is on their way to your home or has arrived at your home for their scheduled visit then you will be charged for a visit.
Q. If I cancel with less than a 48 hour notice, will I incur any fees?
A. No. I think we are the only sitting company that does NOT charge a fee for canceling. We believe that in todays world things do come up, flights get canceled, etc. Please do remember that your sitter has set aside time for your visits. They depend on your business as income. If we have to turn down another client because your sitter is booked (we do not overbook) and you cancel at the last minute, then the sitter will lose income for those visits that they could have done.
Q. Do I have to sign a contract?
A. Yes, we need a signed statement that you agree to let us into your home to care for your animals and that you are aware of and agree to our policies/procedures.
Q. Do you have references?
A. Yes, we can provide you with a list upon request.
Q. How do I pay?
A. We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards through Paypal. Checks are made payable to Society Pet Sitter. We will email you a confirmation / invoice prior to your service. There is a Paypal button to click on just right of the total to pay on line.
Q. How are gratuities handled?
A. Gratuities are accepted and may be offered directly to your pet sitter. If you would like to include a gratuity with your payment for pet sitting services, you may and the full gratuity will be given to your pet sitter.
Q. What is the purpose of the e-mail service confirmation that gets sent when I book a service?
A. The schedule confirmation messages are service we offer primarily for peace of mind for you. Having the dates of service correct, the services to be delivered clearly documented eliminates any possible confusion or misunderstanding. The service confirmations also keep you updated on the status of any credit or balances you may have on file from returning home early or by extending your trip. Please look over the confirmation and make sure the dates are correct.
Q. If I get a confirmation, and need to adjust the dates of service or services being delivered, what should I do?
A. You can e-mail the changes to us or you can call our office. We will make the adjustments in our system and send you and updated confirmation.
Q. Can I make changes to my service order?
A. No, at the present time you can either phone in or e-mail adjustments to your service.