You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
Q: What is in home pet sitting?
A: In home pet sitting is when a sitter comes to your home for scheduled visits and cares for your pet(s) in their own environment. The visits are customized to meet the needs and routines of your pet(s). The sitter comes when and as often as you wish, you can even have them spend the night. Your home will also be cared for with an in home pet sitter. They will bring in the mail and newspaper, pick up packages and flyers, adjust your TV or radio, alternate lights and blinds and even water plants. This gives your home a lived in feel to deter burglars.
Q: Why should I use a pet sitter rather than board my pet(s)?
A: We feel that your pet's routine should not be disturbed unless absolutely necessary. By boarding your pet(s) you risk their comfort, health and social well-being. Just the ride to the boarding facility alone is a hassle for you as well as stressful for your pet(s). Having a professional pet sitter come to your home is the next best thing to having you there. You also have the added benefit that it is also a crime deterrent.
CLICK HERE to see what the Humane Society of the United States has to say about Pet Sitters.
Q: I already have a pet sitter - why should I switch to Park Cities Pet Sitter?
A: Park Cities Pet Sitter, Inc. is a professional pet care and service organization. Our sitters are provided with the support and tools to give you the best, most reliable service available anywhere. Honesty and integrity are vital ingredients of everything we say and do. While individual pet service providers can be capable, responsible people, they often cannot offer you services 365 days a year, 24 hours a day guaranteed.
Q: Are you bonded and insured?
A: Yes, we are a bonded and insured member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters.
Q: Who are your pet sitters?
A: Our pet sitters are mature, responsible animal lovers who are carefully selected based on their experience and high quality ethics. All sitters are carefully screened and go through a thorough background and reference check. They are then sent through our orientation program that is designed to underscore home security, safety for your pet(s) and the highest possible quality standards.
Q: Can I meet my sitter?
A: Absolutely! When you become a new client of Park Cities Pet Sitter, we will schedule a free consultation with a sitter in your area. They will meet you and your pet(s), become familiar with your home and discuss all pertinent information about your pet(s) and home needs. We know that you and your pet(s) like the same familiar face so you will (in most cases) have the same sitter unless you move to another area of town. If your sitter is not available, another one of our 25 qualified professional pet sitters will be. If you give us enough notice we will offer you a meeting with your back up sitter.
Q: How many times a day will you visit? What about overnight?
A: We try to accommodate every situation; the least frequent service we offer is every other day (usually for cats). We can do one to five visits per day, a combination of extended visits and/or overnights - whatever fits the needs of you and your pet(s). We will be happy to discuss your requirements and help you come up with a schedule of services to fit your needs.
Q: Can you give my pet medication?
A: All of our sitters are able to give most pills and liquid medications to most pets. Many of our sitters are also able to give needle administered medications like insulin and allergy shots and in some cases sub-q fluids.
Q: I never have time to go to the groomer or vet can you help?
A: Yes! We offer a pet taxi service to take them wherever they need to go. Your sitter can take your pet(s) to and from their appointment. While 24-hour notice is ideal, if you have an emergency we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. If you need someone to stay with the pet(s) and get instructions, your professional pet sitter can meet with the doctor, obtain a written diagnosis, and pick up any required medications.
Q: Does my dog need to be on a leash if trained?
A: ABSOLUTELY! While your dog may be trained, it is our strict policy to always keep you pet(s) on a leash while in our care outside of your home or yard. This will insure we have control over any unforeseen problems that may arise. There is also a leash law in many areas.
Q: Will you pick up after our pet(s)?
A: Your sitter will pick after your pet(s) when they are out on their walk. They will also pick up after your pet(s) if they go in your yard while under their care if requested. We do not offer a yard clean up…this is only for dogs that are let out into the yard and go at that time. Please see our links for a pet waste clean up services. We will also, of course, take care of all kitty boxes. If your pet(s) get sick in your home, we will clean up after them in most cases. If this requires extended time beyond your visit there may be an additional charge.
Q: Will my sitter have their own supplies to clean up after my pet(s)?
A: YOU are responsible for providing your pet sitter with all cleaning supplies, including bags for picking up or scooping waste, paper towels, carpet cleaners, etc. Please go over any specific details with your sitter for anything that requires special care, i.e. delicate or expensive carpets and rugs.
Q: How do you handle my keys?
A: 1-2 working key(s) should be given to your sitter during the first meeting. Most clients have us keep their keys on file so we are ready for future service at a moments notice. If you require your key to be returned, there will be a charge for future key pick up or drop off arrangements. PLEASE TEST ALL NEWLY MADE KEYS TO SEE THAT THEY WORK PROPERLY!! If you live in a gated community you will also be required to provide your sitter with a gate code or an access device.
Q: What do I do if I want to book service?
A: You have two options. You may either call our office at 214-828-0192. Or you may go to our RESERVATIONS page on-line to conveniently schedule your service. Keep in mind, if you need service within 48 hours you MUST call the office.
Q: How and when is payment received?
A: Payment is due at the start of service. We accept cash, check, and MC/ VISA. You will receive a confirmation call approximately 48 hours prior to start of your service reminding you of the amount due so that you may leave your cash or check. Please leave your payment in a central area for your sitter to pickup, like the kitchen counter or wherever your pet supplies are kept. If you are paying by credit card it will be charged on the first day service begins. For clients with permanent daily dog walks, you may either pay weekly or monthly.
Q: Does my sitter accept tips?
A: Yes. Tips are NEVER expected, but for a job well-done tips are always appreciated! You may include them in your check, leave cash, or have a tip put on your credit card. To use your credit card for tipping just call or email the office and tell us the amount or percentage you would like to give. 100% of all tips go to your sitter.
Q: Are there any extra charges for holiday care?
A: The only extra charges we have during the holidays or any other time are for last minute reservations. For regular service we require 24-hour notice to book service. For major holidays we require two weeks notice to avoid a late booking fee.
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
A: A 24-hour notice for all NON-HOLIDAY cancellations is required. There is no refund for service that is canceled same day, however the remainder of the visits beyond that will be held as a credit or promptly refunded. If you return home early without notifying us, you will be charged for any attempted visits. During the holidays, ALL cancellations should be made at least one week prior to scheduled service. Last-minute cancellations will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds will be given on holiday service after the job has been started. OVERNIGHT bookings will be charged a 50% non refundable deposit at the time of booking ALL year round.
If you have a question that we have not answered, give us a call or drop us an
email at pets@pcpsi.com.
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