| Frequently
asked pet sitting questions
Why should I use a pet sitter?
When you are away, the routine your pets have with you (exercise, diet,
and personal attention) is disrupted. If you send your pets to a boarding
facility, they will be exposed to the stress of unfamiliar surroundings
and other animals, the trauma of being transported, and possibly, the
illnesses of other animals at the facility.
In addition, a pet sitter will also watch over your home while you are
away. A pet sitter can water plants, bring in your mail, turn lights
on and off, and notify you if anything is amiss.
I’ve heard that pet sitters should be bonded,
insured, and licensed. What does that mean to me and my pets?
Bonding, insuring, and licensing are all steps we take for your safety
and security. Bonding protects you from theft by a pet sitter. Insurance
protects you your home or pet was damaged by the pet sitter. Licensing
guarantees that your pet sitter has agreed to work up to the standards
set forth by Pet Sitters International, the National Association of
Pet Sitters, or both. All DogsGoWalking pet sitters are bonded, insured,
and licensed, and can provide you with his or her documentation.
Why should I use your services, when I might be able to get a friend,
neighbor, or relative to do this?
These are the kinds of friends and neighbors we all love to have. However,
these people are busy and may not be able to devote the time and attention
that your pet will receive from a professional pet sitter. We are bonded
and insured for your peace of mind, and we are better able to handle
an emergency with your pet. If your travel plans change, we will be
available to continue to take care of your pet until you return. And,
when we go out of town, we won’t ask you to watch our pets!
What services do you offer?
We recognize that the needs of each animal and home are unique. To accommodate
your needs, we offer a wide variety of services.
• Daily dog walking: We walk your dog while you’re at work
during the day. We can also accommodate running exercise or taking your
dog to a park.
• Short-term daytime pet sitting: We can visit your dog multiple
times per day while you’re out of town. We will maintain your
dog’s usual daily routine, with play, feeding, and exercise.
• Overnight pet sitting: We provide the usual daytime pet sitting
services but also stay the night at your house so your dog or cat is
not left alone.
• Home boarding service: If your pet likes more attention and
gets along with other pets, we can take care of him or her in our home.
Playing well with others is essential, as we usually have more than
one pet in our home at one time.
• Dog taxi service: We can transport your pet to the groomer,
veterinarian, airport, or other location.
Will my pets and I meet the pet sitter before service starts?
Yes. Every client schedules a free introductory visit with a DogsGoWalking
pet sitter before services begin. During this visit, the pet sitter
meets the pets and owners and reviews policies and guidelines.
Does the pet sitter I meet with personally take care of my pets?
Except in an emergency, the pet sitter you meet at your introductory
visit is the person who will be taking care of your pets. If your pet
sitter will be unavailable because he or she is going on vacation, you
will be notified in advance so you can meet with the substitute pet
sitter. The substitute will also be a licensed DogsGoWalking pet sitter.
Except in an emergency, as described above, DogsGoWalking pet sitters
are not permitted to bring family, friends, or even another pet sitter
into your home without your prior permission.
What information will I need during the introductory visit with
my pet sitter?
First of all, your pet sitter will need a key to your house. If you
don’t have a spare key, please have one made and make sure that
it works. Your pet sitter also needs your contact information while
you’re away. If you won’t be using a cell phone, please
provide the name and number of the place you’re staying on your
trip. Please also leave the name and number of an emergency contact
in case we can’t reach you in an emergency.
Your pet sitter needs to know about your pet. This includes the daily
routine of walking, feeding, and playing; your pet’s favorite
treats, toys, and hiding places; and your pet’s medical history
and any anticipated problems. If your pet sitter will need to administer
any medications, please leave detailed instructions from the veterinarian.
Please also leave the name and number of your pet’s veterinarian.
Please be aware that DogsGoWalking pet sitters cannot administer medication
to a pet that poses a danger to the pet sitter. Your pet sitter will
discuss any potential problems with you during the visit. To prevent
any trouble at your house, please provide your pet sitter with the names
and phone numbers of anyone who might be entering your home while you’re
away. Please also leave the contact number for your security company,
if you have one, in case your pet sitter inadvertently sets off an alarm.
How my keys are handled?
Your pet sitter keeps your key in a secure location in his or her home.
For your security, keys are labeled with your pet’s name only
(not your name, address, or phone number).
What does a pet sitter doing during a pet visit?
During an average visit, the pet sitter provides fresh food and water
for your dog, takes the dog for a walk (including a bathroom break),
and plays with the dog. At your introductory meeting with your pet sitter,
the two of you will discuss how long each visit should be and what it
should comprise.
Can my dog’s walk include a trip to an off-leash dog park?
Yes; we’re happy to take your dog to a local off-leash area. Even
in a legal off-leash area, letting your dog run free raises additional
liability for DogsGoWalking pet sitters. Therefore, we ask that you
sign a permission form if you want this service for your dog. Your pet
sitter can discuss the details of this service with you at your introductory
visit.
My cat is very shy. What will you do if you can’t find her?
DogsGoWalking pet sitters are experienced with pets of many temperaments.
If your cat is shy, we ask that you acquaint your pet sitter with your
cat’s favorite hiding places. When your pet sitter arrives for
a visit, we will search for your cat. If she can’t be found, your
pet sitter will still stay at your house for the full visit time that
you stipulated in your contract. Your pet sitter will also check that
your cat is eating and using the litter box to make sure that your cat
is just being shy and is not injured.
When I go out of town, how many visits per day shall I schedule?
Generally, we recommend three visits per day for a dog (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. Your pet sitter work with you to
set up a schedule that’s comfortable for you and your pet.
Is there anything special I should do before I leave?
Please make sure you have left enough supplies (pet food, cat
litter, medications, treats) for your pet for the duration of your trip.
Also, please leave out your pet’s leash and bowl. Be sure to show
your pet sitter where to find cleaning products in case a mess needs
to be cleaned up while you’re gone. If your pet’s routine
has changed since you last spoke with your pet sitter, please let him
or her know before you leave.
What will you do if my pet has an emergency while I’m
away?
If we suspect that your pet is ill, your pet sitter will follow the
emergency instructions you provided before you left. This usually entails
taking your pet to the veterinarian unless you request otherwise. We
will also try to contact you immediately.
What if my pet sitter has an emergency while I’m away?
Each DogsGoWalking pet sitter has a partner who can access the primary
pet sitter’s schedule, keys, service agreements, and client contact
information. If your pet sitter has an emergency, we will make every
effort to contact you for your approval before sending the partner in
to take care of your pets. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can
cancel the current service and make other arrangements. Please keep
in mind that all DogsGoWalking pet sitters are properly-screened animal
lovers and are covered under our insurance and bonding.
What should I expect when I return home?
You should return to happy, healthy pets. We will leave a note for you
that includes a report on our time spent with your dog and an invoice
for our services.
Please call us when you return home so we can be certain you arrived
and we no longer need to visit your dog. In case you were delayed, we
assume that you have not arrived until we hear from you. For your pet’s
safety, your pet sitter will continue to visit your pet until you confirm
that you are home.
Do DogsGoWalking pet sitters work every day?
Yes. For the convenience of you and your pets, we work 24 hours a day,
7 days a week.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a visit?
We’re happy to reschedule a visit. We do not charge a cancellation
fee.
How do I get started with DogsGoWalking pet service?
You can call or email us to set up a free introductory meeting. If you
email us please include:
• Where you live
• When and how often your need our services
• What kind of pets you have (and how many)
How much advance notice do you require before
service?
Two weeks’ notice is standard. To ensure availability, it’s
best to contact DogsGoWalking as soon as you anticipate you will need
pet sitting services. If a last-minute need arises, please call; we
will always try to work with your schedule. Existing clients whose contracts
and keys are already in our files can be accommodated on very short
notice.
Do the pet sitters have any special training? Before
joining our pet sitting team, each DogsGoWalking pet sitter has to pass
a written test on pet safety and care and attend a class in pet first
aid and CPR.
Do you have references?
Yes. DogsGoWalking is happy to provide references for each of our pet
sitters. For a sample, please read our testimonials page.
How much does each visit cost? Does it cost more if I have multiple
pets?
DogsGoWalking pet sitters are independent contractors who set their
own prices. Prices generally start at $15 per visit, which includes
up to 3 pets. Your pet sitter will give you a list of services and pricing
at your initial consultation.
When do I pay for the service?
Clients generally pay for pet sitting services when they return home.
Clients who have paid late in the past may be required to pay before
leaving town.
What forms of payment do you accept? DogsGoWalking
pet sitters accept cash and checks.
Can I work with you as a DogsGoWalking pet sitter?
DogsGoWalking is always expanding our team of qualified pet sitters.
Please click here for more information.
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