Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been in business?
I have been a full-time dog walker and cat sitter since 2002.

How is billing & payment handled?
For cat sitting service, I will leave a bill for you on my final visit. For regularly scheduled dog walking service, you can choose weekly, biweekly, or monthly billing. Payment is due within 10 days of the billing date.

How do you keep my key safe?
I will attach a tag to your key with the name of your pet. For security purposes, your name, address and phone number will never be kept with your key. When I'm not using your key, it is kept in a safe box in my home.

When should I give you a key?
If you feel that I'm the right fit for your pet at the initial interview, you can give me a copy of your key then. If you're not quite ready to make a decision at the time of the interview, I can pick up your key at a later date.

Do you return our keys once we return home?
If there's a chance that you will need my services again in the future, I prefer to keep a copy of your key to simplify arrangements. If I have a copy of your key, you won’t have to make time to get a key to me before your next trip. Having a key on file makes it much easier for me to accommodate last-minute requests. But if you do need your key returned, I will be happy to drop it off. There is an $5 fee for picking up your key for future visits.

What is your policy during inclement weather?
In the case of extreme weather conditions when driving is out of the question, I will walk to your house to visit your cat if that is possible. If you are out of my winter walking range, I will leave extra food for your cat before driving becomes impossible, etc. If you have a neighbor who has your key as the emergency weather backup, you can call that neighbor so that they can visit your cat until the roads are clear again.

What if I get delayed and can’t make it home?
If you get delayed, please call, text, or email me and I will continue to care for your pets until you arrive home.

How much notice is needed to schedule service?
If you are not a current client, please contact me as soon as you know the dates of service needed so that I can confirm my availability and have time to meet with you and pick up a key. At least a week’s notice is preferred. If you are already a client and I have your key on file, I can usually accommodate last-minute requests. Be sure to schedule with me as soon as possible so that I can confirm my availability.

Do you have a cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel scheduled visits, please let me know asap. There is no charge for cancelled dog walks as long as I have not already made the trip to your house. For cat sitting visits, please let me know as soon as your plans change. My calendar fills up quickly, and once I've booked your service dates, this might mean that I've had to refuse service for another client.

Will my dog be walked alone or in a group?
I provide solo dog walks unless you request another arrangement.

Will my dog be walked at a specific time, or do you use windows of arrival?
I will walk your dog at the specific times that you request and that I have confirmed. If you request Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:00, that is exactly when I will arrive.

Will you take dogs off-leash on walks or for visits in dog parks?
I know that these activities have many advantages and can be enjoyed by you and your dog when spending time together, but running off leash and in dog parks can leave your dog vulnerable to situations that I might not always be able to control. Safety is my top priority, so I do not allow dogs off-leash while in my care.

Can you administer medication to my pet?
Yes. If your pet requires special care, I'll handle it. I am experienced in administering medications by mouth and by injection. There is no extra charge for administering medication or for special care unless it involves more time than was scheduled.

What if my pet gets sick or injured?
I will make every attempt to reach you if your pet becomes sick or injured. During your initial consultation, you will sign a veterinary release that I will keep in your file. This form will authorize me to seek veterinary attention for your pets and allows you to specify the veterinarian and emergency clinic you prefer to use. It also authorizes me to choose another appropriate veterinarian should your preferred doctors be unavailable.

How can I find out how my pets are doing?
I am always happy to give you an update on your pets! You can call, text or email me to check in. Or you can request that I text you updates every day or on certain days. Otherwise, you can feel confident that your animals are being well cared for and that no news is good news.

Is there an extra charge on Holidays?
No. I try very hard to keep my rates affordable for my customers, so my rates stay the same year round. However, my schedule will fill up quickly for holiday times, so it is advised that you book as early as possible.

Communication
I recognize that all strong relationships are based on communication, so please don't hesitate to contact me with any question or concern!

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