FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

I’m ready to book.  How do I get started?

The first step is to contact us to confirm availability and discuss your pet care needs.  Then we’ll create an account for you in our online scheduling system and book your FREE meet and greet session to go over details.

 

Who is this "we" you keep referring to? Are you solo, meaning no team?

Oh, that's totally a "royal 'we'" or "me and the (fictitious) mouse in my pocket" as I like to say. Before the pandemic hit in 2020, I did have a team and it was a very literal "we." With no one really going on trips for a while, I said goodbye to my amazing team and went back to being solo. I still refer out to former team members who are on their own with their own insurances now as well.

 

Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

I am bonded and insured through Pet Sitter Associates.  No professional licensing exists for pet sitters at this time. I also make sure to keep my business certification with my home city of Gardner. That just means I'm a legal business, very basically.

 

What areas do you serve?

Now centrally located in Gardner, MA!

Gardner, MA Westminster, MA Ashburnham, MA Templeton, MA

If your area isn’t listed, feel free to contact us and ask!  We may be able to make an exception.

 

What are your rates?

Rates are based on the amount of work involved in caring for your pets.  If you’d like to get an exact quote, please contact us and we can discuss your pet care needs.

 

How do I pay for services?

Payment is due on or before your first day of service. You can pay securely on our portal (or free app) by debit or credit card. ACH (bank) payments also accepted. I *do not* take cash, check, or venmo type payments.

 

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that unexpected things happen and plans change. You may even find yourself coming home early.  Our cancellation policies are as follows:

Pet Sitting

• • No refunds will be given for any cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice (except for cancellations due to inclement weather).**
  • A 50% fee will apply for cancellations with less than 72 hours notice.**
  • For services scheduled during Holiday periods: a 50% fee will apply for cancellations with less than seven days notice.**

**All refunds will be given as an account credit.

 

Do I have to give you a key to my house?

We require all pet parents to give us two copies of their house keys to keep on file at our Meet and Greet Consultation. We do not label your keys with any identifying information and keep them locked in a safe when not in use.

 

Why two keys?

Having two keys on file allows me to ensure consistent, reliable care of your pets no matter what.  I've seen locks break, keys break inside of locks, etc. Also it makes *me* feel better having that backup available "just in case."

 

What if I don’t have two keys?

For a small fee, we can have extra copies made.

 

Can I just leave a key under my doormat or other hidden location?  How about I leave my key in a secure lockbox outside my house and give my pet sitter the code?  Or access to the house with a garage door code?

No! This poses a security risk to your pets and home as well as me if an unauthorized person was to find the key and enter your home.  It is also a liability for me if the key was to go missing. I prefer to keep your keys on file to ensure reliable and consistent care of your pets. If you happened to forget to put the key in the lock box or someone else who has access happens to remove the key, I will not be able to get into your home. Lock boxes are also prone to freezing and rusting shut and can damage the door or doorknob they’re attached to.  In regard to the garage door code, again, this is an issue with me ensuring the care of your pets. Power failures can happen. Garage doors can malfunction. We need to get into your home reliably. If you prefer we enter your home via the garage, we are happy to accommodate that request but still require two copies of your key as a backup.

 

GENERAL Pet Sitting FAQ

What types of animals do you care for?

I have training and experience with all kinds of pets. I'm focused on cat care now. I can also care for ferrets, rabbits, and pocket pets. The occasional betta or goldfish get attention too.  I do not have as much training with reptiles, amphibians, or birds, however.  If they do not require much and they are in a secure enclosure, their care may be discussed.

 

How far in advance can I schedule services?

We schedule on a first-come, first-serve basis and recommend booking pet sitting services as soon as you know your travel dates.  Most of the time, booking 1-3 weeks in advance is sufficient, but during major travel times, school vacations, and holidays we do sometimes book up a month or more in advance.

 

How many pet sitting visits should I schedule each day?

To keep your pet’s stress level at a minimum while you’re away, we recommend trying to adhere to your pet’s normal routine as much as possible. For cats, we recommend 1-2 visits per day. A minimum of 1 visit per day is our policy because cats are not only good at masking illness, but once they get ill, they can go downhill very quickly. Monitoring litter box trends, appetite, and general behavior on a daily basis is very important to spotting illness early for early and more successful treatment by their veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian, if warranted.

 

Have another question we haven’t answered?  Contact us here.