Initial visit

This is a time for questions, both yours and ours. We’ll get acquainted with you and your pets and tour your home to learn their routine as well as where their supplies are stored.

We charge a $15.00 non-refundable fee for those who want a consultation, but do not have an immediate need for pet care. That fee will be credited toward the first scheduled pet care visit.

Scheduled visits

Morning visits, usually starting at 7:00am, are reserved for dogs, cats needing medication, and caged birds living by natural light. Mid-day dog walks are scheduled between 11:00 am and 2:30pm. Late afternoon / suppertime visits are scheduled according to the pet’s routine. Bedtime let-outs for dogs and cover-ups for caged birds can be scheduled for as late as 8:30pm. Cats scheduled for once a day will be seen in the morning.

Minimum number of visits

We require a minimum of 2 visits per 24 hours for dogs. Cats should be seen at least once every 24 hours. Depending on your pet’s circumstances, we may recommend or require additional visits.

Dog Walking

We do not walk dogs using choke or prong collars, nor do we use retractable leashes. If you cannot supply a 6’ leash, we will use one of our own. If you would prefer that we provide a playtime for your dog in his own fenced yard, we are happy to oblige. In either case, we pick up any waste.

We walk dogs individually only, no “pack walking.”

Cat care

We give your kitties fresh food as often as requested. We provide fresh water and clean out pans at least once a day. We are happy to provide minimal grooming. Play time and cuddling take up most of the visit.

Giving meds

We follow instructions to the letter! Dogs are generally much easier than cats to medicate, since they swallow darn nearly anything. As for cats, we are all grateful for liquid meds and for Pill Pockets. We have plenty of experience with giving pills the old fashioned way, too.

Containment of pets outdoors

We do not take care of dogs that are tethered outside, nor do we leave dogs in fenced areas unsupervised.

Shared responsibility/access to home

We do not share responsibility for your pet with other caretakers, such as family members, neighbors, or friends. We have a professional reputation to protect and it is built on providing the best possible care for your sweethearts. We cannot risk miscommunication or misunderstandings resulting in incorrect or improper feeding, medicating, etc.

Ideally, repair people and housekeepers should not be coming into the home. We must be notified in advance if we will be encountering anyone other than your pets.

Keys

For access to your home, we prefer a key. You may wish to provide a garage door code. Just keep in mind that garage doors sometimes fail and do not open at all during a power outage.

We usually keep your key for future services. Your key is kept in a secure file and tagged with a code, never your name or address. We can return your key for a $5.00 fee if you have not made arrangements for the key to be left.

We do not enter unsecured homes.

Security systems

Please be sure your security system is in good working order. Additional time spent communicating with the alarm company, you, and law enforcement (!) may result in additional charges.

House Checking

Yes, we’re happy to keep an eye on things even when you don’t have pets, or when you’ve taken your pets with you. If you will be gone for an extended period, we usually arrange for monthly payments.

House checking involves checking doors and windows, as well as the functioning of dehumidifiers (many homes have more than one). We check for mail and newspapers and we water plants. We check for storm damage as necessary, as well as for vermin infestations (mice love warm, unoccupied spaces).

Payment

Payment is made in full and in advance. We seldom give refunds, but will likely carry a credit for unused time if a trip is cancelled or shortened because of unforeseen circumstances. Same-day cancellations are not credited, because it would be too late to sell that time to someone else.