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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
(FAQ)What is a petsitter?
A petsitter is a person who cares for pets in their own environment when owners are away.What is a "professional" petsitter?
A professional petsitter is someone who has a love of animals and conducts their business in a professional and trustworthy manner. They are insured and belong to professional petsitting organizations, thus ensuring their reliability. A petsitter who owns and runs their own business is someone who intends to offer their services long term, building their reputation as a caring and dependable individual.What kind of pet(s) do you care for?
Domestic fur kids are my specialty, but I also care for birds, fish, reptiles, ferrets, pet mice and rats as well as some farm animals. If you have a more unusual pet or one that is not listed, please inquire about care for them as I always enjoy learning more about our special friends.Who will visit my pets?
While I could probably grow my business to include employees, I have no plans or desire to do that. I want to keep the personal aspect of a small business and I want to be the person who actually visits your pet. That is the only way I can be assured my services are up to my standards and, after all, taking care of your pet is the most enjoyable part of my business.How long are your Basic Petsitting visits?
Basic petsitting visits are 30-45 minutes, but if I have time in my schedule I will often spend more time with your fur family.How often do you visit?
I will visit your pet as often as you like, but must insist on a minimum of 2 visits per day for indoor-only dogs. Puppies (under 6 months), indoor-only geriatric dogs or crated dogs must be seen a minimum of 3 times per day. I will not do EOD (every other day) visits for any pets -- all pets must be seen at least once a day to ensure their safety and well being.What does your Overnight Petsitting include?
Overnight sits are guaranteed the hours of 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM, but if my early evening sits are lighter than usual, I like to arrive at your house earlier. Overnight sits include everything a Basic Petsitting visit does and gives your pet extra TLC time and a closer to normal routine, not to mention extra home security. Overnight sits should be scheduled well in advance of your need as availability for this service is on a first come, first served basis.How do I know if you show up and care for my pet as promised?
As a professional, you can be assured that I will perform the services for which I am contracted. When you return home, you will find notes from each of the visits I made to your pet. You are always welcome to call me and ask if everything is okay. If you are away for an extended period of time, I can (as time allows) send you periodic emails of how your pet is faring in your absence.What is your service area?
Currently, my service area includes most of Douglasville and parts of the Winston community. I can possibly make visits outside my service area at times, but there may be a mileage surcharge for these visits.Are you insured?
Yes, I am insured through Pet Sitters Associates LLC. If you need additional information about my policy, you are welcome to call them at (715) 831-6004.Do you board pets?
No. (Boarding animals requires special permits and boarding insurance).Do you administer oral medications and give injections?
Yes, IF the pet cooperates. There is no charge for oral medications. There is a $2.00 charge per shot given for injectible meds. Diabetic pets are accepted on a case by case basis and I will want to consult with your veterinarian as to any specific care they may need.Do you know pet first aid?
I have received my certificate in First Aid & Care For Your Pets, a hands-on training course offered by PetTech®, and have completed the WCTC course, Becoming a Veterinary Assistant. I carry a pet first aid emergency kit in my vehicle.What is the best way to contact you?
Email or phone, with email being preferred. I check my email messages several times a day, every day, and this gives me a written record of your request. There are many reasons I may not be able to answer my phone (walking a dog, scooping a litter box, meeting with a new client), but if you leave a voicemail message, I will get back to you within a reasonable amount of time because your call is very important to me. My email address is nikki@premierpetsitting.net. My phone number is (404) 483-0791.Do you have "business" hours?
I do try to keep business hours for the office aspects of my business. As such, my hours for answering and returning phone calls are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Clients returning home should call at any hour of the day or night and leave a voicemail message for me because I always want to know that pets are safely back in the care of their owners.Do you meet me and my pets first?
Yes -- in fact, I require an initial consultation (in your home) before service is to begin. The consultation usually takes 45 minutes of your time and it is an opportunity for you to ask further questions about my service. There are several forms to be completed at this meeting which will answer many of my questions about specific care for your pet and for your home while you are away. Most importantly, it gives your pet a chance to know me. I should receive two keys to your house at this time. Ideally, this meeting should take place a week before services are needed to make sure you and your animals are comfortable with this petsitting service.Why do you want two keys?
Two keys are requested so that one key can be kept as a back up key. Keys can break, and hiring a locksmith to gain access to your house would be very costly to you.Do you keep my keys?
It is recommended that I keep your keys on file for your convenience should you need my services in the future. There is no charge for the initial key pick up and return, but future visits for this purpose are charged $10.00 per trip.Are my keys and sensitive data secure?
Keys are not identified in any way other than by a number which is known only to me. Keys, when not in use, are kept in a locked key box in my office. Files with sensitive data are also secured in my office. Keys and files are never in the possession of anyone but me.Do you ever decline service?
Rarely, but this can happen if your pet is aggressive or if I do not feel comfortable with the arrangements you have made for their care.How do I make a reservation?
If you are a new client, call or email to arrange for a convenient time for a free consultation (and ask about availability for the service dates you require). Existing clients only need to give me a call or email request as soon as they know services will be needed (a 1-2 week notice is appreciated). If keys are on file, that is all that is needed. If keys are not on file, we will need to arrange for key pick up.What are your payment requirements?
New clients are required to pay 50% of the estimated cost at time of the booking, with the remainder due within 10 days of return. Established clients are asked to leave 50% of the estimated cost for petsitter's first scheduled visit, with remainder due within 10 days of return.Do you charge extra for holidays?
There is a $5.00 surcharge per visit on the following holidays: New Years Day, Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Eve.Should I leave a tip?
That is up to the client -- tips are not necessary, but are appreciated.
