Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why use a Pet Sitting Service?
A. In home, or drop-by pet sitting visits minimize disruption in your pet(s) routine while you are not there, while maintaining a lived in look in your home.
Q. What type of Pets do you care for?
A. We care for all domesticated animals- Dogs, cats, fish, turtles, small caged animals such as guinea pigs and hamsters, etc. Our care is diversified; every pet is very special and will receive the attention it deserves.
Q. Do you administer medications?
A. We will administer medication at no additional charge, . Please have all medications and instructions available during “Meet and Greet.” We can administer any kind of medicine your pet requires, whether it’s pills, liquids, or insulin.
Q. Do you have references?
A. Yes, references are available upon request.
Q. What are your qualifications?
A. We are accredited through Pet Sitters International. We are also fully bonded and insured; we are insured through State Farm and bonded through the Business Insurers of the Carolinas.
Q. How do I get started with Precious Pet Sitting?
A. Before beginning service, we will arrange a free consultation to take place at your home at your convenience. Please print off the Service Agreement and fill out all necessary information about you, your pet(s), and your home. Then call (817) 915-3786 or email us (Susie@preciouspetsitting.biz) to schedule an initial in home consultation, the Meet and Greet.
Q. What is a Meet ‘n Greet?
A. A meet and greet is the initial meeting between us and your pet to see if our service is right for you. We will come to your home, meet your pet(s), become familiar with your home and routine, and discuss all pertinent information about your pet’s needs. It also allows us to interact with your pet in your presence. This is when we get all necessary information from you, and work out the details of the service. We will ask you about the the number and type of pets you have, their personalities and specific needs. We will customize our service based on your specific requirements; you can set it up at a date and time that works for you. Please allow at least 30 minutes for this visit. If you decide that you require our pet sitting services, a Service Agreement will be completed at this time. We can also take possession of the house key, enrolling you in the Safe Key service. The keys will be kept secure in our office until the time of your visit.
Q. What is the Safe Key service?
A. This complimentary service alleviates the hassle of scheduling meetings just to exchange keys and enables us to always be ready at a moment’s notice should that situation arise. Your security is extremely important to us. Keys are protected under a secure, double-coded system. Names and addresses are never intermingled. This service can also be an advantage should you ever find yourself locked out of the house. The Safe Key program is included in the Service Agreement.
Q. Will you train or discipline my pet?
A. No. We will administer positive reinforcement for pets in accordance with your training guidelines, but our primary goal is to ensure that your pet is safe and happy. If there is a disciplinary problem, we will notify you.
Q. How do I know when the sitter is at my home, and if my pet is safe?
A. If a daily call or text would make you feel more secure, just ask. We aim to provide you with a personalized pet-sitting service, curtailed to your every need.
Q. What if I need pet care at the last minute?
A. Once you’re on file, you may request service up until the last minute and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Q. What is a pet sitter?
A. A pet sitter is a professional pet-care provider who comes into your home to care for your pets when you are gone. Whether you are away for the weekend, on a much needed-vacation, working long hours, traveling for business, coping with a sudden emergency, or just simply unable to provide the attention your pet deserves, a professional pet sitter can be the next best thing to having you there.
Q. What is the advantage of a professional pet sitter?
A. There is no place like home, and that could not be more true than when it comes to your pet’s health and well-being. Most pets do not adapt very well away from the everyday routines and comforts of home where familiar sights, sounds, smells and security are all a part of their everyday environment. It is hard to imagine what must go through their minds in an unfamiliar setting away from everything they have ever known. The stress and anxiety of not knowing when you will return or why their daily routine has changed can be seen to have an effect on their normal appetite and disposition. As professional pet sitters, our goal is to precisely maintain your pet’s daily routine at home or ours, with as little impact as possible. Your pet will receive our full undivided attention. Exercise, play time, affection, and positive praise will put your pet at ease while you are away.
Our focus is always on your pet, but there are also additional benefits to having someone check your house, take in your mail, pick up newspapers, packages, and keep your home looking lived-in. This is just one more advantage of a professional pet sitter and another good reason to reserve Precious Pet Sitting!
Q. What are your qualifications as a pet sitter?
A. We have taken every precaution and preparatory step to be the best sitters we can for your beloved pets. I am a member of Pet Sitters International, and am fully bonded and insured, so you are protected. It is important to be aware that many liability policies exclude coverage for damage to personal property in care, custody and control. As a professional and responsible business, we carry a special policy feature that includes coverage for damage to property in care, custody and control. Third-party protection is included under our basic liability Coverage. We are insured through State Farm. The pet-sitter bonding is an additional protection policy underwritten by Business Insurers of the Carolinas, and designed for professional pet sitters. Please note we never have, nor do we anticipate ever having a situation in which we would have to use this protection, but it is in place for your peace of mind and protection. We will carry proof of bonding and insurance on the initial meet and greet visit for you. Once you experience professional pet care in your home, you will never worry about being away from your pet again.
Services / Procedures
Q. What is included in a visit?
A. Each visit includes playtime and exercise or walks with your pet. Additionally, the pet sitter will provide a clean water bowl refill, feeding as instructed, treats if allowed, and litter box scooping.
There are also benefits for your home that we will provide on every visit. We will bring in your mail and newspapers daily, adjust window treatments and lights as a crime-deterrent, take in and out garbage and recycle containers, water indoor plants, and turn your radio or television on or off as instructed. We check the entire house to make sure everything is ok. For mid-day dog walks, we take the dog for a walk, give him a treat and fresh water.
Q. What happens when I return from my trip?
A. We ask that you contact us as soon as possible upon your return. Many unexpected things can happen that are out of your control and this small measure can assure all is safe and sound at home for everyone involved. Remember, we are dedicated to the well-being of all pets and treats them as a member of the family while under our care. We will care for your pets as we care for our very own, and nothing less.
Q. If I live far away, will you still care for my pets?
A. If you live outside of our service area we would still love to care for your pets at our home in Bedford, Tx. We add a nominal surcharge only when absolutely necessary.
Q. What if I have an emergency?
A. We understand that emergency situations occur and we will do everything possible to meet your needs. It may be necessary for us to charge an additional fee in short-notice situations, however, they will be handled on an individual basis dependent on availability.
Q. How do I pay for service?
A. Payment is due for all services prior to the start of service. Checks and cash are acceptable.
Q. Do you charge more for holidays?
A. Yes, a minimal charge will be added during major holidays: Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Years Day.
On the Service Agreement, there are additional lines for you to add any further instructions that might pertain to your pet’s specific needs. Even if you've never had any problems with a sitter before, don't just assume everything will be okay while you're away. For example...
Will the pet sitter know what to do if your pet has an emergency? How will they pay for it?
Did you discuss what would happen if the sitter has an emergency of their own and for some unforeseen reason can't continue to care for your pet? What guidelines do you have in place to handle this situation?
We go through our daily lives performing so many little routine tasks that it would be pretty difficult without a list to remember them all. Also, if the petsitter will be staying in your home be sure to go over all your house rules: Are there any specific household tasks you expect from them (like bringing in your mail, watering plants, etc... )?
A few additional instructions you may want to cover with your dog sitter:
Comfortable room temperature (thermostat settings)
Emergency spare key
Security code (if applicable)
Neighbor(s) to Contact
Family or other local contacts
Inform dog sitter of anyone else that may be coming to your home during your time away (gardeners, handyman, etc)
Rooms (if any) that are off-limits to your pet
Pantry, cupboards, and garbage areas should not be accessible
Photo of your pet, along with additional info in case they get out and lost.
And in addition to your written instructions, it might be helpful to prepare a box or storage bin of your dog's most used items. This will make it so much easier for you pet sitter to find the things she needs. Place items like your dog's leash, collar, flashlight, poop bags, favorite toys, dog food, medications, etc. in the box. Also if you have a pet carrier, be sure it is available in case your sitter needs it.