How much time will you spend with my pet on each visit?
On all regular calls our visitation lasts AT LEAST thirty minutes. Many times it exceeds this time frame. The only exception to this rule are those pets who do not enjoy being played with or loved during the visit. If we find, for example, that our entire checklist has been accomplished within twenty minutes, and the pet hides or refuses interact with us in any way, then we may well leave at that point.
My cat is shy and hides. What steps do you take to make sure that she is OK?
We will ask you to show us the favorite hiding places and will search for your cat on each visit to make sure she is only hiding and not in need of any medical attention. Sometimes we are able to win the confidence of a shy kitty after a few visits. We will make every effort to make personal contact, however some cats are very good at hiding. If we are unable to find the kitty we will monitor food intake and litter-box use to ensure that all is well.
Can I schedule every other day visits for my pet?
Our prime concern is always the well-being of the pet, and for this reason the minimum amount of visits we make are once every 24 hrs. We understand the need to save money and that some pets are low maintenance, but so many things could go wrong on the day that a visit is not scheduled. Some concerns are that a pet could get sick, lock itself in a closet, get its collar caught up, get claw snagged in carpet, ingest a poisonous or foreign object, or tip over the water bowl and have no water.
Do you visit outdoor cats? Our cat is used to being outside and only comes in at night.
We always request that your cat be kept indoors during the time you are away. We cannot be responsible for a cat that has access to the outdoors.
To cut down on costs can I get my neighbor to look in on my pet for some of the time I'm away?
Sometimes neighbors, relatives or friends offer to share pet sitting duties. These well-intentioned actions cause much confusion during a shared responsibility sitting assignment. For obvious reasons we cannot be responsible for any sitting assignment where others are going to share the workload.
Do I need to bring anything along with my pet when he is to be boarded with you?
Please bring enough food for your pet's stay, plus any medications required, favorite toys, treats and bed if needed. Anything that will make your pet feel happy and "at home" is good.
What if my pet needs medications while I am away?
We are experienced in medicating pets, including sub-cutaneous fluids and shots, as long as your pet would not pose a threat to the sitter. However, we never take any chances with sickness. If your pet is infirm or has special medical needs, we firmly believe that your pet belongs under the constant care of a veterinarian. Any pet showing signs of unexpected illness is taken immediately to your vet, or the emergency vet for treatment.
What is the procedure with my housekey?
We have a two-key policy, one key for the sitter and one to be kept on file at the PET PATROL office as a back-up. We require that housekeys be given to us at the time of the initial interview. If you plan to use PET PATROL services on a regular basis we recommend that we retain the keys for future use. The keys would be kept on file, giving us instant access in the event you have to leave at a moment's notice. That way pet care arrangements are just a phone call away. Alternatively, we can arrange to leave the keys in a pre-designated hiding place OUTSIDE, after the final visit. That way if you are delayed in returning home, we still have access and can continue to feed and care for your pets. If you prefer that the keys be returned in person after your return there is a $10 fee for this service. For security reasons we do not return keys by mail.
Do you charge extra for pet care on holidays?
Yes, we charge $10 extra per visit, and $25 extra per day for overnight sitting during major holidays. Your sitter receives 100% of this as a holiday bonus.
Can I request the same sitter each time I make a pet care reservation?
To make sure you get your favorite sitter we recommend that you give as much notice as possible when making a reservation - our sitters often get booked early, especially during holiday periods. We make every effort to assign the same sitter to you, as we prefer that your pets and their sitter develop a loving relationship with each other. However, if the preferred sitter is not available then a substitute will be assigned and a meeting will be scheduled for you and your pets to meet the new sitter before your departure.
May I tip my sitter/dog walker?
Absolutely. Tips are never expected, but for a job well done tips are always appreciated! This can be given directly to the sitter or if you prefer you can send it to PET PATROL, making it clear that it is a gratuity for your sitter. No matter who you pay it to, 100% of the gratuity will go directly to your sitter/walker.
Can I call my sitter direct to make a reservation, without calling PET PATROL?
Our goal is that you and your pets develop a close and comfortable relationship with your sitter. However, please respect your sitter's privacy and do not e-mail or call her on her private phone #, except in an emergency during the time she is caring for your pets. Our sitters are not responsible for making pet care reservations and in fact have signed a contract prohibiting them from accepting or soliciting reservations directly from PET PATROL clients, so it is very important that all reservations be made through the PET PATROL office. Your pet sitter appreciates your adhering to this policy.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
For daily dog walks notice of cancellation must be received by the PET PATROL office no later than 8am. so that your dog walker has time to make adjustments to her schedule for that day. If we don't receive enough notice and the walker shows up at your house you will be charged whether your dog receives a walk or not. For pet visits and overnight sitting we understand that plans can change and we try to be flexible. However, we really appreciate it when you can give us at least 7 days' notice of cancellation in order to ensure a 100% refund. Last minute cancellations are subject to a 100% cancellation fee if we are unable to fill the spot that you had reserved for pet care services. If you return home early from your trip you will be charged in full for the agreed service period.
How do I pay you?
Checks should be made payable to PET PATROL and services are billed as follows:
1) Regularly scheduled dog walks are billed monthly. An invoice is sent out after your dog's last walk of the month, either by e-mail or regular mail. Payment is due within 5 days of receipt.
2) For overnight sits and vacation pet visits you have the option of paying in advance or you will receive a bill at the end of the job, either by e-mail, regular mail, or left at your house. Payment is due within 5 days of receipt.
3) For boarded pets payment is expected at the time you come to pick up your pet.
What are the requirements for a dog to be included in your dog group hikes, and where do you take them?
We need to know that your dog is non-aggressive, well socialized, enjoys the company of other dogs, has had some obedience training, and has a current license & ID. Please make sure your dog is on a flea/tick control program. Mostly they are taken for hikes on Marin County Open Space District fire roads. We are required by MCOSD to have a Commercial Use Permit for this activity and are held to a very high standard by the Open Space authorities. Rangers may ask us to demonstrate that the dogs are under voice control by having them come to us with a 15 second recall, so we work on training them with a clicker and treats.
What if it's inclement weather on the day my dog is walked?
Dogs are walked in all weathers (except extreme weather conditions) so will get wet and muddy in the rainy season. We request that you leave out a towel for your dog to be dried off after his walk. In hot weather we try to go to shady/cooler places and always carry lots of water.
How many dogs do you walk at a time?
Our Commercial Use Permit allows us to walk up to six dogs at a time on Marin County Open Space fire roads, three of which must be on-leash. However, we usually keep our groups smaller - and the typical group is three or four dogs.
My dog was scheduled for a walk today but I took him to work with me and forgot to let you know. Can you fit him in on another day instead?
If we show up at your house to pick up your dog and he's not there you will be charged for the walk (we had that spot reserved for your dog and could have taken another dog in his place if we had known). We could possibly fit your dog in on another day, it would depend on our schedule.
What steps would you take if there was a catastrophe like an earthquake during my absence, while you are in charge of my pets?
First we would attempt to check your home to make sure your pets are safe at your residence and note any damage. If the pets are not safe there we would take your pets to a place that is secure and safe (this may be the home of one of our sitters, or another client's home). After our initial check we would attempt to call you at your vacation location and give you information on your pets and property - and at what physical address your pets are now placed, if not in your own home. Your pets cannot be transported long distances to relatives or friends as many roads would most likely be impassable. We would keep your pets as close to your neighborhood as possible. If you somehow manage to get home before we can contact you, please let us know immediately so that we can be assured of your pets' safety. Give your pets a "head start". Right now stock up at least three days' extra food supply and some bottled water, so needed items will be available where needed - at your own home! If you have any questions about this aspect of our service, please talk to us about it, or make special arrangements with us in advance of your departure.
I would love to be a pet sitter/dog walker - can I join the PET PATROL team?
Please call or e-mail us to see if we are currently hiring: 415-454-PETS or pet.patrol@comcast.net. We would love to hear from you.
