What does a Professional Pet Sitter do?
Caring pet owners know that most pets adjust better to their owner’s absence and experience less anxiety and stress when they can remain in their home environments. Pet sitters make this possible with daily visits to your home. In addition to meals, exercise, playtime and cleaning litter boxes or cages, professional pet sitters may also administer medications, walk dogs and perform other pet-care duties. That’s why in-home pet care is the choice of pet owners and the “pet-preferred” method of vacation and travel care.
Pet sitters may also provide vital home-care services while you are away, including mail or newspaper pick up, plant care and watering, placing trash outside for pickup or rotating the lights and opening or closing the blinds to make your house look lived in. A professional pet sitter provides peace of mind for everyone.
Why would anyone need a dog walker?
Businesses are requiring more of their employees’ time today. Longer hours mean longer periods that a dog is left home alone without a needed potty and exercise break. Care for Cuties can provide potty breaks, 30 min., 45 min., or hour long daily walks to give your pet the exercise and attention the pet needs to live a healthy life.
Why should I use your services, when I might be able to get a friend, neighbor or relative to do it?
It is wonderful to have a friend, neighbor or relative willing to help you while you are away. However, we are insured, bonded and certified through Pet Sitters International, and we won’t ask you to watch our pets when we go out of town!
How do I get started with Care for Cuties SERVICES?
First, as soon as possible before you need our services contact us by calling us at 818-269-4766. We will then set up a free meet and greet to meet you and your pets. We recommend that you contact us as soon as you know about your trip in order to ensure your reservation.
How many visits a day do you provide for pets?
That is your decision. For dogs, we recommend a minimum of two (2) visits per day. Most people request 2 or 3. It really depends on your dog’s needs. For cats and other animals, we do a minimum of one (1) visit per day. We will not skip days.
What areas do you service?
We service most of the San Fernando Valley including Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Valley Village, Encino, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, West Hills.
What goes on at the meet and greet meeting?
You and your pets will meet the pet sitter and the pet sitter will get to meet you. We then discuss the pet and house care services needed and the service period desired, complete the Service Agreement, the Pet Profile and the Veterinarian Release form.
Is my personal information kept confidential?
Yes!! We do not disclose any client information to any third parties. All Service Agreements, Pet Profiles and the Veterinarian forms are kept in a locked cabinet at our office. Only the pet sitter will have access to your personal information.
How much notice do you need for a cancellation?
Cancellations may be made up to two days in advance of the first scheduled service. After that period, a cancellation fee equal to one visit will be charged. During holiday periods, cancellations may be made up to TEN days in advance of the first scheduled service. After that a cancellation fee of 35% of the total reservation will be charged.
Do you take “last-minute” reservations?
Yes, we will make every effort to accommodate you if time permits. We will make every effort to accommodate last minute NEW clients as well, depending on the time and resources available.
What kind of animals do you care for?
We will care for almost any animal, as long as they do not pose a danger to the pet sitter’s safety.
Are you bonded and insured?
We are bonded and insured through Business of the Carolinas for Pet Sitting. Bonding covers theft only, and our insurance covers loss of a pet, and much more. We are also bonded for your peace of mind.
Do you administer medication to pets?
Yes, we will administer medication pills, drops and/or injections with a vet’s written approval and directions. However, we will not administer medication to any animal that poses a danger to the sitter.
Can I hire my Pet Sitter directly?
NO! Please do not place our independent contractors in the uncomfortable position of offering them employment apart from Care 4 Cuties Pet Services. Our sitters are contractually prohibited from soliciting or accepting employment directly from our clients. We think we pay fairly based on the work we do and overhead that we have. In addition, any tips that you choose to tip your sitter, either cash, check, or any other form of payment goes directly to your sitter.
What if something bad happens while I am gone?
As part of our initial meeting Care for Cuties Pet Services will clearly define the role we play in the safety and security of your home and pet. We work to provide a reliable, caring and trustworthy environment while watching over your loved ones.
How am I billed and when is it due?
100% of the fee is expected at the completion of the service provided (dog walks, pet sitting). For overnights at a client’s house balances must be paid in full on first day of service by leaving a check or cash. We currently only accept cash and personal checks. We will not accept post-dated checks.
What do you do in case of an emergency?
It depends on the type of emergency. If something was to happen to your regular sitter, we have a backup sitter that can take over. If an emergency occurs with your pets, we will first contact your vet and transport them if necessary. You will then be contacted about the situation. If there is an emergency with your home, we will call you, your emergency contact and the appropriate authorities and/or a preferred repair service.
Will I always have the same pet sitter?
We want you to build a relationship with your pet sitter so you and your pet(s) feel comfortable so we do our best to keep your sitter the same. In the event that your pet sitter is not available you will have the opportunity to meet his or her temporary replacement if you so choose.
Can we contact you while we are away? Or will you contact us?
As part of our service we provide our clients with e-mails, text messages or voice mail. Just let us know how often. After all, we are here to serve you and give you peace of mind when you are away from home.
What happens if my pet becomes ill or injured?
This is why Emergency Contact and Vet Information is so important!
What happens if my pet gets out of the yard?
All pets must wear identification tags while under our care. We also, require that all gates on your property be locked while you are away.
May I offer a gratuity to my pet sitter?
Yes, you may offer it directly to your sitter or send it to Care for Cuties Pet Services. 100% of gratuities go to your pet sitter.
How do I get my key back when I return from my trip?
We will NOT leave it in a designated area. We can set up a $10 appointment to bring it back to you if you prefer not to be enrolled in the Ready Key Program.
What do you do with my key if it is on file?
Your security is important to us, we want to make sure that in case of a break in, you will be protected, that is why we have a special system of coding your keys, your name and address are never with your key and they are locked up when not in use.
Do I have to have another appointment and fill out another service agreement every time I leave town?
No. Once your service agreement is on file, a quick call to Care for Cuties Pet Services is all you need to book service.
Will Care for Cuties Pet Services ever share my information with any other company or individual?
Absolutely not! At Care for Cuties Pet Services your privacy is important to us. We hold ourselves to the highest standards and value the trust you place in us. If you have any questions regarding the information we gather about you and what we do to protect it, please feel free to contact us.
My pet has a medical condition, is a pet sitter right for me?
In-home pet sitting alleviates the need to transport your pet to a kennel, allowing your beloved companion to remain in its familiar, comfortable environment. Using an in-home pet sitter also means your pet will avoid exposure to illness from other animals and the unnecessary trauma of being moved to a strange environment.
How much does a visit cost?
Our prices are based on the number of visits scheduled, number and types of pets cared for, the services provided and the distance traveled. The final price quote will be determined at the meet and greet meeting. Please refer to our rates page for more info.