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LOVING CARE WHILE YOU ARE AWAY |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I hire a professional?
Professional pet sitters are just what the description implies – professional. While having friends, family, or neighbors care for your pets may seem like a logical choice, Joyful Pet Sitters do this for a living and have the experience necessary to care for your animals and respond appropriately to emergencies. It is our highest priority that your pets are well cared for. We are bonded, insured, and belong to Pet Sitters International. This means that you can trust us to act responsibly when we enter your home. Since this is our job, you can count on us to be there.
What are the advantages for my pet?
- Reduced Stress - Your pet stays in its own familiar secure environment where all the sights, smells and sounds say “Home!”
- Diet and Exercise - Customary diet and exercise routines are followed, with no interruption to upset your pet.
- No “Travel Trauma” - Travel in a vehicle to boarding facility or kennel may upset your pet.
- There is no exposure to illness of other animals .
- Health Concerns - With a pet sitter, there is minimal exposure to illness of other animals.
- TLC - Most importantly, your pet receives love and personal attention while you are away.
- Travel - You won’t be inconvenienced or upset by transporting your pet.
- No Imposition - You don’t have to impose on a friend, neighbor or relative to care for your pet, but instead rely on a pet care professional who will put you pet’s needs first.
- Security - Your home is made more secure by the natural crime deterrent of having someone coming to your home periodically.
- Peace of Mind - While you’re away, you can feel confident your pet is in capable, caring hands.
- Special Services - Our pet sitters can provide additional home services while caring for your pet, such as bringing in the mail and newspaper.
- Save Time - You won't have to worry about making arrangements to drop off and pick up your pet from a kennel.
- Welcome Home Greeting! - The best benefits of using Joyful Pet Sitters is having your happy and well cared for pet at home to greet you when you walk through the door after a long trip!
When is it not appropriate to hire a pet sitter?
There are some cases where pet sitting may not be the best alternative for your pet. Here are some examples.
- Most pet sitters are able to give your pet basic oral medication, and many can administer insulin injections and give sub-coetaneous fluids as well. If your pet is in failing health, or requires more intensive care, we would suggest boarding your pet at your vet’s office, which can provide 24 hour care.
- If your pet is aggressive, or doesn't react well to visitors or strangers entering your house, it would be best to board your pet.
- If your pet gets very destructive in your absence, or suffers from severe separation anxiety, he or she may be better off at a boarding kennel around other dogs and people.
Joyful Pet Sitters and all of our staff are Bonded and Insured. We also provide our employees with workers compensation.
Do you board animals at your home?
In some very special circumstances, we board at our home please call to discuss it with us.
How far in advance do I need to reserve for services?
If you are a new client, the earlier you call, the better. We must schedule an initial consultation before we start services, so contacting us at least two weeks in advance is preferred.
If you are a current client, a week in advance is typically enough time. However if you need services for a holiday, please call, email, or request service on our website as soon as you know you are leaving. Holidays book quickly so please book early!
My friend/relative can do certain visits while I'm away and I'd like Joyful Pet Sitters to care for my pets the rest of the time. Do you "job share"?
No, we do not share responsibility with another party for liability reasons.
Do you administer medication to pets?
We will administer vet prescribed medication - pills, drops, and injections are at no additional charge. We will not administer medication to any animal that poses a danger to any of our staff.
Our foremost priority is the safety and security of our clients, their pets and their property. Our staff undergo an extensive screening process before they are hired, including several interviews, reference checks and felony background history checks. Shortly after hiring, all employees are required to complete a Pet First Aid class. Currently, there is no national test for Pet First Aid in order to be "certified" as there is for humans.
Why do I need to call the office to make schedule changes instead of just telling my sitter?
All reservations or changes to reservations must be made either through the office at 305.289.0833, our website, or via email. Please do not contact your sitter directly. They cannot make or change reservations. Additionally, you will not be covered by our insurance if you are not on our schedule.
Can I be assured that I will have the same sitter/walker each time?
While we prefer to keep the same walker/sitter assigned to your account each time, for many reasons that individual may not be available. A fully trained (and informed) substitute from our staff will always be available for back up.
What if my property or pet is damaged/hurt while I am away?
Joyful Pet Sitters agrees to provide the services stated in our service agreement in a reliable, caring and trustworthy manner. Joyful Pet Sitters is only liable for claims arising from negligence or willful misconduct. Due to the extreme unpredictability of animals, we cannot accept responsibility for unusual mishaps (i.e., bitings, furniture damage, etc.). Also, if your pets have access to the outside, we are not responsible for injury, disappearance, or fines.
I love your services and I have referred you to friends and family. Do you offer a referral discount?
Absolutely. The best compliment we can receive is for you to refer your friends and family to us. As a thank you, we provide a $10 credit on your statement for each client that signs up for our services.
Yes. References are available upon request.
How can I provide feedback to Joyful Pet Sitters?
We ALWAYS welcome your feedback!! We have a Satisfaction Survey on our web site that you can fill out to tell us your experience and of course you can always call us at 305.289.0833 or email us.
305.289.0833