Purrs and Paws Pet Sitting

Companionship for your pet, peace of mind for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

· Can I trust you?   Yes!   As a professional pet sitter, respect for your pets, your home, your privacy and your peace of mind are of utmost importance to me!  I pride myself on my trustworthiness, honesty, responsibility, and the fact that I have never had any sort of trouble with the law (I have never even been issued a speeding ticket).  I understand how disconcerting it can be to invite a stranger into your home to watch your pets.  This is much of the reason why I book a consultation with you prior to booking any pet sitting appointments.   It is important that you feel comfortable entrusting me with the care of your pets and home.  If requested, I can provide the names and phone numbers of current and past clients as references.

· What are your qualifications? I have a lifetime of experience owning and raising a variety of animals ranging from cats and dogs (of all shapes and sizes), to snakes, birds, hamsters, fish and even a rat.   My pets have always led long and healthy lives and I take pride in the quality of care I have always provided for my pets.  Prior to starting Purrs and Paws Pet sitting in August 2006, I had been pet sitting for friends and family members for years and the pets that were left in my care were always healthy and happy when their owners returned.  I have never received any complaints from current or past customers.   I am also a proud member of Pet Sitters International and am strictly committed to upholding their "quality standards for excellence in pet sitting."  For more information on Pet Sitters International, please visit http://www.petsit.com/index.html.

· Are you bonded and insured?   Yes.  I am both bonded against theft and insured against accidents or injury that result from “negligent acts”.  Even though I am the sole operator of Purrs and Paws, and would never intentionally do anything to put your pets in harms way or disrespect your home, I hope to provide an extra sense of security and comfort to my clients by being both bonded and insured.

· Are you Pet CPR & First Aid Certified?  Yes!  I am certified in pet first aid for Dogs and Cats through the American Red Cross.

· Will I need to provide you with a key and alarm code?   If a key and alarm code is necessary for entry into your home, then I will need to be provided with both.   Keys are kept solely in my possession and in a locked box in a discreet area of my home office when not in use.   Alarm codes will also be kept solely in my possession and not shared with any other person.   Please make sure to let your alarm company know that you are going to be away and that a pet sitter will be given a temporary alarm code in your absence.  This will help to quickly resolve any situations that could arise in the case of an accidental alarm set off. 

· What time do you make daily visits?  Single daily visits are usually made between the hours of 10:00am and 5:00pm, but exceptions can be made if your pet needs to be fed or requires medication at a particular time.   If you choose to book a daily visit, I will notify you of available times and schedule your appointment for the available time that you prefer.  Double daily visits are made in the morning and the early evening (example: 9:00am and 5:00pm).   Again, exceptions are possible.

· Are you the only person who watches my pet?   Yes.   However, on occasion, my husband, Jason, may accompany me to assist with particularly big or challenging jobs.  Jason shares my philosophy regarding respect for your pets, home and privacy, and is also bonded and insured through my carrier.   Except for in the case of a rare and unexpected personal emergency (such as severe personal illness or injury), I will always be the primary pet sitter.

· If you are the only pet sitter, what happens if you have an emergency and can't make it to my house?   While I do not anticipate any severe illness or injury will keep me from performing my pet sitting duties, I believe it is important to be prepared for a worst-case scenario.  My husband, Jason, is always my first back up and will most likely be the one who will visit your pet if I am incapacitated.  I am also fortunate to be involved with a network of Santa Clarita Pet Sitters who are  members of Pet Sitters International and are also bonded and insured.  If both my husband and myself are too ill or injured to perform a visit, one of these local pet sitters will be contacted to perform a visit in my stead.  I will always do my best to notify you that I will be using a substitute pet sitter should the unforeseen need arise.  The contact information for the two primary pet sitters whom I would first get in touch with is listed below.

             *Lavaida Olson, Happy Paws Pet Sitting.  661-220-9082

                 *Lisa Hardiss, Lisa’s Lucky Dogs.  661-755-5107.  www.lisasluckydogs.com

· Do you pet sit for aggressive dogs?   For safety reasons, I usually will not sit for aggressive dogs.   However, an exception may be made if your dog demonstrates particular passivity and trust toward me during our initial consultation.   If your dog has been known to demonstrate aggressive behavior toward strangers, I may ask to be left alone with your dog in a room of your home for a short period of time during our consultation to see how your dog reacts.   If your dog shows marked aggression, discomfort or mistrust toward me, I will be unable to pet sit.

· Do you walk my dog when you visit? Dog walking is available with my regular daily visits for an additional charge of $5 per dog, per walk.  Your dog must be trained and controllable on a leash to be eligible for dog walking.  Walks are around 20 minutes in length depending on weather.  Short walks or “potty breaks” (10 minutes) are included with my daily visits free for apartment or condo dogs that must be walked to relieve themselves. 

· Do you provide dog walking service by itself?  Dog walking service is available on a limited basis, Monday-Friday.  These walks  are 20-25 minutes in length (depending on weather) and are $13 per walk.  Dogs must be under 50 lbs and trained and controllable on a leash.  Please call or email for more details.

· What happens if my pet has a medical emergency while I am away?   I carry with me the names, addresses and phone numbers of emergency pet clinics in the Santa Clarita area.   If you have a particular veterinarian you prefer that I use in the event of an emergency, please leave me that information.   Please notify me of any medical conditions your pet has prior to your departure so that I may be prepared if symptoms of that medical condition presents itself during your absence.   You will be responsible for any veterinary bills incurred in the event your pet needs veterinary care during your absence (unless your pet’s emergency is a direct result of a mistake or accident on my part).

· Where do you sleep during overnighter visits and how long do you stay?   I bring a sleeping bag and pillow for overnight visits and will usually sleep on the floor in the living room, family room or den area unless otherwise instructed.  Overnighters are 12 hours in length and are usually 8pm to 8am.

· Do I have to pay you the full amount up front?  I prefer to collect full payment at the time of booking.  However, if you are taking a particularly long trip and wish to break up the cost, you may pay me a 50% deposit at time of booking and the remaining balance upon your return.  Please note that any refusal to pay without legitimate cause will result in legal action.

· What type of payments do you accept?   Cash, Check or Money Order.

 

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about Purrs and Paws Pet Sitting.  Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about my services that are not addressed.