Q:
Will my pets and I meet the pet sitter before service starts?
A: Definitely! This is one of the pre-requisites that Coddled
Critters has.
We want to be sure that both you and your pet(s) are comfortable with us.
Q.
What happens at the free consultation?
A. Your sitter will come by your home to meet you and your pets. This is a
time for everyone to get to know each other. You will give your sitter detailed
instructions on the care of your pets and home, fill out a service agreement
and provide your sitter with a key.
Q.
Do I have to have another consultation and fill out another service
agreement with every time I leave town?
A. No. Once your service agreement is on file, a quick call or e-mail to Coddled
Critters is all you need to book service.
Q.
What precautions do you take in case my pet gets out of the yard?
A. All pets must wear identification tags while under our care. The tag will
have your pet sitter's phone number on it. Also, all gates are required to
be kept locked.
Q.
Is there a way for you to keep in touch with us, just to let us
know everything is okay?
A. Absolutely, as part of our service we provide our clients with
e-mails or voice mails. Just let us know how often— daily,
twice a week...we are here to serve you and give you peace of mind
when you are away from home.
Q.
What happens if my sitter becomes ill or injured?
A. There is always a back up sitter available who is trained and aware of your
specific needs.
Q.
What happens if my pet becomes injured or ill?
A. In the event of an emergency we will take your pet to the nearest animal
hospital or your own vet. At this same time we will be contacting you or your
emergency contact person. The assigned pet sitter will remain with your pet
until you are reached and appropriate action is taken. We do request that you
keep a credit card number on file in the event of unforeseen emergencies.
Q:
What kind of animals do you care for? Will you care for exotic
pets?
A: We care for most animals as long as they do not pose a danger to us. While
we do not care for animals with a history of biting, fighting, or attacking
people. Each animal is an individual and we do not discriminate against any
species or hybrid. We have coddled and cared for many exotics from bobcats
to wolfdogs.
Q.
How are gratuities handled?
A. Gratuity is graciously accepted and may be offered directly to your pet
sitter. If you would like to include a gratuity with your payment for pet sitting
services you may and the full gratuity will be given to your pet sitter.
Q:
Will people go all over my house?
A: No. The pet sitter will only go where you indicate. Unless there is considerable
reason, such as obvious danger to your pet or property.
Q:
How do we know our key is safe?
A: Your key is kept in a safe, locked box with a code for your name on it.
Q:
How do I prepare my home and pets for a pet sitting service?
A: Preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly things go for your
pet when the pet sitter comes to visit. Here are some tips:
Make
sure the pet sitter has a phone number where you can be reached.
Also leave veterinarian's phone number and location of their office.
If inside services are requested, provide the pet sitter with a house key
in addition to garage door openers.
If you have new keys made, try them out to make sure they work.
Clean food and water dishes before leaving town.
Provide extra food, litter and other supplies just in case you’re
not able to return when planned.
Clean out the refrigerator to avoid smelly food spoilage and wash the dishes
in the sink to prevent ants, flies or other pests.
Adjust the thermostat to keep the house comfortable for the pet during your
absence. In warm weather, a closed-up house can get dangerously hot in a
short time.
Leave a list of phone numbers in case the pet sitter needs to contact service
or maintenance companies while you are away; i.e., plumber, electrician,
cleaning service, yard maintenance, pool service, etc.
Tell the pet sitter of any household areas that are off-limits to your pets
or to the pet sitter. Secure access to those areas before leaving home.
Q:
What can I do to help my pet sitter take the best care of my pets?
A: You can help your pet sitter be a better friend to your pet by helping to
make sure there are no problems while you are away. Planning and preparation
in the following areas will smooth the way:
Tell
the pet sitter about all health problems your pet may have—major
or minor.
Make sure your dog’s collar fits—Otherwise he
may slip out of a too-large collar while being walked.
Make a list of your pet’s favorite hiding places. This will prevent
the pet sitter from worrying if your pet is not where expected—the
sitter will know where to look.
Provide your own preferred method of flea control, even if your pets are
currently flea free. Fleas multiply rapidly and can become a problem very
quickly.
If you own both dogs and cats, do not ask the sitter to “just ignore
the cats;” i.e., not charge, during pet-sitting visits. A sitter’s
professionalism, ethic responsibility and conscience would not allow
the oversight of a cat in need of food, medical care or human attention.
If your dog growls or snaps at a pet sitter during a "get-acquainted
visit,” understand that the pet sitter may ask that you make other
arrangements for your dog’s care during your absence.
Q:
Why should I hire a PSI member as my pet sitter?
A: Pet Sitters International was founded in 1994 to promote, support and recognize
excellence in pet sitting. When you hire a PSI member, you are hiring a professional
who believes in the quality service and high standards that PSI promotes. With
a staff that has a combined 45+ years of experience in pet-sitting services,
PSI has developed a wide range of pet care, business and educational resources.
Only PSI members have access to this wealth of information, the latest in industry
trends, new products and services that can benefit you as a pet owner.
Q.
What is the purpose of the email service confirmation that gets sent
when I book a service?
A. The schedule confirmation messages are a service we offer primarily for
your peace of mind. Having the dates of service correct, the services to be
delivered clearly documented eliminates any possible confusion or misunderstanding.
The service confirmations also keep you updated on the status of any credit
or balances you may have on file from returning home early or by extending
your trip.
Q.
If I get a confirmation, and need to adjust the dates of service
or services being delivered, what should I do?
A. You can email the changes to us or you can call our office. We will make
the adjustments in our system and send you and updated confirmation.
Q:
What if my property or pet is damaged while I am gone?
A: Coddled
Critters agrees
to provide the services stated in our service contract in a reliable,
caring, and trustworthy manner. We are
only liable for claims arising from negligence or willful misconduct. Due
to the extreme unpredictablity of animals, we cannot accept responsiblity
for
unusual mishaps, such as, bitings, furniture damage, etc. If your
pets have access to the outside, we are not responsible for injury, disappearance,
fines, or damage caused by your pet to other property. We maintain 
liability
insurance for the protection of our customers.
We also
have a 
Pet
Sitter Dishonesty Bond. We shall be responsible for any loss or damage
caused to the customer by Coddled
Critters or
an employee thereof. Our
liability is limited to the coverage and limits contained in the applicable
liability
policy in effect at the time of loss. Customer indemnifies Coddled
Critters and
their representatives and holds them harmless from any loss by third party
in excess of liability
coverage.
Q:
What happens when I get back from my trip?
A: You will need to call us and tell us or leave a message that you are home,
and your pet is safe.
Q:
What happens if I can not get back at my scheduled time?
A: Your pets will be cared for until you call us and tell us you are back,
or until we know that you are back and they are safe.
Q.
How do I pay?
A. You may pay by cash, checks made payable to Coddled
Critters, or
with a credit or debit card via PayPal. Add
3% to the total of your bill if paying via PayPal.
Coddled
Critters
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