Pet Sitting FAQs
Is Happy Tails insured & bonded?
Yes. We are insured and bonded.
Can you provide references?
Of course! Speak with me and I would be happy to give you phone numbers of current clients if that makes you more comfortable.
How far in advance should I schedule services?
There is no time limit, but to ensure availability and to set up a proper consultation before services start, please contact us as early as possible, especially approaching any major holidays.
Do you charge for the initial consultation?
No, initial consultation is free as it let’s us get to know you and your critters and to set up customized pet sitting services for visits to your home.
This will take a minimum of 30-45 minutes as its also when all paperwork will be reviewed and filled out, signed, you will need to provide us with copy’s of all your pet/s vet/vaccinations records.
What is included in a standard visit?
Visits include whatever is needed to make you and your pet(s) happy: feeding, potty break, fresh water, cleaning of litter boxes/cages, a walk-through to check for/clean up ‘accidents’, mail/newspaper collection, plant watering, lights on or off, etc. Medications can certainly be administered to your pet(s) for a small extra fee. Please make sure you always have enough food for your sitter to feed your pet/s while away. Allow for a few extra days just in case you are delayed for any reason.
Do my pets need to be current on their vaccinations?
Yes. We require proof of vaccinations within the last two years prior to the start of services. We allow for two years instead of the standard one-year policy due to recent findings of a possible link between over vaccinating and cancer.
Rabies vaccinations must be current according to state laws.
What kind of animals do you care for?
We care for most animals, as long as they don’t pose any threat to us. Happy Tails reserves the right to refuse service if an animal’s behavior is deemed to be dangerous or threatening.
What experience do you have with pets?
I am an experienced registered veterinary technician 38 years and have been a professional pet sitter now for over 30 years.
I have had family companion pets of my own my entire life and will treat your furry kids always as if they were my own. Just ask my clients!
Can you let me know how my pets are doing while I am away?
Absolutely. And periodically you will receive updates and pictures of your kids. We also encourage all of our clients to text or call anytime they would like an update on their pet(s).
Do you always visit at the time we ask for?
- Due to scheduling and the unpredictability of pets, we ask that you be flexible when requesting our visits to your home.
- We cannot guarantee an exact time for you – but we do try to come as close to your requested times as possible. Usually a window of 1-2 hours is all that is needed. If you need multiple visits throughout the day they will be spaced out as evenly as possible.
- The amount of time spent at each home varies as well but we will always ensure that everything is completed as agreed upon and that your pet(s) are happy and content.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash or check. There is $35 fee for returned checks. A valid credit card is required to be on file at the time services are scheduled.
All client information is kept confidential and secure and will only be used for emergency veterinarian services, if deemed necessary.
Do you charge extra on holidays?
Yes. There is an extra fee of $10 per pet, per visit (or) for overnights on holidays.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations are subject to the following fees/charges:
- 2 – 7 days before the start of services will result in 50% of the total invoice for scheduled pet care.
- Less than 24 hrs. before the start of services will result in 100% forfeiture of your total invoice for scheduled pet care.
- No refunds or credit for future services will be issued.
- There is no refund or credit for early returns.
- One-month notice is understood, and required for termination of daily, mid-day services.
In case of an emergency:
Happy Tails always asks that you provide the name and number of a person living nearby as an emergency contact. Two is even better.
Will I receive a refund if I leave later than expected or return early?
No. Please understand that we have made time available for your visits and may have turned down other clients in order to do so. We appreciate your understanding on this matter.
What happens if I don’t leave enough food for my pet(s)?
We will notify you that there is not enough food or that you are getting low and may want to pick some up on your way home. If we need to make a special trip to purchase food, we will be glad to do so.
There will be a $40 trip charge plus the cost of the food. We will do our best to monitor food levels and resolve the problem before it runs out, however, if an extra visit to your home is needed to feed your pet, that will be charged as well.
Is there a late payment fee?
Clients who hold an outstanding balance, for whatever reason, for a period of 5 days or longer are subject to a late fee of $25.
What happens if my pet has a medical emergency while I am away?
- All clients are required to read and sign a Veterinary Release form, granting Happy Tails permission to seek medical treatment for their pet(s)
- If a Client’s pet(s) become ill or injured while under our care. Every effort will be made to contact Client by Happy Tails prior to seeking medical treatment for their pet. In many cases, the veterinarian will want to speak with the client — so please provide a reliable contact number on ourVeterinary Release Form.
- We encourage clients keep a current credit card on file with their vet should any emergency happen.
- Clients are responsible for payment of all their pets medical bills as well as transport.
- If no credit card is on file with client’s vet, payment for medical bills will be made using the card on file with Happy Tails.
What is your privacy policy?
- Happy Tails will safeguard the confidentiality and security of the information we obtain from you.
- We are committed to protecting your privacy.
- We use the information we collect for the purpose of your pet’s visits and to process your credit card transactions.
- This notice describes our privacy policy as it relates to the collection, protection and disclosure of such information resulting from credit card transactions and client registrations and profiles.
- The credit card information provided by you to Happy Tails will always be stored in a confidential manner.