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What should I expect during
our initial consultation? Is there anything I need to
have ready?
These visits usually last between a half-hour and an
hour. I will come into your home and visit with you and
your pet(s) to ensure that Kathy the Critter Sitter is a
good match for your pet. Things you need to have handy
for this visit are up to date vaccination papers (if
possible), a list of medications the pet needs and when
they need them, contact information for the pet’s
veterinarian and a copy of your house key.
I have more than one pet
will that affect the cost per visit?
Kathy the Critter Sitter does not charge per pet, but by
time. There many be a small charge because each pet will
need individual care during our visits, thus taking more
time.
How many visits are recommended for my
particular pet?
This varies depending on the type of pets as well as the
age and health of the pet (for older or ill pets ask
your pet care provider for a recommendation):
• Cats – no less than
1 visit per day. (I feed my fur babies twice a day)
• Dogs – no less than
3 visits per day for indoor dogs (otherwise it is a 12
hour wait for the next visit)
• Birds – at least 1
visit per day
• Small Critters – 1
visit per day
• Fish and reptiles –
1 visit per day
How long does each visit
last?
A normal visit lasts 25-30 minutes, but can be extended
for an additional charge. Please contact us for more
information.
What does each visit
consist of?
The tasks completed at each visit will be determined
during your initial consultation. A typical visit
consists of:
• For your Pet - fresh
food and water, a bathroom break, playtime, and a huge
dose of attention and love.
• For your Home - mail
and package retrieval, rotating of lights, watering
household plants and taking out the trash.
If there is another task that you might need completed,
please discuss this with us. Kathy the Critter
Sitter’s main goal is to keep our customers happy and
we are willing to go the extra mile for that.
What areas do you serve?
We service the Tampa Bay area south of Curlew Road,
North of 58th. Ave. North, from Tampa Bay to the Gulf of
Mexico.
If you live outside of our regular
service area, an additional mileage fee will apply.
What kind of pets do you
care for?
Virtually every kind of creature; from dogs and cats, to
hamsters and rabbits, iguanas and turtles, to fish and
frogs, and even tree kangaroo’s! Please let us know if
you have a special pet or unusual needs, and we will do
our very best to meet your expectations.
Will I receive any updates
about my pet during visits?
Kathy the Critter Sitter will always provide a written
update after the completion of visits. For those parents
who are tech savvy we can provide email and text message
updates upon request.
What happens if there is an
emergency?
There are many types of emergencies that can arise, so
while you are out of town or working late, you can rest
easy in knowing that you have a professional taking care
of your home and your beloved pets. Kathy the Critter
Sitter is trained to deal with most types of
emergencies. Of course we will attempt to contact the
pet owner (via the number provided at initial
consultation), and then your veterinarian. If your pet
is ill or sick and Kathy the Critter Sitter needs to
take immediate action to preserve your pet’s life, we
will do so.
What are the typical times
of pet visits?
Because pets like people enjoy routines, we strive to be
consistent and keep a schedule very close to that of
your pet’s typical routine. During our initial
consultation, you will need to provide us with an
outline indicating a typical day for your pet. We will
do our best to accommodate your schedule and that of
your pet’s to ensure a vacation free from distraction.
What about my keys?
Keys and Electronic key fobs to open gates/garages are
usually picked up by the Kathy the Critter Sitter at the
initial consultation. When not in use your key(s) are
locked in a safe. When a pet sitter is using your key
during the day they are kept on a key chain labeled only
with your ID number. Your name, address, and phone
number will never be kept with your key for your
security. It is recommended that you leave your key(s)
on file with Kathy the Critter Sitter. This eliminates
you getting charged for key pick up or drop off, and in
case you have an emergency and need to leave quickly we
will already have your keys. And if you ever lock
yourself out of your house you will be glad someone
nearby has a key. Once service is complete there are two
options for the key(s): 1) The key(s) can be kept by
Kathy the Critter Sitter for future service (in the
secure location) or 2) once the pet owner returns home
the key(s) can be returned by Kathy the Critter Sitter
there is a key return fee for this service. The reason
we do not leave the key9s) at the home is because your
pet’s health is the most important to us, and we need
to ensure someone will be able to take care of your pet
if there is an emergency or a change in plans (delayed
flight or family emergency).
What other pet related
errands are provided?
Kathy the Critter Sitter offers pet taxi service. If you
have a pet related appointment and cannot make it or
just dread going we will take care of it for you.
Are you bonded and insured?
Kathy the Critter Sitter is fully bonded and insured.
What it means to you, and all of our clients, is peace
of mind. We take responsibility for your pets and
possessions when you put them in our care. That means
that your property and your pets are fully covered,
should anything occur while in our care. Having these
policies in place shows a level of professionalism and
commitment that you can trust.
What kind of guarantee is there if something
happens to my home?
You know your pet better than we do, so if you have a
pet that is prone to chewing or getting into the trash
(etc.) when bored, you need to take the proper
precautions to ensure that your pet does not have access
to these things (pet proof your home). If something were
to happen to your home that is due to an act of Kathy
the Critter Sitter, we are insured and bonded. This
means that if a Kathy the Critter Sitter is responsible
for damage to your pet or home the insurance company
will cover the loss.
How far in advance do I
need to make reservations?
It is best to contact us as soon as you anticipate the
need for a pet sitter. For new clients we need time to
set up the consultation. For existing clients we prefer
at least two week notice, but can usually accommodate
last minute requests-especially if we have your keys on
file. PLEASE NOTE THAT HOLIDAYS BOOK UP QUICKLY, AND AS
MUCH NOTICE AS POSSIBLE IS RECOMMENDED.
What happens if my travel
plans change (delayed flight, extra hours at the office,
family emergency) and I cannot make it home to take care
of my pet?
Kathy the Critter Sitter’s primary concern is always
the health and well being of your pet, if for some
reason your travel plans change, give us a call and we
will make sure your pet(s) are taken care of. If Kathy
the Critter Sitter is not notified you have returned
home to care for your pet, we will assume that you have
been held up and will continue care until contact is
made.
What about my holiday
travel?
Kathy the Critter Sitter is available on holidays, but
there is an additional fee for service. |
