FAQ

1. Does the pet sitter (or agency) keep regular office hours?

PSI Suggests: A Professional pet sitter should have a schedule of office hours. A larger business may have additional personnel to answer phone calls or e-mails, but many pet sitters are sole proprietors who use answering machines to field inquiries.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services: We are accessible Monday thru Sunday 9am – 5pm but feel free to contact us after hours up until 8:30pm by either phone or email.

2. If you left a message inquiring about services, how soon was it returned?

PSI Suggests: All phone calls should be returned within 24 hours.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services: We tend to return emails and phone calls the same day. Usually within a couple of hours.

3. How much notice does the pet sitter (or agency) need in order to schedule your request for a pet sitter?

PSI Suggests: Most pet sitters request at least two weeks notice, but may be able to accommodate an occasional short-notice assignment. Sometimes there is an additional charge for short-notice assignments.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services: We appreciate advance booking and will do our best to accommodate last-minute requests. This is just one way we try to go above and beyond (we all love what we do!).

4. Does the pet sitter (or agency) have established fees for pet care they can quote over the phone and/or in company literature?

PSI Suggests: A professional pet sitter should have a published list of fees that cover the most common pet-care requests. Fees for special services may be worked out on a case-by-case basis.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services: We sure do. You can read all about our fee structure on this website by clicking on the Services/Rates tab above. However, we recognize different animals require different care. We will customize and create the perfect solution to make certain your pet is properly cared for while you are away.

5. Is the pet sitter bonded and insured?

PSI Suggests: Ask for proof of coverage. PSI members have access to group rates on policies specifically for pet sitters and are provided insurance cards.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services: All of our pet care service providers are completely insured and bonded through Binks Insurance Brokers Opens in a new window. We will always provide you with a copy of certificate of insurance during the “Meet & Greet” Consultation.

6. Does the pet sitter meet with you and your pet(s) in advance? Is there a charge for this in-home meeting?

PSI Suggests: Initial interviews allow the pet sitter to meet with you in your home, interact with your pets and discuss services and business policies. These visits are highly recommended for both pet owner and pet sitter. Some pet sitters offer this service at no charge, while others charge a nominal fee for their time and travel expenses.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services: We offer complimentary “Meet & Greets” on all our services. This is your chance to get to know the sitter in person either in your home or in theirs (depending on where the care is taking place). We do not require any commitment before you meet your sitter or dog walker.

7. How much experience does the pet sitter have in caring for your particular type of pet?

PSI Suggests: Experience in caring for special needs pets or unusual types of pets is helpful if that is what you need.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services:Our pet sitters have plenty of experience caring for all types of animals. Your pet will always be in good hands with us!

8. Does the pet sitter or dog walker willingly and happily provide references?

PSI Suggests: PSI recommends that all of its members have a list of references for potential clients to contact.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services: Our staff come highly recommended with their own list of past client references. Feel free to ask for a call or email from a satisfied client who will speak to you directly on the pet sitter’s behalf.

9. Does the pet sitter/dog walker use a service contract that spells out services performed and fees for doing so?

PSI Suggests: A well-written contract outlines the details associated with each service the sitter will provide. The contract includes all fees along with the expected amount of time that will be spent with your pet(s). This ensures that both you and your sitter have agreed on and understand the level of service being provided in your absence.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services: With your assistance we complete a comprehensive pet sitting or dog walking service agreement and refer to this agreement down to the very last detail during the pet sitting or dog walking assignment . This is our chance to get all the necessary information so we may care for your animal in the best possible way. The agreement has a place for contact, vet and emergency info, special instructions and pet likes and dislikes.

10. How much time does the pet sitter spend in your home to care for your pet(s)?

PSI Suggests: PSI recommends that all of its members have a list of references for potential clients to contact.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services:The average in-home visit to care for one pet is 30 minutes, but additional time may be required if you request special services such as overnight care, dog walking, etc. or have a multiple pet household.

11. What does the pet sitter do if medical care is needed for your pet?

PSI Suggests: Arrangements should be made with your veterinarian and/or local emergency veterinary clinic to allow the sitter/dog walker to seek medical attention for your pet while you are away.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services: Not only do we require the vet name and address where your pet’s records are kept, but we also are knowledgeable with on-call emergency veterinary services providing around the clock emergency & critical care in your area.

12. What are the payment and refund terms?

PSI Suggests: Some pet sitters require payment in full for first time customers while others require a deposit upon reservation and balance paid at the end of the assignment. There is no industry standard for payment terms, so be sure you understand in advance the terms of the pet sitting business you utilize.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services: We ask for a 50% deposit when you are ready to reserve your pet sitter. Fees for dog walking assignments are due on a weekly basis at the end of each period. The balance for pet sitting assignments is due at the commencement of the pet sitting assignment.

Our dog walking cancellation policy is as follows: We require 24 hours notice for any cancelled or rescheduled walks or visits.  Cancellations or reschedule requests received outside of the allowable 24 hour period will be charged in full.  In addition, if we arrive at your home for a scheduled dog walk and your dog is not available or we are unable to gain access to your home, you will be charged in full for dog walking services. Regardless of what the circumstances may be our dog walkers come prepared and travel any weather, therefore we feel their time should be respected and in doing so charge such services in full.

13. During the in-home interview, does the pet sitter exhibit a positive attitude and seem comfortable and competent in caring for your pet(s)

PSI Suggests: A positive attitude goes hand in hand with experience when it comes to in-home pet care. As a result, you can feel at ease and look forward to the in-home pet-care a professional pet sitter provides.

Bonez & Katnip Pet Services: From the moment you contact us you will notice our upbeat and positive attitude. We go out of our way to assure your comfort and you will quickly experience this during our complimentary meet & greet consultation.