Q1. Do you take care of livestock?
We do small ranches and livestock in small numbers (less than 20 head).
Q2. What kind of pets do you care for?
All kinds of non-exotic animals, i.e. dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, horses, llamas, goats, sheep, cows, etc..
Q3. How will I be billed for services?
We will e-mail invoices to our regular Clients and will leave a printed invoice for 1st time Clients or Clients without e-mail.
Q4. What happens if my sitter becomes ill or injured?
We always have backup staff to handle your needs.
Q5. What happens if my pet becomes injured or ill?
We are dedicated to excellent care of your pet. In the event of an emergency we will take your pet to either Dr. Robert Bearden of Mercedes Place Animal Hospital or your own vet. If after hours, we will use the Metrowest Emergency Hospital. 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.
Q6. What is the purpose of the email service confirmation that gets sent when I book a service?
The schedule confirmation messages are primarily for your peace of mind and to ensure that we have correctly covered your requirements. Having the dates of service correct and the services to be delivered clearly documented eliminates any possible confusion or misunderstanding. The service confirmations also allow us to give you a written estimate for our services.
Q7. If I get a confirmation, and need to adjust the dates of service or services being delivered, what should I do?
You can email the changes to us or you can call our office. We will make the adjustments to our calendar and send you an updated confirmation.
Q8. How do I pay?
We accept cash, checks or PayPal. You arrange to pay your invoice online via PayPal by clicking here.
Q9. Will I always have the same pet sitter?
Yes, as far as is possible your pet sitter is YOUR assigned sitter and someone you can build a long-term relationship with. The only time you would have a different sitter is in the event of illness or injury to your assigned sitter.
Q10. How are gratuities handled?
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.
Q11. Are you bonded and insured?
Yes, we are fully bonded and insured through Travelers. This may be verified through Pet Sitters International.
Q12. How do you handle pet accidents and destruction of property?
We will make every attempt to clean accidents with either your supplies or our own. Please be aware that not all accidents can be completely erased, no matter what product is used. If you have scheduled one/two visits per day for your pet and we routinely find feces or urine at the next scheduled visit, we will schedule an extra visit per day. You will be notified if this occurs and billed accordingly.
Q13. What is a Pet Taxi Service?
This service can be contracted to fit around the requirements of actual pet sitting. In the case of cats who hide, we will make every attempt to get them into a carrier. If this proves impossible after at least 15 minutes we will advise you so that you can notify the vet or groomer.
Q14. Should I do anything upon my return home?
We ask that you call us at +1 (817) 675-0953 to confirm your return home. This prevents us from worrying about your pet(s). If we do not hear from you when we expect you to return home, we will attempt to call you. If this fails, we will schedule a regular call, for which you will be billed even if we find you at home. We also ask you to contact us as soon as you know that will not be home as agreed. This enables us to ensure that we continue to care for your pet as required.
Q15. Can I have someone share pet sitting responsibilities?
The insurance carried by Thoughts4Paws cannot cover the presence of visitors or other caregivers in the home. In the interest of our safety and that of your pet(s), We request that you either contract solely with us or choose another person to care for your pet(s). We reserve the right to discontinue caring for your pet(s) if we become aware of another person performing duties we are contracted to perform. Any exception to this policy must be discussed and approved in advance.
Q16. What supplies should I have on hand?
Adequate supplies should be on hand for the period of time you will be away (food, litter, pocket pet bedding, bird cage lining or litter, etc.). If supplies run out, we will purchase additional supplies at no charge other than the cost of supplies.
Q17. Will my dog be walked during temperature extremes?
We reserve the right to decide where and how long to walk your pet in inclement weather, for both the safety of your pet and the Pet Sitter. In either case we will go outside long enough for your pet to relieve him/herself, and spend the remainder of the visit indoors. If the temperature in your home is too warm or cold for your pet(s) We will adjust the thermostat.
Q18. What time will you visit my pets?
In general, specific visit times cannot be guaranteed. Two visits per day are scheduled approximately twelve (12) hours apart unless otherwise agreed. Three visits per day are scheduled approximately eight (8) hours apart during waking hours. In the case of time-sensitive medication issues, or if your pet(s) are on a different, set schedule, other arrangements can be made if necessary.
Q19. Why do you need two sets of keys?
Occasionally, the unexpected happens and we need to ensure we can have the pets cared for no matter what. Therefore, we ask for two sets. We can have a copy made if you only have one available at the time of our interview (with you permission) and we will add the charge for the copy only to your invoice. We keep one locked in our office and one is taken by the sitter.
Q20. How much notice of cancellation do you need?
There is no charge for the cancellation of visits provided that at least 48hrs notice is provided.
Q21. If I cancel with less than a 48 hour notice will I incur any fees?
We will endeavor to redeploy our staff for all bookings that are cancelled with less than 48hrs, but more than 24hrs notice, but you may be charged for the first day's scheduled visits if this is not possible.
Q22. Do I have to sign a contract?
Yes, we need a signed statement that you agree to let us into your home to care for your animals as well as that you are aware of and agree to our policies/procedures.
Q23. Do you have references?
Yes, we can provide you with a list of our satisfied clients.