Frequently Asked Questions
Through the years I’ve been asked many questions about pet sitting. So here are the most asked questions and their answers. Hope this helps answer any questions you may have, feel free to ask more though! I’m here to help!
Q. What is pet sitting?
A. Pet Sitting is an alternative to boarding in which your pet(s) get to stay in their own environment and have a pet sitter come and take excellent care of them. They get to stay in their own home where the sight, sounds and smells say “home!” The pet sitter will come over on the agreed care plan for your little ones. This reduces stress while their ‘parents’ are away and also eliminates the possibility of diseases, parasites and kennel cough that could be contacted while boarding at a kennel. Other HUGE benefits are: your house is watched over, your mail, newspapers and packages are brought in – giving the ‘live in’ look along with your lights and blinds being rotated. You get to save the life of your plants because those are watered as well. If you have a pool, general maintenance on that is done too.
Q. What do you do during the visits at my house?
A. Always Happy Tails treats your pet(s) and your home as if they were our own. We love on your babies, let them out to potty, feed, water and exercise. We give tons of cuddles and love and your pets will be thrilled you hired a pet sitter so they get to stay home and chill on their own couch! We also give medication if needed. There will be a daily log that is completely every time your home is entered. We perform any house duties that need to be done such as; mail, newspaper, water plants, rotate lights and blinds and anything else you may need. Just ask!
Q. Do you have decals/advertising on your vehicles?
A. NO WAY!!! We prefer to put your home and pets safety along with ours FIRST! Magnets, logos or advertising of any kind is very dangerous. Pet Sitters who use those are letting potential burglars know that you are not home and to come on in! Pet Sitters Insurance does not cover any burglaries if the company advertises in that way. If you have a pet sitter who does this, you should seriously consider switching to a pet sitter who cares about your ‘fur-babies’ and home more than obtaining a new client that way. Always Happy Tails grows due to word of mouth and such satisfied clients, speaking of which, tell your friends and family about us!
Q. Are you insured?
A. Absolutely! Always Happy Tails is fully insured. As long as your fur-kids are in our care, custody and control they are well taken care of.
Q. My dog only needs to be let out twice a day, will you do that?
A. I’m sorry but no! There are a few reasons why. First, you honestly do let your pup (s) out more than twice a day. Normally in the morning, in the afternoon or after work and before bed. Asking them to “hold it” for 12 to 15 hours is unfair to them and the pet sitter. The pet gets stressed and that will result in accidents or destructive behavior. Also the pet sitter will spend most of their time cleaning up instead of lovin’ and exercise. Second, the insurance company would not cover anything due to inadequate care(less than 3 visits a day). Indoor pups are allowed 8 to 10 hours between each visit. This has proven to be perfect for most pups, however we do have some homes who prefer 4 visits a day and that’s great too!
Q. My dog(s) are outside, will you come every other day? Or I have cat (s) will you come every 3 days?
A. So sorry but no! For pups who are outside and that is their normal everyday routine we will come once a day. Always Happy Tails prefers twice but will ultimately do what is best for the ‘fur-kids’. Cats, as self sufficient as they are, still will be visited at a minimum of once a day. We do not do every other day service. This goes for all pets, caged and free to roam. It’s dangerous and the insurance company would not cover it should something happen. We wouldn’t want “mittens” to get stuck somewhere and not get help for days!!!!!
Q. I have a doggie door, so potty breaks are not the main focus. Is once a day okay?
A. Yes! However we do prefer to come at least twice. 24 hours is a really a long time to go with just one hug! We would love to check on your ‘fur-babies’ at least twice a day with a doggie door for potty breaks.
Q. My neighbor/family member is going to help watch them along with your services while we are away, is that okay?
A. Well, there are a few things you should know before you make that decision. First, if anyone enters the home while you are away that is not an Always Happy Tails employee the Insurance is null and void. If something were to happen to your pet(s) under your friends watch, it would not be covered under the insurance policy. If anything were to be missing It becomes a “he said/she said” type of situation. Second, when someone other than an Always Happy Tails pet sitter enters your home, there is no log of it. We keep a detailed communication log of your pet(s) activity, potty habits, mood and eating habits and so on. If your ‘friend’ came over in the middle of the day we wouldn’t know if little “peanut” did his business so to speak and we have to be aware for possible blockages or illnesses. We HIGHLY recommend that it is ONLY Always Happy Tails watching your babies and your home. That way you have no worries and can contact us with any questions and we will be able to answer with 100% certainty. Not to mention it is rather scary for us to have someone else in the home as well. We would REALLY appreciate our safety being looked out after as well as your babies and home! In the long run, the few bucks you would save is not worth the lack of peace of mind. After all your most prized possessions –your ‘fur-kids’- and your home are way more important than a couple bucks!
Q. Do you bring your kids to our house? My cat doesn’t do well around children and that worries me.
A. 99% NO! The only reason there is 1% left is due to some clients inviting them to come along. Always Happy Tails prefers to not bring any children with them. Do you know how hard it is to walk 2 energy filled labs with a three year old?!?!?! Very hard, lol! Always Happy Tails knows it is much easier and less stressful when kids don’t accompany us on visits. No worries!
Q. Can we contact you while we are gone? We are just so worried about our babies and would like to hear about how they are doing, is that okay?
A. Absolutely! You can call text or email at any time. You can even receive updates via email, text or call. Just ask!
Q. We have an alarm system, are you comfortable with that?
A. Yes! We set them all the time, absolutely not a problem. We do require the code and code word in the event the alarm went off.
