FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
My pricing is very simple. I charge a flat rate per hour that begins when I start interacting with your pet at your residence until you return home and release me from my duties for the day. I can also stop by several times per day and keep a running log for you to view and approve. My general rates are as follows. If I visit once per day for cats or to let your dogs out while you are at work it is generally $15.00. 2 visits per day are $20.00 as long as the distance is within my set limits. Overnight stays are $45-$65 dollars per day depending on how many animals you have and if the animals have special needs. I include watering-feeding,walking,general cleaning and brushing pets as well as picking up mail/papers and turning on lighting at night.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
When we moved into a condo, we were only allowed one dog. We had a small Pomeranian who was already 15 years old when we moved her down from Md. She passed away at 17 years of age and we decided that we would not go down that emotional road again. I was disabled by a drunk driver who broke my lower back which not only left me on SSDI but cost me both my day job with Alcoa and my favorite past time as a Charter Captain on the Chesapeake Bay. I now look forward to every day I work with others animals as it helps to lower my blood pressure, reduce both mine and the animals stress levels and reminds me of how truly lucky I am to be alive.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
My most prominent duties have been sitting with pets who suffer from separation anxiety. Many times an owner will fall in love with an animal but as time passes by, they begin to feel trapped as the animal reacts so emotionally whenever the owner tries to walk out the door. An hour or two of freedom for an owner to go shopping or enjoy the beach reduces not only the owners stress but they know their animal is being shown affection and attention while I'm sitting with them. I also have several steady clients who travel North 2 or more times a year and flying in a plane is very stressful and damaging to an animal. I have been told more sad stories regarding poor treatment of animals on airlines than you can shake a stick at.