FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge a basic rate per day for visiting your pets. The rate depends upon how many pets you have and the number of visits per day. 1 visit/day for up to 3 pets $20 2 visits/day for up to 3 pets $30 3 visits/day for up to 3 pets $40 4 visits/day for up to 3 pets $50 Over 3 pets contact me for rates. (Fish count as 1 pet.) The following holidays are an additional $5/visit: Easter, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Pet walking is available for an additional charge. You must provide the appropriate collar and leash. If the temperature is over 85 degrees walks will be no more than 15 minutes and given in the AM only. Heat is a serious threat to pets. Keep this in mind when scheduling.
- How did you get started doing this type of work?
My background includes training guide dogs, being a puppy raiser for a service dog group, volunteering at local humane societies (where I did dog bathing, participated in mobile pet adoptions and found homes for 75 animals). I have also trained dogs that have appeared on network TV shows and commercials. In addition my own dogs have earned 49 performance title for obedience and agility events.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
When choosing a petsitter interview the person over the phone. Ask for references. (I've probably already pet sat for one of your neighbors.) You want to know if the person works or if they are like me and this is their only job. You don't want other obligations keeping them from making your pets their priority. Find out if they have pets of their own. If you need plants watered, can they handle it? Only after you are satisfied with the answers should you discuss price. You want the best price possible but you want the petsitter happy too or the petsitter might turn you down the next time you call. Finally , call right away as summer and the holidays are the busiest time for pet sitters. Not all of them are like me and are willing to accept last minute reservations.