Frequently Asked Questions: Answered!

1. What is pet sitting? [answer]
2. Can my pets come to your home? [answer]
3. Why should I use an in-home pet care service? [answer]
4. Why not just have a friend, relative or neighbor look in on our pet(s)? [answer]
5. I have a family member that lives close by and will also visit. Is that okay? [answer]
6. How many visits do you make per day? [answer]
7. How long are the visits? [answer]
8. What animals do you pet sit? [answer]
9. I have a cat that doesn't require much attention. Will you visit every other day? [answer]
10. My cat lives outside. Will you come and make sure he/she is okay? [answer]
11. What areas do you visit? [answer]
12. How do I set up a pet sit with Safe Pets Trust? [answer]
13. What should I expect at the consultation visit? [answer]
14. What services do you offer? [answer]
15. Isn't this expensive? [answer]
16. Why does dog sitting cost more than sitting for cats and cage pets; isn't it all the same work? [answer]
17. Will you provide updates on how my pet is doing while I am away? [answer]
18. What happens if the pet food runs out while I am away? [answer]
19. Are you insured, bonded and licensed? [answer]
20. Do you have references? [answer]
21. What happens if my pet becomes ill while I'm gone? [answer]
22. My pet needs daily medication. Will you administer it? [answer]
23. What if the pet sitter has an emergency? Who will take care of my pets and home? [answer]
24. What if there is an emergency in my home, unrelated to my pet? [answer]
25. Does Safe Pets Trust spend the night? [answer]
26. Do you provide care during holidays? [answer]
27. How much notice is needed for pet sitting services? [answer]
28. How do I establish my dog as a client? [answer]
29. How do you deal with keys? [answer]
30. Do you keep client information/key/alarm codes confidential? [answer]
31. How is payment handled? [answer]
32. What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule? [answer]
33. What if there is a delay in our return from vacation? [answer]
34. Why do I have to call Safe Pets Trust when I return home? [answer]
35. Will you charge me for visits if I come home early? [answer]
36. What should I know about leaving home? [answer]

What is pet sitting?
A: Pet sitting is a terrific service for you and your pets. Our trained pet sitter comes to your home to visit your pet(s) one or more times per day while you are away or vacationing. We spend at least 30 minutes on site giving love and attention, feeding, replenishing water, exercising your pet(s) and looking after your home. We are also offer services for those who are unable to walk or exercise pets, clean litter boxes, care for plants and similar tasks due to illness, injury, hospitalization, etc.

Can my pets come to your home?
A: No. We look after your pets in their own home where they will feel secure. Our home is not zoned for commercial boarding and our insurance does not include care in our home. In case of emergency, we will take them to a veterinary or boarding service specified in advance until your return or alternate arrangements are made.

Why should I use an in-home pet care service?
A: Using an in-home pet sitter offers many advantages, including:

• Your pets stay in their own home environment where surroundings are friendly and familiar;
• Your pets get love from their trained pet sitter according to your specific instructions while you're not home;
• They will follow established diet and other routines as you require;
• Pets will NOT be upset by being taken to a kennel;
• They WON'T be exposed to the illnesses that may be found in boarding facilities;
• Your needs will NOT be an annoyance to a well-intentioned neighbor or friend;
• Best of all, when you get home, your companion is there waiting for you, no matter what time you get home.

Why not just have a friend, relative or neighbor look in on our pet(s)?
A: For many people, a trusted neighbor or relative that is familiar with your home and pet(s) may work just fine. However, an acquaintance may have a change in plans and be unable to look after your pet(s). Pet sitting is our job and we will enter into a contract with you to perform the services you need. We are professionals and we will be there.

I have a family member that lives close by and will also visit. Is that okay?
A: Many people like to include neighbors, relatives, and friends in pet sitting duties. These well-intentioned actions often create confusion during a shared responsibility sitting assignment. Common problems are over-feeding, unsecured doors, lost keys, or skipped feedings. We cannot be responsible for a sitting assignment where others are going to share the work. We suggest that anyone considering a split of duties make only one person responsible for the entire time you are away.

How many visits do you make per day?
A: Each client is special and has different requirements. Typically, dogs schedule three visits per day and those with cats request only one. This can be customized or changed as necessary to meet the needs of your pet(s) and your schedule. We are happy to accommodate special requirements that are time sensitive as much as possible.

How long are the visits?
A: Visit time varies according to each pet and home's needs. An average visit is 20 minutes. Additional pets or dog walks usually require more time and the price will be adjusted accordingly to those needs.

What animals do you pet sit?
A: We are comfortable with most pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits, most reptiles and other small pets. If we aren't experienced with a certain variety of pet, we will either decline the job or ask you to teach us if you are willing.

I have a cat that doesn't require much attention. Will you visit every other day?
A: No. Any veterinarian will tell you that feline health problems can advance rapidly and may become terminal in 24 hours, even with pets that are in good health. Additionally, coming every other day increases the opportunity for little problems (such as a broken pipe or gas leak) to become catastrophic.

My cat lives outside. Will you come and make sure he/she is okay?
A. We will not look after outdoor cats. If your cat is an outdoor cat, we request that you keep you cat indoors for the time while you are away. Anything can happen and we feel it is just too risky.

What areas do you visit?

Click on service area map below to see detail

A: We are located in north-central Columbia near Stephens Lake. Our current service area is roughly bordered by I-70 east to Lake of the Woods, west along Scott Blvd., and south to Nifong [map]. Residences out of this radius may qualify for service with a small surcharge to be determined after telephone consultation.

How do I set up a pet sit with Safe Pets Trust?
A: Phone us at 449-2331. Don't be concerned if you get our answering machine. We spend a lot of time visiting other homes and pets and will get back with you very soon. Please leave a local number where we may phone you. When we talk, we'll take down your basic information and set up an initial consultation visit. Plan to set aside 60-90 minutes for the initial visit. There is a $15 fee for this consultation visit that will be applied toward your bill.

What should I expect at the initial consultation visit?
A: The initial consultation visit is an opportunity for you to meet us and for us to meet you and get to know your pets. Questions or concerns you have can be addressed at this time. We will gather specifics from you regarding the care of your pets such as their feeding schedule, favorite games and toys, hiding spots, etc. This will ensure that we can provide your pets with the best treatment while you are away. We will also review your home care instructions such as watering plants, adjusting lights and bringing in mail/paper, etc. We will also complete paperwork (Service Contract, Home and Pet Care Agreement and Vet Release). We will need two keys and payment (check or cash) is due in advance. When we leave your home, you will be confident that your pet and home will be in good hands while you're gone. This meeting is for new clients only. After the initial consultation, future reservations may be secured via e-mail. We prefer telephone conversations be limited to first time callers, urgent matters and return home verification.

What services do you offer?
A: In addition to pet and home sitting, we also provide pit stops/dog walking. All services occur in your home. Visit the Services and Fees page for a full list.

Isn't this expensive?
A: If you have multiple pets, pet sitting often is more affordable than boarding. Plus, we offer extra home care services (plant care, mail/newspaper retrieval, taking trash/recyclables out, etc.) you won't receive if your pets are boarded. You will feel secure knowing that your pet is comfortable in his/her own environment with the pet sitter adhering to the pet's regular routine and receiving individual attention. Your pet will be home waiting for you when you return home from your travels.

Will you provide updates on how my pet is doing while I am away?
A: We will maintain a daily checklist/report of what occurs in your home when we are there while you are away. We will note the time we are there and everything that we do. We will notify you know of any strange behavior or strange eating habits. If you will have internet access while you are away and would like brief email updates or digital photos, we can arrange that with you on an individual basis.

Why does dog sitting cost more than sitting for cats and cage pets; isn't it all the same work?
A: Not really. Cage pets and cats are generally satisfied with the 20-40 minutes we spend on the visit and don't require walks or vigorous exercise. This enables us to visit at least two residences hourly on normal pet sitting assignments depending on the nature of the request.

Visiting a dog while its person is gone for extended time periods requires more time on the assignment and may present greater risks. Every aspect of the home security inspection and care routine presents situations that we manage by spending more time on the assignment. Typical dog sitting visits will require an hour on premise with outdoor exercise either in a secure yard or on a supervised walk. Our dog sitting rates are based on this commitment to maintain excellence in safety and service.

What happens if the pet food runs out while I am away?
A: We will never let your pet go without food. We recommend that you purchase extra pet food before leaving. If you run out of food (or kitty litter), an extra fee (in addition to the cost of food) will be added to your bill. See our Services and Rates for more information.

Are you insured and licensed?
A: Yes. We carry liability insurance. We will provide proof for you during our initial visit. Safe Pets Trust is a member in good standing with Pet Sitters International. There is no "pet sitter's license" since the pet sitting industry is self-regulated. We have completed training as Certified Pet Technicians and are prepared to deal with emergencies.

Do you have references?
A: Yes. Please call or email us for information. We do not put references online for the privacy of our clients.

What happens if my pet becomes ill while I'm gone?
A: We always observe pets for signs of irregularity illness. At the initial consultation visit, we will ask for your vet information and complete a form giving us permission to take your pet to your vet for treatment. In an serious emergency, we will take your pet to your veterinarian immediately. Otherwise, we will call you first. If your vet is closed we take pets to an emergency vet clinic. We ask that you provide your vet with the Vet Release Form to let them know you are will be gone and you have a pet sitter in case we do have a need to contact them.

My pet needs daily medication. Will you administer it?
A. Unlikely. Although we are trained and competent with oral and topical medication, we can't guarantee that your pet will cooperate or keep the medicine down after we leave. We will consider each situation on an individual basis but prefer medication be dispensed by a board certified veterinarian.

What if the pet sitter has an emergency? Who will take care of my pets and home?
A: Safe Pets Trust is a team of sitters that work together to make sure your pet and home receive the care we have contracted to provide. We have vehicles and gear equipped to deal with poor weather.

What if there is an emergency in my home, unrelated to my pet?
A: We will do everything possible to resolve the situation without disrupting your trip. We will contact your emergency contact for instructions and if unavoidable, we will contact you.

Does Safe Pets Trust spend the night?
A: No. Our pets would miss us! We have to spend time with them, too.

Do you provide care during holidays?
A: Absolutely! Holiday times are busy and reserve early because so many people travel during those times. We suggest calling us early if you know you need to be away during holidays. There is a slightly higher fee for the holiday itself.

How much notice is needed for pet sitting services?
A. Signing up for pet sitting services is not like ordering a pizza. We ask you to schedule as soon as possible for the initial consultation. We want to make sure we are a good fit for you and your pet(s) prior to your departure. There is an additional fee for less than a five days notice and we strongly recommend reservations for holidays be made 1-2 months in advance. We try to accommodate established clients on short notice and we understand that emergencies do arise. Please give us a call and we will do our best to accommodate you. We have limited space for reservations. We promise the highest quality service to all clients and therefore we never overbook regardless of demand.

How do I establish my dog as a client?
A. Our primary services for dog owners are mid day walks and pit stop service for those who work long hours or travel for business often. While we occasionally dog sit for new clients, this service is reserved primarily for the dogs and people we have on-going relationships with.

We offer new clients in our service area with dogs that want to be considered for pet sitting during holidays, vacations, etc. the option of being on a call list provided the pet(s) pass our two interview screening process. This process must be completed for all new dogs. We do not work with crated dogs.

The first meeting is an introductory session for us to evaluate mutual compatibility. There is no fee and the meeting typically takes 15-20 minutes.

If the introduction is successful we ask the owner to meet us away from the home and allow us to visit the pets alone at home on a "trial run" to ensure there aren't any fear/aggression issues that could compromise the assignment.  We request a minimum of 48 hours between these visits.

If the results are positive we can proceed with a consultation and sign the service contract. We charge a $15 fee for the second meeting if we sign a contract. That fee will be applied as a credit toward the first service invoice.

These criteria must be satisfied to establish a position on our call list; service is offered based on first come first served.

How do you deal with keys?
A: We will pick up keys before you leave and return them upon your return. There is no charge for the first service; however if you elect not to let us keep keys on file, there is a $5 pick up and return fee. Keys kept on file are stored in a security vault. We do not pick up or leave keys in a client's home or secret hiding place.

Do you keep client information/key/alarm codes confidential?
A: Yes, we do not share any client contact information for marketing or any other purpose.

How is payment handled?
A: Full payment is required at the time of the booking. Any additional charges are due within five days of your return. We accept cash and checks.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
A: Cancellations may be made up to five days in advance of the scheduled first visit. After that period, a cancellation fee of $10 will be charged and your deposit, less the $15 consultation fee, will be refunded. Because holidays are reserved so far in advance, the cancellation fee is $25 plus consultation (or $40 total). Fees may be waived due to weather events or illness.

What if there is a delay in our return from vacation?
A: Our policy is to continue service UNTIL the client calls to inform us of their return home. We pay close attention to travel information and weather forecasts to anticipate such events. It is worthwhile to phone us as soon as you're able in these situations.

Why do I have to call Safe Pets Trust when I return home?
A: Call so you won't be charged for additional visits when we arrive to look after your pets. We need to know as we will continue to visit your pet(s) until we get that phone call from you. We don't want to assume that you arrived home at your scheduled time.

Will you charge me for visits if I come home early?
A: You will not be charged for unfulfilled visits if you return home early, but it is extremely important that you let us know immediately if you will be arriving home early from your vacation in order for care to be discontinued. If you do not call us and we show up for our scheduled appointment, you will be charged.

What should I know about leaving home?
A. I will learn about your home and pet's routines after we have our consultation visit. Keep the materials I need to care for your pet in their usual places (food, brushes, toys, leashes). Please leave plenty of food and any other items. If food runs out, we do charge an additional fee to restock. Be sure to check your home for possible dangers around the house (toxic materials, small items that could get stuck in their throat, drape cords). We recommend leaving an outside light on during your absence. Lock up doors and windows. We will note location of items and emergency numbers before you depart, but please leave us a note or phone if anything changes. Other suggestions:

Getting your pet(s) ready:

• Make sure that there will be enough food, treats, kitty litter, etc. for the period you will be gone. If you are low on supplies, leave a note with the specific brand/type your pet is accustomed to.
• Please put identification tags on all of your pets and make sure collars are secure.
• Leave your pet's toys out for him or her while you are away.
• Inform your vet know that you will be away, that a pet sitter will be looking after your pet and provide the Vet Release Form.
• Do a quick head count for each pet immediately before departing. You don't want to leave anyone outside or locked in a room.
• Leave a note or email your pet sitter of any changes (such as rooms that should not be entered, new pets or other modifications.

Getting your home ready:

• Set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature.
• Tell neighbors that a pet sitter will be visiting your home.
• If we are entering the house via a door that you don't normally use, please clear obstacles. It is important that we have safe access.
• In winter, please plan for snow removal before departing. We cannot perform snow/ice removal.
• Let us know of anything unusual like faucet drips, runny toilets or drains that may stop up.
• Show us the breaker box, thermostat and water shut off.
• Let us know of others who have a key to your house and who they are.
• Never leave a message on your answering machine that tells callers you will be gone or when you'll return.
• For dogs that can go outside, be sure to have a fence they cannot escape and check it before leaving. Provide ample shade and water.
• Leave preferred cleaning supplies where they will be easy to find in case of accidents.
• Prior to each trip, be sure to give us your current contact information.

Don't forget to take the Safe Pets Trust telephone number with you! If you have a change in plans, you'll want to be able to contact us. Tony will give you a business card with the phone number printed on it.

Do you have a question that isn't answered here? Give us a call at 449-2331.

Home

Benefits

Quality

Rates

FAQs

About

Contact