 |
 Coddled  Critters   FAQ |
 |
Me
|
Q: Why should I choose Coddled Critters when I can find a petsitter for less?
A: If this is your first question, we may not be the right pet sitter for you. If price is your main concern, I will tell you right away, we are not the cheapest around - and proud of it. Remember the old adage “You get what you pay for”? Our clients are people who want the BEST care for their babies while they are away or unavailable. We truly love each and every pet we care for and treat them as we would want someone to treat our own pets.Q: Will my pets and I meet the pet sitter before service starts?
A: Definitely! This is one of the pre-requisites that Coddled Critters has. We want to be sure that both you and your pet(s) are comfortable with us.Q. What happens at the consultation?
A. Your sitter will come by your home to meet you and your pets. This is a time for everyone to get to know each other. You will give your sitter detailed instructions on the care of your pets and home, fill out a service agreement and provide your sitter with a key.Q. How many visits per day should my pet have?
A. MINIMUM VISITS: DOGS WITH A DOGGIE DOOR MUST have at least one (1) visit per day – without a dog door MUST have a minimum of two (2) visits per day – three (3) is recommended. CATS SHOULD have at least one (1) visit per day – you MAY sign a Waiver of Liability and opt for every other day visits. For the safety of your pets, we will not do less than this, please do not ask.Q. Is there a way for you to keep in touch with us, just to let us know everything is okay?
A. Absolutely, as part of our service we provide our clients with e-mails or voice, or text messages. Just let us know how often— daily, twice a week...we are here to serve you and give you peace of mind when you are away from home.Q. What is your screening process for hiring pet sitters that may come into my home?
A. We are family run and operated. My "sister" Angela Barri is not biologically related to me but I was her nanny when she was 9 and we consider each other family. Our pet sitters consist of me, Angela, my 19 year old son and my mother. Most visits are done by me or Angela. On rare occassion my husband may cover a visit.Q. What happens if my sitter becomes ill or injured?
A. There is always a back up sitter available who is trained and aware of your specific needs. I can - and have - walked Angela or my mom through a visit while on vaction (at the San Diego Comic Con and standing in line at Disney and walking through the Japanese Gardens).Q. What happens if my pet becomes injured or ill?
A. In the event of an emergency we will take your pet to the nearest animal hospital or your own vet. 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. We do request that you keep a credit card number on file in the event of unforeseen emergencies.Q: What kind of animals do you care for? Will you care for exotic pets?
A: We care for most animals as long as they do not pose a danger to us. While we do not care for animals with a history of biting, fighting, or attacking people. Each animal is an individual and we do not discriminate against any species or hybrid. We have cared for many exotics including hedgehogs, sugar gliders, tortoises, tarantulas, snakes, bobcats & wolfdogs.Q. How are gratuities handled?
A. 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.Q: Will people go all over my house?
A: No. The pet sitter will only go where you indicate. Unless there is considerable reason, such as obvious danger to your pet or property.Q: How do we know our key is safe?
A: Your key is kept in a safe, locked box with a code for your name on it.Q: How do I prepare my home and pets for a pet sitting service?
A: Preparation can make a big difference in how smoothly things go for your pet when the pet sitter comes to visit. Here are some tips:Make sure the pet sitter has a phone number where you can be reached.
Also leave veterinarian's phone number and location of their office.
If inside services are requested, provide the pet sitter with a house key in addition to garage door openers.
If you have new keys made, try them out to make sure they work.
Clean food and water dishes before leaving town.
Provide extra food, litter and other supplies just in case you’re not able to return when planned.
Clean out the refrigerator to avoid smelly food spoilage and wash the dishes in the sink to prevent ants, flies or other pests.
Adjust the thermostat to keep the house comfortable for the pet during your absence. In warm weather, a closed-up house can get dangerously hot in a short time.
Leave a list of phone numbers in case the pet sitter needs to contact service or maintenance companies while you are away; i.e., plumber, electrician, cleaning service, yard maintenance, pool service, etc.
Tell the pet sitter of any household areas that are off-limits to your pets or to the pet sitter. Secure access to those areas before leaving home.Q: What can I do to help my pet sitter take the best care of my pets?
A: You can help your pet sitter be a better friend to your pet by helping to make sure there are no problems while you are away. Planning and preparation in the following areas will smooth the way:Tell the pet sitter about all health problems your pet may have—major or minor.
Make sure your dog’s collar fits—Otherwise he may slip out of a too-large collar while being walked.
Make a list of your pet’s favorite hiding places. This will prevent the pet sitter from worrying if your pet is not where expected—the sitter will know where to look.
Provide your own preferred method of flea control, even if your pets are currently flea free. Fleas multiply rapidly and can become a problem very quickly.
If you own both dogs and cats, do not ask the sitter to “just ignore the cats;” i.e., not charge, during pet-sitting visits. A sitter’s professionalism, ethic responsibility and conscience would not allow the oversight of a cat in need of food, medical care or human attention.
If your dog growls or snaps at a pet sitter during a "get-acquainted visit,” understand that the pet sitter may ask that you make other arrangements for your dog’s care during your absence.Q: Why should I hire a PSI member as my pet sitter?
A: Pet Sitters International was founded in 1994 to promote, support and recognize excellence in pet sitting. When you hire a PSI member, you are hiring a professional who believes in the quality service and high standards that PSI promotes. With a staff that has a combined 45+ years of experience in pet-sitting services, PSI has developed a wide range of pet care, business and educational resources. Only PSI members have access to this wealth of information, the latest in industry trends, new products and services that can benefit you as a pet owner.Q. What is the purpose of the email service confirmation that gets sent when I book a service?
A. The schedule confirmation messages are a service we offer primarily for your peace of mind. Having the dates of service correct, the services to be delivered clearly documented eliminates any possible confusion or misunderstanding. The service confirmations also keep you updated on the status of any credit or balances you may have on file from returning home early or by extending your trip.Q. If I get a confirmation, and need to adjust the dates of service or services being delivered, what should I do?
A. You can email the changes to us or you can call our office. We will make the adjustments in our system and send you an updated confirmation.Q: What if my property or pet is damaged while I am gone?
A: Coddled Critters agrees to provide the services stated in our service contract in a reliable, caring, and trustworthy manner. We are only liable for claims arising from negligence or willful misconduct. Due to the extreme unpredictablity of animals, we cannot accept responsiblity for unusual mishaps, such as, bitings, furniture damage, etc. If your pets have access to the outside, we are not responsible for injury, disappearance, fines, or damage caused by your pet to other property. We maintain liability insurance for the protection of our customers. We also have a Pet Sitter Dishonesty Bond. We shall be responsible for any loss or damage caused to the customer by Coddled Critters or an employee thereof. Our liability is limited to the coverage and limits contained in the applicable liability policy in effect at the time of loss. Customer indemnifies Coddled Critters and their representatives and holds them harmless from any loss by third party in excess of liability coverage.Q: What happens when I get back from my trip?
A: You will need to call us and tell us or leave a message that you are home, and your pet is safe.Q: What happens if I can not get back at my scheduled time?
A: Your pets will be cared for until you call us and tell us you are back, or until we know that you are back and they are safe.Q. How do I pay?
A. You may pay by cash, checks made payable to Coddled Critters, or with a credit or debit card via PayPal. Add 3% to the total of your bill if paying via PayPal. You may also pay via PopMoney I am considering adding smartphone payments via e-mail address so if that is an option you would like, please let me know.