Pet Sitting FAQs
1: Why hire a professional pet sitter?
There are several advantages of using a pet sitter:
- Your pet will remain in the comfort of their own home following their regular routine, sleeping in their favorite spot, where all the sights, smells and sounds are familiar resulting in reduced stress for your pet. He will not be on a cement floor and caged with other dogs backing around him.
- Your pet will follow his own customary diet and exercise routine.
- Your pet will receive lots of love and personal attention while you are away.
- Your pet will not be stressed by travel in a car or an unfamiliar environment, like a kennel. I will provide loving pet care right in the comfort of your own home.
- You will not be imposing on a friend, neighbor or family member.
- There is also the benefit of added security because you are not leaving your home unattended while you are away that day or on vacation. I will bring in your mail, newspapers, alter lights, blinds and curtains, water indoor & outdoor plants, take out your garbage, giving your home that "lived in" look. Because my love of animals extends beyond the house, I will also refill the bird baths and fill the bird feeders.
- You will have peace of mind knowing that if your travel plans change, I will continue to take care of your pet until you return.
2: What happens at the free consultation visit?
I will come to your home for a free consultation visit that will take approximately 45 minutes. This gives you a chance to meet and see how your pet responds to me. If you decide after meeting me that you would like me to care for your pet(s), you can leave me the key at that time and we will need to fill out some necessary paperwork. Your key will not be marked with any information about you or your address. The paperwork will include information sheets on your pet, service contract, contact information and a vet release form. I will also familiarize myself with your home so I will know where to find the items needed for the visits such as food, leashes or litter boxes. Consultation visits usually take place the week before service is to begin.
3: How far in advance do I need to book?
Obviously the more notice we have the better. Holiday periods (Spring break, long weekends, summer, Christmas & New Years) sometimes book up months in advance. Two weeks in advance for other times of the year is usually sufficient. I do understand that emergencies sometimes arise, so please give me a call and I will do our best to accommodate you.
4: What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Cancellations may be made up to 1 week for holiday periods and 2 days in advance of other scheduled visits. Please let me know as soon as possible if you should need to change or cancel a service.
5: What happens if I will be delayed in returning home?
It is extremely important that you let me know immediately if you will be arriving home late from your vacation in order for care to be continued. Otherwise if I have left the key inside, we will have to contact the fire deparment to gain access of your home.
6: Will you charge me for visits if I come home early?
You will not be charged for unfulfilled visits if you return home early, but it is extremely important that you let me 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 I show up for our scheduled appointment, you will be charged for the visit.
7: What types of animals do you pet sit?
I currently provide services for dogs, cats, birds, chinchillas, ferrets, fish and hamsters.
8: My cat lives outside. Will you come and make sure he/she is okay?
I will look after outdoor cats, by feeding them and giving them water only. Your indoor cats must stay inside while you are away. Anything can happen and I feel it is just too risky.
9: What happens if my pet gets sick while I am away?
All clients are required to complete a veterinary release form during the initial consultation. If your pet does get sick while you are away, I will do everything possible to seek medical attention. If your pet needs medical attention, I will take your pet to your veterinarian immediately. If your veterinarian is not available, I will transport your pet to the nearest veterinarian or Animal Emergency Clinic. I will make every effort to contact you and receive instructions before I take an animal in for medical care. However, in emergency situations or when you cannot be reached, I will not hesitate to take a pet to the veterinarian. American Genie, Inc. is not responsible for costs incurred from veterinary visits.
10: What if there is an emergency in my home, unrelated to my pet?
I will do everything possible to resolve the situation without disrupting your trip. I will contact your emergency contact for instruction and if necessary, I will contact you.
11: Will you provide updates on how my pet is doing while I am away?
I will leave a note at the last visit outlining how the visits went. I will also send photos showing how your pet has adjusted to being with me.
12: Do you offer boarding?
Yes, I do offer boarding services (dogs only). Your pet must be current on vaccinations including the Bordatella (kennel cough shot). They will be in the environment of a loving home without being caged. They will have the freedom to run in a fenced back yard and the company of 2 retired greyhounds to play with.
We do ask that all pets be current on flea prevention medication (Frontline, etc.). Fleas can infest my house and also other clients' pets. If you have any questions about this, please ask me (and your vet!).
13: What happens if the pet food runs out while I am away?
I will not let your pet go without food. However, it is recommended that you purchase extra food for your pet before you leave. If you miscalculate and r un out of food, the cost of food will be added to your bill.
14: I have a family member that lives close by and will also visit. Is that okay?
Many people like to include neighbors, relatives, and friends in pet sitting duties. These well-intentioned actions cause much confusion during a shared responsibility sitting assignment. Most common among problems is over-feeding, unlocked doors, lost keys, or missed feedings. We absolutely cannot be responsible for any sitting assignment where others are going to share the workload. We advise that anyone considering this split of duties to make only one person responsible for the entire assignment.
15: Do you keep client information/key/alarm codes confidential?
Yes, we do not share client contact information for marketing or any other purpose.
16: How are keys returned?
I can keep your keys on file for future visits or I can drop them off to you within 5 days of the end of the contract period.
17: How does payment work for pet sitting?
Payment is due upon completion of the services.
American Genie is a proud member of Pet Sitters International. 
We are your complete pet care solution, fully bonded and insured.