Question 1

Are you insured and what does that mean?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I carry insurance which is inclusive of general liability related to your pets, as well as coverage for the pets and homes in my care. Please note that for petting insurance, any claim must be related to the care provided.  Lost key coverage is also included. If you have specific questions about the coverage, please feel free to inquire.

Question 2

Do I have a chance to meet with you before I hire you?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is important that both of us feel like we are a match for the services provided.  After we have spoken on the phone and it looks like we are a good fit, we will set up a time for the complimentary “meet and greet”. Prior to the meet and greet, you will be sent a link to the pet sitting software which needs to be filled out prior to the meet and greet as we will be going over the information provided.   The software allows for a secure way to safeguard all your personal information for your home including any alarm systems and keypads.  During our time together I will spend some time bonding with your pets, learning about their routines, etc.  .  At the time of this meeting, you will need to provide 2 keys to your home. For people who will need more than an hour or a second meeting, the fee will be at our hourly rate.

Question 3

Do you require keys to my home and why?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we ask for two keys if your home is one that is accessed via keys (one for me to bring to your home and one as an emergency back-up to be kept in my house).  Even if you prefer entry through the garage via a code, I will need a back- up key because at times garage doors malfunction.  For keyless home entries, the codes are fine.

Question 4

Is my key, security code, and garage code secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, your key will not have your name on it.  For security purposes the key will have your customer number and a photo of your pet.  All codes will be stored in password protected software.

Question 5

Do you have references?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely and I will be happy to share their information with you

Question 6

What if the pet sitter has an emergency?

Accepted Answer

My husband as well as a couple of pet sitters that used to work for me are available to back me up.  I have known these people for years and have a high level of trust in them as they also house sit for me.  However, since it is impossible to predict every scenario and the availability of the standard backups, we ask each of our clients to provide us the contact information for someone who would be able to get into your home and provide back-up if we are not able to.  This can be particularly useful in the event of a major snowstorm.

Question 7

What do you do during extreme weather conditions if the roads are impassable?

Accepted Answer

For vacation sits during the winter, you will be required to provide the name and number of a close neighbor that can walk to your home in the event we have these types of conditions.

Question 8

What time do you take off?

Accepted Answer

Like all of you, I need breaks also and I do love to travel.   I normally do not travel during holidays or school break periods.  When I am gone, I should be able to provide other pet sitter referrals which will normally be the same people that back me up in emergency situations.

PAWS AND CLAWS WESTFIELD

Frequently Asked Questions