Pet Attention questions & answers

Q: When should I use Pet Sitting services?
A: There are many different times when you could use Pet Attention services. Whether it be a daily visit with extra attention for your pet(s) due to working long hours or during vacations, business trips or family emergencies, Pet Attention will help your pet(s). Here are just few examples when you might use pet sitting services:

Q: What’s the difference between pet sitting and boarding my pet(s)?
A: Pet sitting allows your pet(s) to remain in its natural environment, minimizing the stress of travel and adjusting to a new environment. Boarding requires your pet to be transferred from its home to a housing facility. An added advantage of pet sitting is not having to worry about your mail and newspapers piling up in the mailbox, or plants becoming wilted while you're gone. Pet Attention has it all covered. Best of all, your pet(s) can sit by its favorite window or lounge on its favorite bed pillow. Pets who are shy, easily susceptible to car sickness, or who are generally not used to be taken away from their accustomed environment are recommended for pet sitting as opposed to boarding.

Q: How much notice do I need when I make a reservation?
A: If you are a new client, the earlier you call the better because we must schedule an initial consultation (Meet and Greet) before we start your service. Once you are an established client, a week in advance is typically enough time. However, if you need services for a holiday, please call or e-mail, to request service as far in advance as possible. Holidays book up very quickly so please book early!

Q: 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 one to two visits daily. This can be customized or changed as necessary to meet the needs of your pet(s) and your schedule. Pet Attention is happy to accommodate special requirements that are time sensitive as much as possible.

Q: 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.

Q: What kind of pet(s) do you care for?
A: Pet Attention specializes in care for dogs and cats; however, we will offer individualized care for your other pets in your family, including birds, fish, hamsters etc. Please call Pet Attention at (678) 431-0897 for more information.

Q: Can my pet(s) come to your home?
A: No. Pet Attention looks after your pet(s) 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, Pet Attention will take them to your veterinarian or boarding service specified in advance until your return or alternate arrangements are made.

Q: Why not just have a friend, relative or neighbor to take care of my pet(s)?
A: For many people, a trusted neighbor, friend, 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 my job and I will enter into a contract with you to perform the services you need. Pet Attention is a professional business and I will be there!

Q: I have a family member that lives close by and will also visit. Is that okay?
A: Many people like to include neighbors, friends, and relatives 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. Pet Attention cannot be responsible for a sitting assignment where others are going to share the work. If anyone other than Pet Attention has access to your home during our scheduled dates of service, I must be notified in advance and I'm not liable for any damages or lost items. Pet Attention suggest that anyone considering a split of duties make only one person responsible for the entire time you are away.

Q: Will you provide updates on how my pet is doing while I am away?
A: Pet Attention maintains a daily report of what occurs in your home when you are away. I notify you of any strange behavior or unusual eating habits. If you will have internet access while you are away and would like brief email updates or would rather send you text message or just a simple phone call, I can arrange that with you on an individual basis.

Q: What happens if the pet food runs out while I am away?
A: Pet Attention will never let your pet(s) go without food. I recommend that you purchase extra pet food before leaving. If you run out of food (or kitty litter), an extra fee will assessed to your balance.

Q: Do you have references?
A: Yes. Please see client references. For more information, call or email us. For security reasons, Pet Attention will not post references information online.

Q: What happens if my pet becomes ill while I'm gone?
A: Pet Attention will always observe pets for signs of irregularity illness. At the initial consultation visit, I will ask for your veterinarian information and complete a form giving me permission to take your pet to your veterinarian for treatment. In an emergency situation, I will take your pet to your veterinarian immediately. Otherwise, I will call you first. If your veterinarian is closed, I will transport your pet to a 24 hour emergency animal hospital. I ask that you provide your veterinarian with the Veterinarian Release Form to let them know you will be gone.

Q: Do you offer any dog training services?
A: While I'm caring for your pet(s), I can work on basic commands as needed otherwise I recommend American Dog Training which has been in the business of training dogs and their owners since 1972. They feel your home is the center of your pet's life and individual in home training is the most logical place to train your dog.

Q: My pet(s) isn’t very social, will you care for it?
A: All pet(s) must be people friendly. The initial consultation will be my time to get to know your pet(s). For my safety, any pet(s) that appears to be aggressive toward people, will not be a match for Pet Attention services.

Q: What if there is an emergency in my home, unrelated to my pet?
A: Pet Attention will do everything possible to resolve the situation without disrupting your trip. I will contact your emergency contact for instructions or local authorities (police, fire department) if necessary. If it is required to contact the local authorities, you will be notified.

Q: Is there a fee for key pickup?
A: There is no charge for the first service; however if you elect for Pet Attention to pick up and return your key each time, there is a $10.00 charge. If you leave your key with me it will be coded and kept in a locked box. Your name/address will not be on the key.

Q: What is the preferred form of payment?
A: Payment is due on or before start of service. Preferred forms of payment are cash and checks. Credit card payments may be made through PayPal. Pet Attention will add $25 plus bank fees for any returned check.

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

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

Q: 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 me and I show up for my scheduled appointment, you will be charged.

Q: How should I prepare my pet(s) and home prior to my departure?
A. Be sure to check your home for possible dangers around the house (toxic materials, small items that could get stuck in pet(s) throat, poisonous plants, chocolate candy in a dish etc...). Lock up doors and windows. Pet Attention will note location of items and emergency numbers before you depart, but please leave me a note, email, text, or call if anything changes. Other suggestions:

Getting your pet(s) ready:

Getting your home ready:

Q: How do we get started?
A: The first step is to call Pet Attention to set up a FREE consultation. Consultations will be at a convenient time for you, including nights and weekends. This will give me time to meet you and your pet(s) in order to establish the plan of care I provide for your family.

Consultations usually begin with a tour of your home. I would like to know which rooms in the house are available to your pet(s), and which doors should remain closed. Also, during this tour I will ask about favorite hiding and napping spots that your pet(s) may have and confirm the feeding schedule, location of foods and any medications that will be administered during your time away as well as the location of your cleaning supplies.

Contact Today by Calling 678.431.0897 or
Email Donna at donna@InHomePetAttention.com to Find Out More.