FAQ

Why should I use a pet sitter?

When you are away your pets' routine is disrupted, by engaging a pet sitter your pet can stay in familiar surroundings and receive plenty of love and attention while in their own home. Sending your pet to a boarding facility can be a traumatic experience for both you and your pet. They will be exposed to unfamiliar surroundings and possibly the illness of other animals. For some pets being transported can be stressful. In addition a pet sitter will watch over your home while you are away. A pet sitter can water plants, bring in the mail, turn on/off light, open/close blinds and notify should there be a problem with your pet or your home.

I've heard that pet sitters should be bonded, insured, and licensed. What does that mean to me and my pets?

Bonding, insuring, and licensing are all steps we take for your safety and security. Bonding protects you from theft by a pet sitter. Insurance protects you, your home, and your pet. Licensing guarantees that your pet sitter has agreed to work up to the standards set forth by Pet Sitters International, the National Association of Pet Sitters, or both. Livingthepetlife.com is bonded, insured, and licensed, and can provide you with their documentation.

Why should I use your services, when I might be able to get a friend, neighbor, or relative to do this?

These are the kinds of friends and neighbors we all love to have. However, these people are busy and may not be able to devote the time and attention that your pet will receive from a professional pet sitter. We are bonded and insured for your peace of mind and we are better able to handle an emergency with your pet. If your travel plans change we will be available to continue to take care of your pet until you return. And when we go out of town, we won't ask you to watch our pets!

What services do you offer?

We recognize that the needs of each animal and home are unique. To accommodate your needs, we offer a wide variety of services.

• Daily dog walking: We walk your dog while you're at work during the day. We can also accommodate running exercise or taking your dog to a park.
• Short-term daytime pet sitting: We can visit your dog multiple times per day while you're out of town. We will maintain your dog's usual daily routine, with play, feeding, and exercise.
• Overnight pet sitting: We provide the usual daytime pet sitting services but also stay the night at your house so your dog or cat is not left alone.
• Home boarding service: If your pet likes more attention and gets along with other pets, we can take care of him or her in our home. Playing well with others is essential, as we usually have more than one pet in our home at one time.
• Dog taxi service: We can transport your pet to the groomer, veterinarian, airport, or other location.

Will my pets and I meet the pet sitter before service starts?

Yes. Every client schedules a free introductory visit with a Livingthepetlife.com pet sitter before services begin. During this visit, the pet sitter meets the pets and owners and reviews policies and guidelines.

Does the pet sitter I meet with personally take care of my pets?

Except in an emergency, the pet sitter you meet at your introductory visit is the person who will be taking care of your pets. If your pet sitter will be unavailable because he or she is going on vacation, you will be notified in advance so you can meet with the substitute pet sitter. The substitute will also be a licensed Livingthepetlife.com pet sitter. Except in an emergency, as described above, Livingthepetlife.com pet sitters are not permitted to bring family, friends, or even another pet sitter into your home without your prior permission.

What information will I need during the introductory visit with my pet sitter?

Your pet sitter will arrive with a Livingthepetlife.com packet. The packet will contain a service agreement, proof of bonding and insurance, a daily visit sheet and a business card for your purse or wallet. You and your new pet sitter will fill out the service agreement together. Information and items that you should have readily available are as follows:

• Your personal contact information: cell phone number and email address, if you will not be carrying a cell phone or a cell phone will not work in the area that you are staying please provide us with the name and phone number of the hotel or place of stay.
• Emergency Contact person: In the event of an emergency and we are unable to reach you
• Veterinarian name & number: For emergency purposes
• Pet Information: This includes the daily routine of walking, feeding and playing. Also tell us about your pets' favorite treats, toys hiding places and any behavioral problems.
• Medical History: If medication is to be administered please provide detailed instruction from the veterinarian. Please be aware that our pet sitters cannot administer medication to a pet that poses a danger to the pet sitter.
• Security Company phone numbers & codes if applicable. Just in case your pet sitter sets off the alarm
• Key to your home: Please test it before giving it to your pet sitter
• Names & number of others who may be entering the house: Cleaning person, Pool service, friends.

How are my keys handled?

Your pet sitter keeps your key in a secure location in his or her home. For your security, keys are labeled with your pet's name only (not your name, address, or phone number).

What does a pet sitter doing during a pet visit?

During an average visit the pet sitter provides fresh food and water for your dog, takes the dog for a walk, ore lets the dog out, and plays with the dog. At your introductory meeting with your pet sitter the two of you will discuss the length of each visit and what services are to be provided.

Can my dog's walk include a trip to an off-leash dog park?

Yes; we're happy to take your dog to a local off-leash area. Even in legal off-leash areas letting your dog run free raises additional liability for Livingthepetlife.com pet sitters. Therefore, we ask that you sign a permission form if you want this service for your dog. Your pet sitter can discuss the details of this service with you at your introductory visit.

My cat is very shy. What will you do if you can't find her?

Livingthepetlife.com pet sitters are experienced with pets of many temperaments. If your cat is shy, we ask that you acquaint your pet sitter with your cat's favorite hiding places. When your pet sitter arrives for a visit, we will search for your cat. If she can't be found, your pet sitter will still stay at your house for the full visit time that you stipulated in your contract. Your pet sitter will also check that your cat is eating and using the litter box to make sure that your cat is just being shy and is not injured.

When I go out of town, how many visits per day shall I schedule?

Generally, we recommend three visits per day for a dog and one visit per day for a healthy cat. Of course, you know best how often your pet is used to going out or being fed. Your pet sitter work with you to set up a schedule that's comfortable for you and your pet..

Is there anything special I should do before I leave?

Please make sure you have left enough supplies such as pet food, cat litter, medications, and treats for your pet to last the duration of your trip. Also, please leave out your pet's leash and bowl. Be sure to show your pet sitter where to find cleaning products in case a mess needs to be cleaned up. Please be sure to inform you pet sitter of any changes in the health or routing of your pets.

What will you do if my pet has an emergency while I'm away?

If we suspect that your pet is ill, your pet sitter will follow the emergency instructions you provided on the service agreement. This usually entails taking your pet to the veterinarian unless you request otherwise. We will also try to contact you immediately.

What if my pet sitter has an emergency while I'm away?

Livingthepetlife.com pet sitter has a partner who can access the primary pet sitter's schedule, keys, service agreements, and client contact information. If your pet sitter has an emergency, we will make every effort to contact you for your approval before sending the partner in to take care of your pets. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can cancel the current service and make other arrangements. Please keep in mind that all Livingthepetlife.com sitters are properly-screened animal lovers and are covered under our insurance and bonding.

What should I expect when I return home?

You should return to happy, healthy pets. We will leave a note for you that include a report on our time spent with your dog and an invoice for our services. We ask that you call us when you return home so we can be certain you have arrived and we no longer need to visit your pet. Delays often happen therefore, we assume that you have not arrived home until we hear from you. For your pets' safety, your pet sitter will continue to visit your pet until you confirm that you are home.

Do Livingthepetlife.com pet sitters work every day?

Yes. For the convenience of you and your pets, we work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a visit?

We're happy to reschedule a visit. We do not charge a cancellation fee.

How do I get started with Livingthepetlife.com pet service?

You can call or email us to set up a free introductory meeting. If you email us please include:

• Where you live
• When and how often your need our services
• What kind of pets you have and how many

How much advance notice do you require before service?

Two weeks notice is standard. To ensure availability it is best to contact Livingthepetlife.com as soon as you anticipate you will need pet sitting services. If a last-minute need arises please do not hesitate to call; we will always try to work with your schedule. Existing clients whose contracts and keys are already in our files can be accommodated on short notice.

Do the pet sitters have any special training?

Before joining our pet sitting team each Livingthepetlife.com pet sitter has to pass a written test on pet safety and care and attend a class in pet first aid and CPR.

Do you have references?

Yes. Livingthepetlife.com is happy to provide references for each of our pet sitters. For a sample, please read our Testimonials page.

When do I pay for the service?

Clients generally pay for pet sitting services when they return home. Clients who have paid late in the past may be required to pay before leaving town.

What forms of payment do you accept?

Livingthepetlife.com accepts cash, PayPal payments and checks.