FAQ
Q: What kind of services do you offer?
In-home pet sitting, daily dog walking, overnight sitting, pet
taxi services, house sitting, yard pet waste clean-up and more. Special
requests? Please let us know!
Q: Do you
have boarding or kennel facilities?
No. In-home pet sitting is an alternative for pet owners who are
reluctant to kennel board their animals dues to the typically small,
crowded cages, the inherent risk of contracting kennel cough or other
airborne diseases, and the fear that their pets will suffer from
depression, anxiety and lack of exercise. Our in-home pet sitting
services enable pets to maintain normal activities and be nurtured in
familiar surroundings.
Q: What kind of pets do you care for?
We have a wide range of
experience with virtually every kind of creature; from dogs and cats,
to hamsters and rabbits, iguanas and turtles, to fish and frogs! Please let us know if you have a special pet or unusual
needs, and we will do our very best to meet your expectations.
Q: What areas do you serve?
Giv-a-Dog-a-Walk
serves the Panama City and Lynn Haven communities. Because of rising gas prices, rates may vary depending on
driving distance.
Q: Do you provide service on an ad-hoc basis or do I need to sign a long-term contract?
While most of our clients prefer that
we visit their pets on a regular ongoing basis, we can provide service
as needed when you're traveling or have an emergency situation arise.
Q: Are you bonded and insured (and what does that mean for me as a client)?
Giv-a-Dog-a-Walk is fully bonded and
insured, and a proud member of Pet Sitters International. As a member of
Pet Sitters International, the largest governing organization in the
pet care industry, we are required to abide by the highest of
standards.
What it means to you, and all of our clients, is peace of mind. We
take responsibility for your pets and possessions when you put them in
our care. That means that your property and your pets are fully
covered, should anything occur while in our care. Having these policies
in place shows a level of professionalism and commitment that you can
trust.
Q: Why shouldn't I have my neighbor's child or a low-cost pet sitter care for my pet(s)?
In most cases you get what you pay for.
Isn't it worth a little more to ensure your pets and home are in safe
hands and that if something goes wrong we'll fully cover it? We are professionally trained, bonded and insured individuals
skilled in providing loving care to pets and homes.
Q: How do you screen your sitters?
We put our sitters through many tests
to assure they will provide professional, reliable, loving care to your
pets. Each sitter is carefully screened, interviewed, criminal
background checked, trained, tested, joined in the field, and we
request our clients to give online survey feedback on the sitter after
every assignment.
Q: Will I have the same sitter on an ongoing basis?
We make every effort to ensure you get
the same sitter on an ongoing basis. At Giv-a-Dog-a-Walk, one of our
main goals is to create a bond between your sitter and your pets, so
they always feel safe and loved, even in your absence. Our sitters are
from your neighborhood, which enables them to provide you with highly
personalized service. We are able to provide backup sitters in the case
that your primary sitter has an emergency or is not available for the
dates of your service. Any substitutions will be communicated prior to
service and are subject to your approval.
Q: What is the purpose of the Free In-Home Consultation?
We provide a free in-home consultation
so you have the opportunity to meet with your new sitter and
communicate any information necessary so we may provide the best care
for your pets and home. Please provide a key at the time of your consultation,
which will be tagged using our secure key coding system and retained by
your sitter so they may provide you with continuous, convenient service
and be readily available in case you have an unexpected need for our
services.
Q: How do you determine what time you'll pay visits to my pet(s)?
Whether
providing daily visits or dog walks to your pets, we strive to keep as
close to your pet's routines as possible. When we meet for your
initial consultation, please let us know all you can about your pet's
normal activities, and we'll do our best to keep that schedule.
Q: Is there an additional charge if I have more than one pet?
No. But we strongly suggest that you consider our extended visit option to ensure that your pets receive the proper care and attention that they deserve.
Q: How am I billed for service?
Payment
in full is required on or before the first visit of your booked
service. For mid-day walk clients, payment is due on the first walk of
each month. We accept cash and checks.
We
come with glowing references from many satisfied clients. Please ask
your sitter to provide them to you during your free in-home
consultation.
Q: Can I make last minute arrangements?
Absolutely!
Overnight services and holidays book up quickly, so please try to allow
two weeks advance notice. If we are unable to provide you with the
service you request, we will do our very best to find the next best
solution to meet your needs. Most important is that no animal goes
uncared for, and no plans are cancelled.