Frequently Asked Questions

Below can be found answers to many of the common questions pet parents have when considering pet sitting services.  If you don't find the answer to your question, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Q: What are the advantages of using a pet sitting service?
A: The advantages of using a pet sitting service are tremendous, both for you AND for your pet.  You receive the peace of mind knowing that your furry family members are being expertly cared for while you are away from home, whether on vacation or just for the day.  Your pet gets to stay in the comfort of his or her own home and to maintain his or her normal exercise and feeding routine.  This vastly reduces the stress and anxiety that pets feel while their humans are away.  Daily dog walks for pets whose humans work long hours provide pets with a welcome relief to the long, boring hours alone.

Q: I am interested in daily dog walks for my pet.  How does this work?
A: The pet sitter will come to your home and spend 20 - 30 minutes providing your pet with individual attention.  During this time, he or she will either walk your dog in your local neighborhood or play with him in your yard, whichever you prefer.  The pet sitter will also change your pet's water and provide treats and/or food, according to your desires.  Please see the services page for pricing details.

Q: I only work three weekdays and my spouse can take care of my pet on other two weekdays.  This means that I only need the 'daily dog walk' for three days a week.  Is this possible?
A: Yes.  The minimum number of regularly-scheduled 'daily' dog walks per week is two. These walks can occur either on weekdays or weekends.  However, a 10 % discount is available to clients who book daily walks Monday to Friday (inclusive) on an ongoing basis.

Q: I am going away on vacation next month and would like to know how In-Home Pet Sitting works.  What makes it better than a boarding facility?
A: In-Home Pet sitting is a great alternative to placing your pet in a boarding facility.  Your pet will be able to remain in his familiar environment, thus vastly reducing the stress of separation from his human family.  He will be able to stay on a regular exercise and feeding schedule and will have caring human companionship each day that you are gone.

Q: My friend says that she has an a live-in pet sitter whenever she goes away, because it provides her with complete peace of mind concerning both her pet AND her home.  What does she mean by this?
A: With a live-in pet sitter staying in your home while you are away, you will not have to worry about your pet OR your home.  Your pet sitter will not only care for your pet, he or she will provide a layer of security that can only be in place when a house is occupied at night.  Your pet sitter will bring in your mail and newspapers, turn lights on and off, draw and open curtains and shades and even water your plants while you are away.  She will also monitor your home's heating and cooling systems and will be on hand should any type of home emergency arise.

Q: Do you take care of animals other than dogs?
A: Yes.  We can also provide pet sitting services for cats, birds and other small animals.

Q: My dog is very active and I don't always have the time to take him for long walks.  Can you help?
A: Yes.  We provide a 'Pet Hiking' service.  This service includes collecting your dog from your home and transporting him by car to a park with walking trails suitable for dogs.  Your dog is then strenuously exercised for 30 - 40 minutes, after which he is transported home, tired and happy.  Please see the services page for pricing details.

Q: My dog needs regular trips to the vet during normal business hours.  I can't keep taking time off from work to take him.  Can you help?
A: Yes.  We provide a pet transportation service that includes pick up and/or drop off between your home and the vet's office.  Please see the services page for pricing details.

Q: Are you licensed, bonded and insured?
A: Yes. We hold a current business license.  Our company is a member of and insured by Pet Sitters Associates, LLC.  Upon request, we can provide proof of insurance.  We are also members of Pet Sitters International (PSI) and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS).

Q: What do you mean when you say your company is licensed, bonded and insured and why is this important?
A: This is a good question and one that you should ask of any potential pet sitter that you interview.  Licensing involves registering a company with the City or Town Hall in the town from which the business operates.  Bonding, also called a Dishonesty Bond, is a type of insurance that reimburses the client in the event that an employee of the company providing home or pet care services steals from the client's home.  While this is something that most home and pet care companies do their best to prevent by conducting thorough background checks on their employees, this gives an added layer of protection to the client.  Insurance is probably the most important of the three terms and refers to liability insurance that covers both the client and the company in the event that a covered event occurs.  Examples of covered events include: (1)  the client's pet either injures a third party or damages someone's property or (2)  the pet sitter accidentally causes damage to the client's property.  In both cases, the liability insurance would cover the cost of the loss, as well as up to 1 million dollars in punitive damages (in case a third party sues the client for injury or damage caused by the client's pet).  One other important insurance to ask potential pet sitters (and indeed anyone you contract with to do work in your home) about is Worker's Compensation Insurance (WCI).  If a worker in your home is injured while providing service, then WCI will cover their medical expenses and pay for disability leave.  If the worker does NOT have WCI, then they will seek recompense by filing their claim for medical and disability expenses against YOUR homeowner's insurance.  This can lead to higher insurance premiums and even cancellation of homeowner's insurance for the homeowner.  Paws and Kisses provides WCI to ALL of its employees, so you don't have to worry about this vital coverage.

Q: I'm going on vacation for a week.  My neighbor's teenage son will be able to walk my dog in the evenings, so I only need visits in the morning and afternoon.  Is this OK?
A: No. For several reasons, which include continuity of care, liability, etc., Paws and Kisses does not accept shared liability pet sits.  Paws and Kisses must be the only care provider for the pets during the client's trip, from when they leave until they return home. 

Q: My pet has been aggressive in the past.  Can he still be a client?
A: This depends on the pet and the circumstances that trigger the aggression.  Please feel free to call us to discuss your pet's issues.

Q: I have a special needs pet.  Can you provide services to him?
A: In most cases, yes.  Our staff are certified by the American Red Cross in Pet First Aid and CPR and are able to administer oral and topical medications.  Please call us to discuss your pet's specific needs.

Q: What are your business hours?
A: Our office hours are Monday to Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.  We are closed on Sundays.  We do, however, provide pet sitting services 24/7.   If you get our voicemail, it is because we are all busy walking dogs!  Please leave a detailed message and someone will call you back as quickly as possible.

Q: Does my dog need to be current on his vaccinations?   
A: Yes.  Your pet must be current on his Rabies and Distemper vaccinations.  Proof of vaccination must be provided prior to the first date of service.

Q: What about Flea Treatment?  Is this required?   
A: Yes, for dogs and cats.  Fleas are not just a warm-weather phenomenon.  They are very hardy creatures and can survive even the coldest temperatures.  Dogs and cats must be current on a proven flea control treatment.

Q: Does my pet sitter accept tips?   
A: Yes.  Although not required, if you wish to tip your pet sitter, please write a separate check in the Pet Sitter's name or leave cash for your sitter.  One hundred percent of all tips go to your sitter.

Q: What if I need to change or cancel my booking?   
A: We will do our best to accommodate all booking changes.  Cancellations are subject to our cancellation policy.  Please see policies for details.   

Q: Who do I contact to change or cancel my booking?  Can I contact my pet sitter directly?   
A: Please contact Paws and Kisses, either by phone at (203) 922-2643 or via e-mail.  Please do not contact your sitter directly, as he or she will have to refer you to the company for all matters related to bookings.   

Q: Can I book a service directly with my pet sitter, outside of Paws and Kisses Pet Sitting?   
A: No.  All of our pet sitters are employees of Paws and Kisses Pet Sitting Service LLC and, as such, are not able to accept independent bookings.  Please do not embarrass your sitter by asking him or her to do so.

Q: What if I want to check up on how my pets are doing while I am away?  Can I call you to find this out?   
A: Certainly.  Each pet sitter keeps thorough notes of each visit with your pet.  They track behavior, potty break activity, appetite, and overall health, among other things.  Please just give us a call during office hours and we will be happy to update you on your pets wellbeing. 

 

A Relaxing Garden Tour

   

The Serenity Garden

Garden Gnome on a Swing

The Secret Garden 

Just 'Hanging' Around