Frequently Asked Questions
Why hire a professional dog walker?
Your life is busy and complex, and you want your dog to have the best possible care and quality of life. What do you do when you have a full day of work, sometimes combined with after-hour activities or overtime?
A professional dog walker will provide the backup you need, whether to exercise your dog in the middle of the work day, or to provide dinner and an evening walk if you can’t be home at the regular time. Making sure your dog has stimulating breaks during the day will help prevent separation anxiety and boredom, not to mention providing the all-important bathroom break.
Do you combine multiple dogs in one walk?
No. Unless you specifically request that your dog be walked with other nearby dogs, each client receives an individual walk.
Do you charge extra if I have a cat in addition to a dog?
The standard fee covers two pets, whether they are dogs or cats or one of each. The charge for each additional animal over two is generally $5 per pet, depending on circumstances and the amount of time needed to care for them. Please contact us to discuss your needs.
Does it cost the same to just let my dog out in the backyard as it does to walk him?
SitWalkStay visits are based on time, so a 30-minute visit costs the same whether it involves a walk or just playing in the back yard.
Is there a charge for canceling or rescheduling?
No, we don’t charge for cancellations or rescheduling, but we ask for as much notice as possible so as to free your slot for other clients.
Why hire a professional pet sitter?
When you must be away from home - say for travel or an emergency - and don't want to leave your pet in a boarding kennel, who takes care of your pet? If you're like many pet owners, you ask a friend or neighbor to stop in and pour some kibble and water in your pet's bowls. But is this what's best for your pet? There's a good chance that your friends and neighbors lack proper pet-care experience and have even forgotten to show up. They may also resent frequent requests to look after your pet while you're gone. So what is the solution? Consider hiring a "pet sitter" - a professional, qualified individual paid to care for your pet.
A pet sitter offers both you and your pet many benefits.
Your pet gets:
- the environment he knows best.
- his same diet and routine.
- relief from traveling to and staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals (such as a boarding kennel).
- attention while you're away.
You get:
- happier friends and neighbors, who aren't burdened with caring for your pet.
- the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional.
- someone to bring in your newspaper and mail so potential burglars don't know you're away.
- someone who will come to your home so you don't have to drive your pet to a boarding kennel.
- other services provided by most pet sitters, such as plant watering and pet grooming.
What’s the next step?
Call or email us to schedule a get-acquainted meeting. This will be an opportunity to meet you and your pet(s) and discuss what your needs are, and develop a plan for how SitWalkStay can help you. There is no charge for this meeting, which usually takes 30-60 minutes. We'll ask for information about your pet’s health, exercise needs, socialization, feeding schedule, and any medications that are required. We’ll also want to know how to contact you and your vet, and ideally another person who has access to your home in case of an emergency. We will also bring a simple contract form that will set forth the services we agree to provide.