F.A.Q's

What happens if I will be delayed in returning home?
Why do I have to call/text you when I return home?
Will you charge me for visits if I come home early?
My cat lives outside. Will you come and make sure he/she is okay?
What happens if my pet gets sick while I am away?
What if there is an emergency in my home, unrelated to my pet?
I have a family member that lives close by and will also visit. Is that okay?
Are you insured and bonded?
Will you discipline my pet, if necessary?
I don't have a spare key, can I leave it for you under the welcome mat?
I'd rather not have you visit my home, do you offer boarding services?
How much time will you spend with my pet?
What type of assurances do I have that Talk 2 The Paw is legitimate?
What will you do at my house?
Do I pay before or after I return?
Do you only take care of pets when people are out of town?
What days do you provide service?
How many times a day should I have you come visit my pets?
What if something happens and you are unable to get to my pets?
How much notice do you need to schedule a first visit?
Is there an additional fee for holidays?
Do you have different pet-sitters?
Do you charge mileage?

What happens if I will be delayed in returning home?

It is extremely important that you let me know immediately if you will be arriving home late from your vacation in order for care to be continued. Please note that you will be charged for extra visits.

Why do I have to call/text you when I return home?

I need to know as I will continue to visit your pet until I get that phone call or text message from you. I don't want to assume that you arrived home at your scheduled time. What if you get delayed? For safety reasons, I will continue to visit your pet until I have confirmation that you have arrived home. This way, you do not need to worry if your flight is delayed or your trip is extended for some other reason.

Will you charge me for visits if I come home early?

You will not be charged for unfulfilled visits if you return home early, but it is extremely important that you let me 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 our scheduled appointment, you will be charged for this.

My cat lives outside. Will you come and make sure he/she is okay?

Yes.

What happens if my pet gets sick while I am away?

If your pet does get sick while you are away, I will do everything possible to seek medical attention. If your pet needs medical attention, I will take your pet to your veterinarian immediately. If your veterinarian is not available, I will transport your pet to CARE. I will make every effort to contact pet owners and receive instructions before I take an animal in for medical care. However, in emergency situations or when the owner cannot be reached, I will not hesitate to take a pet to the veterinarian. Talk 2 The Paw is not responsible for costs incurred from veterinary visits. I will pay for it and then the total cost of the veterinarian will be added to your bill.

What if there is an emergency in my home, unrelated to my pet?

I will do everything possible to resolve the situation without disrupting your trip. I will contact your emergency contact for instruction and if necessary, I will contact you.

I have a family member that lives close by and will also visit. Is that okay?

Many people like to include neighbors, relatives, and friends in pet sitting duties. These well-intentioned actions cause much confusion during a shared responsibility sitting assignment. Most common among problems is over-feeding, unlocked doors, lost keys, or missed feedings. I absolutely cannot be responsible for any sitting assignment where others are going to share the workload. I advise that anyone considering this split of duties to make only one person responsible for the entire assignment. If a special situation arises where someone else will be sharing , all insurance is null and void.

Are you insured and bonded?

Yes, Talk 2 The Paw is insured and bonded for your safety and peace of mind, as well as our own. Our insurance is specifically designed for the pet care service industry. The purpose of a bond is to protect the owner and the client from losses due to acts of employee dishonesty. Although not completely necessary for businesses that do not have any employees, the bond provides peace of mind to both the client and the owner.

Will you discipline my pet, if necessary?

Talk 2 The Paw believes in positive reinforcement for pets. I will never hit, spank, slap, yank the leash, yell, spray water/vinegar or grab your pet. If there is a disciplinary problem, i.e. toilet training issues, running away, etc., you will be informed of the incident(s) and I will implement your suggested disciplinary actions.

I don't have a spare key, can I leave it for you under the welcome mat?

Please don't ask me to take on this responsibility; it is too risky. Please have spares handy before meeting me.

I'd rather not have you visit my home, do you offer boarding services?

Sorry, I do not offer any boarding or pet day-care services. Don't be afraid to tell me if you're a bit reluctant to let a stranger in your home while away, it's a normal feeling. However, I am confident that you will feel more comfortable about it after the initial consultation. Besides, kenneling your pet can be traumatic to both of you and it exposes your loved one to many airborne viruses commonly found in kennels. Your pet will be both happier and safer in your own home.

How much time will you spend with my pet?

At least 45 minutes for each visit. This will allow time to play with your pet(s), and give personalized loving care.

What type of assurances do I have that Talk 2 The Paw is legitimate?

BONDED – Talk 2 the paw is bonded against theft through Business Insurers of the Carolinas. INSURED – Talk 2 the paw is insured through Business Insurers of the Carolinas to cover against any accidents while you're away - to date I have never had any incidents to make a claim against. REFERENCES - I will gladly give references available upon request. FREE CONSULTATION - I will come directly to you to answer all of your questions and meet your pets. I want to make sure we have a good fit for your peace of mind, security and your pet's comfort. Choosing a pet sitter is an important decision and you should be completely confident that you've made the right choice.

What will you do at my house?

Generally, the visits will consist of providing fresh food and water, play time, outdoor time, and special loving attention for your pet. Other services may be provided such as taking trash out, rotating lights, bringing mail in, etc.

Do I pay before or after I return?

Upon your return there is a pre-addressed envelope with the bill inside left for you. Payment is due immediately upon return.

Do you only take care of pets when people are out of town?

Talk 2 the paw is available to care for your pets while you're out of town, but also available for daily dog walks, checking on an ill or older pet during the day, or taking and/or picking up your pet to daycare or the groomers.

What days do you provide service?

365 days a year.

How many times a day should I have you come visit my pets?

It's best to have a minimum of two visits per day for dogs; three visits would be ideal. One visit per day for cats is usually sufficient. Other pets, such as birds, fish, and other small animals will vary. It really is what you and your pet are use to and are comfortable with.