What types of pets do you care for? We pet sit most kinds of domestic animals including dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, birds, fish, reptiles and pocket pets.
What will you do if my pet becomes ill while I am away? We will first attend to your pets medical and safety needs at once. Once your pet's safety needs are attended to, which may include a vet visit, our first phone call is always the pet owner. In the event we cannot reach you, we will contact your preferred emergency contact person on file to help us make any decision that is best for your pet. Your preferred veterinarian on file will be contacted and your pet will be transported if needed. If your pet experiences an emergency, we will seek emergency veterinary care with the preferred emergency veterinarian listed in your file. You will be kept in the loop and advised of any treatment or transport of your pet, as is reasonably possible during an emergency. Expenses associated with emergency response and transports are listed in your pet care agreement.
Are you Licensed & Insured? Yes. We are licensed and insured.
What if a friend wants to come into my home a few times when I am away? Unfortunately, we cannot be solely responsible for the home and or pet when others have equal access to them. Should a problem occur, it could be impossible for us to take the full responsibility we would like to have, which may cause our insurance or bonding to be unable to cover your home or pets during your absence. We recommend asking friends and family to refrain from accessing the home (except in emergencies) if you wish to take full advantage of having a bonded and insured pet care provider. Additionally, our pet sitters’ safety and comfort is also important.
What type of payment do you accept? When is payment due? We accept all major credit cards and debit cards by phone or online invoice. Payment is due in full at the time the reservation is made in order to hold the booking for you. This is standard procedure for professional pet sitters. Sorry, no billing available.
Do you board pets or have sitters who will take a pet into their own home? We are not a boarding service. We offer only in-your-own-home pet care. Our pet sitters come to you! We are happy to recommend a good boarding facility if you need one. We have some listed here on our Pet Resources page.
Why is a Free Consultation necessary for first time clients? This initial meet and greet ensures your pets and our service are a good fit for each other, at no risk or cost to you. Trust is a big part of caring for your home and pets, and we believe a complementary consultation fosters trust for both parties. Our pet sitter will visit with you and your pets in your home for approximately one hour. During that time your sitter will introduce themselves to you and your pet, gather pet information - including medical and behavioral history, pet care instructions for feeding, medication and walking - and answer any questions you may have about using a pet sitter from The Crowned Hound. The pet sitter will also ensure the pairing is a good, making sure your home and pets are safe for the sitter.
How Do Reservations Work? If you wish to book care at the end of the consultation, we will invoice you and collect a house key at the conclusion of the visit. If you would like time to think about it, no problem! Just be aware that we book on a first come, first serve basis and pet care reservations are not confirmed until payment is made in full. We accept all major credit and debit cards for payment and will issue you a receipt once your payment is received. Your pet care reservation is then confirmed, and you can plan the rest of your trip! Repeat clients can book a reservation by telephone or other form of communication with us, pending availability.
Do you pet and house sit on weekends and holidays? Yes, our sitters are available 365 days per year. We work all major holidays including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. All Federal Holidays incur a nominal surcharge added to them, which we pass along to the sitters as a holiday tip.
Should I tip my Pet Sitter? Well, gosh golly gee, we sure would appreciate it! Tipping is not required but appropriate when a job is well done. If you would like to leave a tip, please mark it as such or you may make an online form of payment such as Zelle, CashApp, PayPal, or Venmo. Money left in the home will not be touched or taken unless clearly marked for the pet sitter.