1. I have a dog. While I am away on holiday or business how many visits do you make to my home a day?

We recommend a minimum of two visits per day. The reason for this is because once a day (every twelve hours) is simply not enough for any dog. The two visits can be morning, dinnertime or before your dog goes to sleep for the night.

2. Can you visit my dog more than twice in one day?

Of course, if the carer is available, an additional cost may apply.

3. I have a cat or cats. How many visits would I need per day while I am out of town?

The minimum amount of visits we do for a cat is once every 24 hours. Many cat owners leave their cats for days at a time. Veterinarians have advised us that we visit cats a minimum of once per day. Why? Because a cat can become ill quickly and if more than 24 hours pass before they are checked on the cat could be seriously ill.

4. How much time do you spend at each visit with my pet?

The standard amount of time is sixty minutes. But if you would like us to spend more time just ask us and we will do that. Keep in mind there would be an extra charge.

5. I've shopped around and you are a few dollars higher than other pet services and kennels?

We try and stay competitive but we may be a few dollars higher than other services. There are numerous reasons for that. Most other pet sitting services are one or two people operations. They may be doing this as a part time job while holding down other jobs. We are a full time service. We fully screen and train our staff. We have back up pet sitters for an emergency or should your regular that all costs money. But our belief is you get what you pay for. And with us you get a quality, full time and professional service.

6. I don't see the benefits in all you offer? I had my neighbour pet sit and everything was fine.

Having your neighbour or relative pet sit is a common practice. Unfortunately when a problem arises, even if it is an accident that occurs, or you were unsatisfied with their services, it can put you in a difficult situation. Further, what if they begin to feel taken advantage of? In any case mixing business with pleasure can be problematic. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be to have a problem with someone close to you. It could ruin a friendship. Further, they carry no insurance. So, if there were to be an accident you are on your own. Also, remember if they have a family emergency and have to leave town while they are pet sitting your pet you are out of luck. Keeping business and personal separate could save you money and lots of anguish!

7. How do you handle emergencies?

Well, it depends on what kind. If you are away and cannot make it back home at the reserved time just call our office and let us know. If it is after hours or on the weekend we do check messages twice a day. If you have an emergency and need to leave quickly, just call us. We are used to handling that and we will do our best to accommodate you. If we have an emergency with your house or pet while you are away our staff are trained to deal with them. Depending on the kind of emergency would depend on the action we took, but be comfortable in knowing a team of people would be working on it.

8. How old do you need to be?

All of our pet sitters are over 18 years old. Most sitters are over 30 and most are female.

9. What my dog get out of the yard or runs away from the carer?

We tag all our pets with a Pet Paws tag, we call local Veterinary Clinic, Lost Dogs Homes and Councils, and contact other carers in the area to assist. This may mean driving around the streets of the area until we locate your pet. We work as a team and pull together in times of emergencies.

10. How do I know my Pet is getting the best care?

All Pet Paws staff are petlovers, from rabbits to birds, fish, cats and dogs, even a wombat for awhile. We love our pets and know how much yours mean to you. We can provide references for your local carer, but remember we do look for professional staff and not people trying to get their hands on a buck or two, from Mums, Singles, Couples and families we have a great data base of people.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CARER.