| Questions for the Furry Godmother |
| What do you do for an average pet visit? Sweet talk, feed, brush if needed, supply fresh water, bathroom breaks, give treats per your instructions, scoop the litter box,and playtime. Walks are given upon request, and always lots of TLC.
snakes, primates, or livestock. I will watch birds and fish, but am free to admit I have limited experience with them. Why do you mention the dogs must be friendly? Most are friendly and well mannered, and it's rarely an issue. However, on some visits, my eight year old daughter may accompany me, and although she is included in my insurance policy, I need the assurance there is no need to worry about aggressiveness, especially from dogs that outweigh her. She has grown up with pets since she was born, and knows how to respect and entertain them. If you have any uncertainties, she can come with me on the get acquainted interview. Normally she does not accompany me, unless she isn't in school. On the weekends, she stays home with my husband, unless your pet would like an extra person's attention. If pets are shy, that's okay, but if they have a history of biting, it's best to contact another professional to watch them. Do you require anything of the animals? It is essential that they let me in the door while you are away, and that they are current on their rabies vaccination. What are your office hours? 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday, you may also reach me by email. How many times a day will you visit my pet? That depends on you. Visits range from a 15-20 minute drop-in to one hour. Please see the rates page for details. An adult dog can usually hold their bladder for 8 hours, three visits are recommended for them. Cats usually do fine with once a day visits, unless they are used to being fed twice a day. For dogs, a popular choice is to schedule 2 regular visits for mealtimes, and one drop-in (potty break) visit for mid-day. For that arrangement I give an example of fees on my rates page. You may call me to discuss the plan that would work best for your pet, and I will quote you a price over the phone. I have had some clients tell me I have lower rates than other sitters, and I have met sitters who have rates that are about the same. This is my only job, and I do it to my best ability, and with enthusiasm. I also do not take on more pets than I can handle, and make sure to leave time for the unexpected (and feeding myself). Will you bring in my mail and newspaper? Empty the trash? Water plants? Leave the radio on? Yes, absolutely! If you have other requests (like feeding your wild birds), please don't hesitate to ask! Is your car reliable? Yes, it is, and we belong to AAA, and have a spare vehicle. .Do you have references? Yes, I've watched pets for several friends and neighbors, including one of the veterinarians I've worked for. I wish you could ask the pets themselves, they are truly a joy to be employed by. What is the key duplication and return fee for? If you've looked at other pet sitter's sites, you may notice two tested keys are requested; a spare in the chance one breaks,fails to work, or is locked inside. This is also my policy. One or both keys may be returned after your service period, there is a small fee of $5 for arranging to meet you to return the key. Keys are discreetly marked. If you aren't able to provide two copies of your key at the get acquainted interview, The Furry Godmother can make an additional key for a fee of $3. If you'd like me to retain your keys, it may be helpful to know if you lock yourself out, I'm able to come unlock your door for you. This has happened four times with different clients, so it is a distinct possibility! How do I know what areas you will watch pets in? Mostly I will watch pets in the 23322 zip code. The main area I pet sit in is the area south of Great Bridge Boulvard/Kempsville Road, east of Country Club Boulevard, west of Centerville Turnpike, and north of Hickory (Benefit Road). If you are unsure, please call me to check. Depending on how many visits your pet requires a day, I may be able to go a little out of the area. Please email or call me to check. If I'm not in your area, I may be able to refer you to other pet sitters I have met in person, including some in Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. What about insurance and bonding? Through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC, I am fully insured for liability. For bonding, because I am the sole proprietor of my business, and have no employees, I chose optional "special property of others coverage" to protect against mysterious disappearances, destruction, and breakage (the aspects of bonding). My insurance through Pet Sitter's Associates, LLC, is actual insurance, and includes a much broader scope of personal property coverage. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me. Do you have pets now? My daughter has several gerbils. We also are visited daily by my neighbor's dog (she comes in, and makes herself at home). If you are interested in Gerbilvision (thanks to Scrappy's owner for that term) for your cats or children ( just visual entertainment, not cat snacks), please see my daughter's gerbilry page. Gerbils make wonderful pets, they drink very little water, eat very little, their cages need cleaned only once every 2-3 weeks, and they are friendly and fun to watch. For entertainment, they are happiest chewing up discarded paper towel or toilet tissue tubes (great recyclers). The reason I do not have more pets is because of their expense, I am the type of owner who will not hesitate to go the extra mile for them. We spent part of my daughter's future college funds on repairing a torn ligament in one of my dog's knees, and I wouldn't hesitate to do so again. For that reason, I and my husband have agreed to be content to love on my neighbor's dog and other folk's pets for the time being. My cat passed away from cancer in April 2008, he lived for several months past what the doctors predicted he would. I thank God for every day I had with all of my animals, and miss them all very much. . |
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| Chesapeake's Furry Godmother |
