FAQ
We know you may have questions about our pet sitting and dog walking services, especially if you’ve never had a pet sitter or dog walker care for your pets. Below you’ll find many of the questions we’re commonly asked. If you have a question about something not listed, feel free to contact us. We’re happy to answer questions!
What is “Meet ‘n Greet?”
A Meet and Greet is the initial meeting between GDPC, you and your pet. Most importantly, it allows you to meet me, to see if our service is right for you. It also allows us to interact with your pet in your presence, which is important when deciding which service is right for you!
How do I know when the sitter is at my home, and if my pet is safe?
We can leave a detailed note at each visit, along with the time of the visit. If a daily call would make you feel more secure, just ask. We aim to provide you with a personalized pet-sitting service, curtailed to your every need!
What time of the day/evening do you come and see my pet?
We try to keep your pet(s) on the same schedule as you do, within reason. We service other pets and set our schedules based on the pets’ needs. We ask for a two-hour time window to make visits in. For example, if you wanted a morning and an evening visit, you might request between 7-9 am and 7-9 pm as a time window. If your pet only gets two visits per day, then visits are no more than 12 hours apart. If they get three or more visits per day, then we have more flexibility in the time frames.
I’m interested in your dog walking service; but will my dog be walked with other dogs?
For the safety and security of your dog, we do not walk your dog with other clients’ dogs. Each client gets their own specified walk time where we care only for their pet. It is also our policy not to let the dogs in our custody go up to other dogs, while we are out. This prevents any kind of sudden mishap between them and any transmission of illness or parasite. Maximum two dogs walked at one time. For safety reasons, we also do not take your dog to a dog park for exercise, nor do we let them off leash except in your house or fenced yard.
Should my pet become ill while I’m gone, do you take them to the vet?
During our Meet & Greet, we will request your vet’s information and authorization from you to take them to your vet in your absence. We keep your preferred veterinary information with us at all times during visits and will transport your pet to your vet, if we feel it is absolutely necessary. Of course, we would try to reach you first; but should we be unsuccessful, that would not prohibit us from taking them for treatment. Our priority is your pets’ health and well being at all times.
Do you carry liability insurance, and are your sitters bonded?
Yes, we are fully insured by Evanston Insurance Company, purchased through our membership with Pet Sitters Associates, LLC. Our insurance coverage includes theft and property damage. We are also proud members of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, and Professional United Pet Sitters.
Once I’m a client, how far in advance do I need to book service?
We ask you to book as far in advance as possible to guarantee availability, but if we are available with less than 3-days notice, we will accommodate your request. We do charge a last minute booking fee of $15.00 for reservations made less than 3-days before first visit. Holiday bookings should be a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance in order to secure a reservation. Holidays include: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Holiday fee is an additional $15.00 Per Visit (Eve and Day of Major Holidays).
What is your cancellation policy?
Daily Walks: Cancellation of regularly scheduled daily visits must be given by 7:30 a.m. for credit toward next scheduled visit(s) or you will be charged as usual. All Other Visits/Services: Require a 3-day notice of cancellation. Less than 3 days notice will result in Client being charged a 20% cancellation fee.
How do I pay?
All services are paid in advance. If your reservation is for more than a month away, a deposit of 50% of total payment due is required to hold your reservation. The remainder must be received on or prior to the start of contracted service. You may pay by check, cash or PayPal. Gratuities are never expected but always appreciated for exceptional service.