Please find some common questions and the related answers below. If you have any further questions please email us at services@happytails-indy.com
How do I get started?
Please click here and fill out all necessary information about you, your pet(s) and your home, and we will contact you within 24 hours to schedule an initial in-home consultation.
What does an initial consultation entail?
When you sign up with HappyTails Pet Sitting we will schedule a pet sitter to come to your home for an initial consultation – to meet your pet(s), complete the necessary paperwork, and go over your home care instructions. You decide how often we will visit each day and what services you require. This meeting is required prior to service and lasts about 30-60 minutes.
Can I be assured the same Pet Sitter each time?
While we do understand the importance of having the same sitter each time, there will be times that your primary sitter will not be available. If your primary sitter is not available for your next scheduled engagement, we will designate a secondary sitter and a Meet ‘N Greet will be coordinated. It’s very important to us that we keep your pet family informed and have no surprises.
How does your Pet Sitter get access to my home?
Before you depart home, we are provided with a copy of your home keys, which are stored safely in our secured lock box system. We will test all keys — at our free pet consultation — and make sure we understand your instructions for activating/deactivating your alarm system. During each visit, our pet sitters will follow a guide of instructions to ensure that we keep your home safe and in the same condition that you left it to us.
Where are the keys kept?
Most of our clients let us retain their house keys. House keys are kept in a secured lock box system and are also coded for customer confidentiality.
How long is each visit?
Standard Vacation Care visits are 15-, 30-, 45- or 60- minutes (at your choosing). Potty Breaks are 15- minutes and Dog Walks are 25- minutes in length. All visits are accompanied with a Daily Log that specifies the time in/out, the services performed and any comments your sitter thinks you might find interesting or informative about your pet’s behavior.
What services do you offer?
Knowing that each animal and home is unique we offer a wide variety of services. We come to your home to provide service so that your animals can stay in their familiar surroundings. Our visits include feeding, exercising, and potty breaks. We also spend what we call “TLC time”, just playing with, petting, and loving your pets so they receive the personal attention they crave while you’re away. We also provide “gate keeping” services, such as bringing in your mail and newspaper, taking out the trash, watering plants, alternating lights and rotating blinds.
Do you offer any sort of satisfaction guaranteed?
Absolutely. You want to know that your pet will be cared for just the way you specify. And we will guarantee it every time! If you are not 100% satisfied with the service that was provided, we will be happy to address your concerns. We believe in lasting client relationships and so our service is only complete when you have returned home and are completely satisfied.
What does Bonded and Insured mean?
“Bonded” means that HappyTails Pet Sitting annually purchases a dishonesty bond from Insurers of the Carolinas, www.petsitterinsurance.com. The Pet Sitter Dishonesty Bond protects customers of HappyTails Pet Sitting from loss as a result of theft committed by a subcontractor of the company.
To say to a client “we are bonded” demonstrates the confidence HappyTails Pet Sitting has in its staff. By purchasing a bond, HappyTails Pet Sitting is essentially buying a “credential” that we hope will help our clients and potential clients feel more comfortable about allowing a pet sitter into their home to provide care for the pets.
“Insured” means that HappyTails Pet Sitting purchases an annual liability insurance policy from Evanston Insurance Company. Coverage includes (but is not limited to) damage to property in our care, custody and control (including pets and home), as well as coverage for lost keys.
How am I billed and when is it due?
Vacation care clients will receive an invoice via QuickBooks Online prior to your departure. Weekly recurring clients will receive either a weekly or bi-weekly invoice. We accept cash and checks. Full payment is required in advance. Your Pet Sitter can also pick up payment at the first visit.
Do you charge more for additional pets?
No, however we do charge for additional time spent. So if the additional pet(s) require more time to care for, then the cost will be more.
Do you charge more for holidays?
Yes, a $10.00 holiday surcharge is applied to every visit on the following days. 100% of this surcharge is given to your sitter to “Thank them” for spending time away from their family and working on a holiday.
- New Years Eve and Day
- Easter Sunday
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving Eve, Day and Black Friday
- Christmas Eve, Day, and Day after Christmas
Will you contact me just to let me know everything is going smoothly while I am away?
As far as we’re concerned, “no news is good news”. However, we will do whatever it takes to give you peace of mind while you are away from home. In our initial consultation you can let us know how often we should check in, and we will be happy to provide you with that extra level of service.
What are your hours of operation?
We are available to serve you and your family pet 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Do you have references?
Yes. Excellent local references are available upon request.
Do you accommodate special requests?
Does your pup prefer scrambled eggs for breakfast? Will your fish only eat his worms hand-fed? Does your kitty like to ride down the hall on your back? These are the endearing things that your pets love and we love to do for them. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
What’s best about leaving my pet at home?
Pets are happiest when they are at home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and smells… their own bed and sunny spot; their toys and the smells of the people they love most. Pets feel safe and happy-contented in their favorite room, maybe with a radio or tv on, and their favorite toys right where they left them. A familiar diet, exercise routine and schedule with their own personal attention from their Pet Care Provider is the perfect answer. We’ll even administer any medications, if needed.
What happens if my pet becomes injured or ill?
We are dedicated to excellent care of your pet and have a 24 hr. vet on call. In the event of an emergency we will take your pet to your vet or the nearest animal hospital, if after hours. We will contact you or your emergency contact person for further instructions.
Why not use the teenager or neighbor down the street?
By hiring a Professional Pet Sitter you get the peace of mind knowing that your pets are being cared for by someone with experience. If a medical need arises they are usually experienced enough to know what is and what is not emergent. You also have the security because they are insured and bonded. Pet Sitters do this as a career not just a favor and take pride in their work and will care for your pets the way you would because they WORK for you!
