The Pet Depot pet sitter answers your FAQ's about our pet care pet sitting services, the alternative to boarding kennels.

The following FAQs are provided to help facilitate current and future Pet Depot clients in understanding pet sitting and dog walking pet care. If you have any additional questions for your pet sitter or dog walker, please contact The Pet Depot for assistance.

Why should I use a pet sitter?
I have never used a professional pet sitting service. How do I get started?
What if I return home early or need to stay away longer than planned?
Do you provide the pet food and supplies?
Will you be able to give my pet his medication?
Can I call you for updates on my pet?
Must my pet be vaccinated?
Will you leave my pet outdoors in between pet sitting visits?
What happens if there is an emergency with my pet while in your care?

Providing in-home pet care is the best thing a pet owner can do for their pets. The personalized care and attention a Pet Depot pet sitter or dog walker can offer your pets while you are away is very advantageous to their well being.

• Most pets adjust better to their owner's absence if they can stay in the environment of their own home. The security of living amongst familiar sights, sounds, and smells reduces the chance your pet will experience stress and anxiety.
• An in-home pet sitter ensures that your pet is maintaining their regular diet and routine, keeping your pet healthy and happy.
• Staying at home with a pet sitter means your pet will not experience the trauma, and often upset tummy, of going into a crate and traveling in the car to a boarding/kennel facility.
• Your pet also will not experience the trauma of being boarded. A small cat cage or dog pen is no place for your pets when they can remain comfortably at home. There will be no stress or kennel-life adjustment needed if you utilize a pet sitter.
• With a pet sitter, your pet's health is maintained since he or she won't be exposed to the illnesses and diseases of other pets at a kennel.
• Most importantly, a pet sitter guarantees your pet will receive personal love and attention while you are away.

A pet sitter is also advantageous to you, the pet owner.

• A daily visit from a pet sitter provides your home with additional security by giving it a lived-in appearance.
• A professional pet sitter means you no longer need to impose on family, friends, and neighbors to check in on your pets.
• You should use a pet sitter to give yourself the peace of mind knowing that your beloved pets are safe in their own home and receiving professional, loving care. You needn't feel guilty because your pets are exactly where they prefer--in their own home.
• The Pet Depot is always available to clients via email or phone for updates on their pets.
• A pet sitter coming to your home eliminates the inconvenience of transporting your pet to and from a boarding/kennel facility. Imagine coming home from your trip to find your pets already there waiting for you.
• Pet sitters provide additional services, such as getting the mail and watering plants, while caring for your pet.

The first step is to give The Pet Depot a call and/or complete the online Reservation Form. You will be contacted promptly to schedule an in-home free consultation. This enables the pet sitter to meet you and your pets personally, complete the important client and pet profile sheets, learn all your special instructions and where needed items are located, establish your home maintenance needs, arrange your pet sitting schedule, review policies and services, make payment arrangements, and collect a key to your home. This also enables you to meet the pet sitter and ask any questions you may have about the services provided. After this consult, you will receive an email verifying the dates of service, payment, and policy agreement. You are expected to reply to the email within 48 hours confirming your acceptance of the content. The Pet Depot is highly organized using both the client consultation and your email confirmation to maintain accurate records and diligent care for each client and their pets. All that is left is for you to relax during your time away knowing that your pets are in the finest of care with The Pet Depot.

The Pet Depot requires all clients to call or email as soon as they arrive home and are resuming responsibility for their pets. If you do arrive early, just notify The Pet Depot of your arrival. There will not be a refund given for services if you arrive earlier than scheduled. However, a credit will be applied towards a future service. If you need to extend your time away, contact The Pet Depot as soon as possible to provide the new schedule. The same quality care for your pets will continue until your return. You will be billed after your return for the balance due from the extended service time.

The client is required to provide all the food and supplies, such as litter and trash bags, to maintain the care of their pets. If The Pet Depot must purchase additional supplies because what you provided did not last, you will be charged for the travel time and for the necessary purchases.

The Pet Depot is able to administer needed medications to your pet at no additional charge.

The Pet Depot welcomes and enjoys call from their clients who want to check in on their pets. It is understood that your pets are family and that you want to know their status. You may email or call anytime as messages are checked often throughout the day. A prompt return email or call to a client can always be expected from The Pet Depot.

The Pet Depot requires that client's have their pets current on all vaccinations for their own safety as well as for the other pets we are in contact with each day. This information will be provided by the client during the initial consultation. It is also highly recommended that you have I.D. tags with your contact information on your pet's collar. Finally, to help control pet overpopulation, The Pet Depot recommends having your pet spayed or neutered! Ask The Pet Depot for a Spay/Neuter coupon if you or someone you know has an unneutered pet.

The Pet Depot upholds the highest level of care for its own pets and supports local humane groups in their efforts to educate the community on responsible pet care. The Pet Depot agrees that the most humane way to care for your pet is to make them an active member of your family. This means having your pet inside with you. Dogs obviously need daily exercise time outdoors but should never be left outside unattended for long periods of time. Cats, however, should never be outdoors for their own safety. The average life span for an outdoor cat is 1-3 years while an indoor cat can live 12+ years. While we cannot mandate how people care for their pets and will generally follow the guidelines given by clients, we do hope that you will consider the value, comfort, and safety of keeping your pet indoors. Please contact The Pet Depot if you would like information on the reasons to keep your pets indoors, away from the weather, diseases, traffic hazzards, and other risks.

The Pet Depot maintains current records of a client's veterinarian, contact numbers, and emergency contacts. During the initial consultation, we will discuss actions you would like taken in the case of a medical emergency and you will sign a Vet Release Form. The Pet Depot will ask your permission to seek medical care for your pet and will follow through with all steps providing the finest attention to your pet. The client will be billed for travel time and veterinary bills. It is highly recommend that you notify your vet that your pets will be in the care of a pet sitter and that you consider leaving your credit card on file with the vet in case of an emergency.