Q: What is in-home pet sitting?

A: In-home pet sitting is when a sitter comes to your home for scheduled visits and cares for your pet(s) in their own environment. The visits are customized to meet the needs and routines of your pet(s). The sitter comes when and as often as you wish. You can even have them spend the night. Your home will also be cared for! Your sitter will bring in the mail and newspaper, pick up packages, adjust your TV or radio, alternate lights and blinds and even water plants. This gives your home a lived-in feel to deter burglars. 

Q: Why should I use a pet sitter rather than board my pet(s)?

A: We feel that your pet's routine should not be disturbed unless absolutely necessary. By boarding your pet(s) you risk their comfort, health and social well-being. Just the ride to the boarding facility alone can be a hassle for you as well as stressful for your pet(s). Having a professional pet sitter come to your home is the next best thing to having you there. You also have the added benefit that it is a crime deterrent.

Q: I've never had a pet sitter before. How do I get started?

A: Click HERE to get started with Zoo Sitters.

Q: I already have a pet sitter - why should I switch to Zoo Sitters, LLC?

A: Zoo Sitters, LLC is a certified professional pet sitting company. Our sitters are provided with the support and tools to give you the best, most reliable service available anywhere. They are also certified in Pet CPR and First Aid. Honesty and integrity are vital ingredients of everything we say and do. Zoo Sitters, LLC is owned and operated by a former zoo keeper, giving our sitters an additional resource for any potential pet issues. While other caretakers can be capable, responsible people, they may not be able to provide you with service that is held to a high professional standard and may not be able to identify warning signs before there is a problem. Zoo Sitters, LLC is fully insured and bonded as well. We also offer clients convenience online booking and online account management. Clients can request service, change service, cancel sits, update their pets care instructions, vet information, upload new pictures of their pets, and leave notes for their sitter on a particular day. This has allowed us to get instructions straight from our clients, directly into our system ensuring there are no middle-man keying errors. You have total control of your account.

Q: What does it mean that Zoo Sitters is an accredited professional pet sitting company?

Pet Sitters International explains, "when you engage the services of a PSI Accredited Pet Sitter, you are also gaining the in-depth knowledge and skills for in-home pet care she or he has mastered about caring for companion animals of all kinds. The coursework was designed to promote high industry standards and provide a continuing education curriculum to keep accredited pet sitters at the forefront of modern pet-care practices." A certified professional pet sitting business is not a group of folks providing pet sitting services on the side. Our dedication is to our clients and their pets. That dedication can be seen as we strive to renew our certifications every three years. We work on our continuing education units throughout the three year period in the hopes of continuing to be accredited.
 
 

Q: Are you bonded and insured?

A: Yes, we are both bonded and insured. We are happy to provide you with our policy information upon  request. We are also certified through the two largest professional pet sitting organizations in the country: Pet Sitters International and The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters as well as certified in Pet CPR and First Aid.

Q: Will you provide me with a list of references?

A: Absolutely! Just ask.

Q: Who are your pet sitters?

A: Our pet sitters are mature, responsible animal lovers who are carefully selected based on their experience and ethics. They are also certified in Pet CPR and First Aid. All sitters are carefully screened and go through a thorough background and reference check. They are then sent through our orientation program that is designed to underscore home security, safety for your pet(s) and the highest possible quality standards. This ensures regardless of which sitter visits your babies, you are always provided with the same high quality service you can come to expect. Your primary and back-up sitters are also fully trained on your particular sit so your routine is always kept.

Q: Will you give my pet(s) meds and/or injections?

A: While we do administer medications at no additional charge, we do not administer injections. 

Q: Can I meet my sitter?

A: Sure can! While we always strive to ensure your sitter can attend your Client Meeting, at times scheduling conflicts does not allow this to happen. While your sitter may not be able to attend your Client Meeting, the owner of Zoo Sitters (Vanessa) will always meet with you at that time to go over your routine. If your sitter can not attend, Vanessa will personally train them on your sit, ensuring they are a good match for your home and your pet. However, should you still wish to meet your sitter, we can schedule an appointment when it works for both of you. We also often have multiple sitters on an account provided they are all a good fit. This provides you with additional back-up sitters should your primary sitter be booked, off, sick, etc.  If you give us enough notice we will offer you a meeting with your back up sitter(s) as well.

Q: How many times a day will you visit? What about overnight?

A: We can visit up to 5 times per day: once in every time block. Overnight visits start at 10pm at night and run through 6am the next morning.

Q: While I understand I can book specific Time Blocks, can I request a specific time for my sitter to arrive?

A: While our booking system only allows clients to book specific time blocks (Morning, Late Morning, Afternoon, etc.), clients are welcome to request specific visit times within that block. Simply add a Blue Note (these are little note pads that appear next to each day of your sit in the online system once booked) to the first day of your sit when you book your visits that states the requested sit time you'd like your sitter to arrive. We will apply this request to all your sits for this particular vacation. Please be aware that if we are caring for multiple pets or are held up with an emergency issue, your sit may be shifted one hour before or after your requested time. We will however make every effort to accomodate all requested times.

Q: What if the weather is bad when you arrive?

A: Severe heat, severe cold, nor'easter storms, snow, etc. are all considered inclement weather. We ask clients to understand that sitters will use their best judgement concerning your pet's well-being when dealing with these conditions. Walks will most likely be cut short and the remainder of your sit spend indoors with your pet. We will not cut your sit short however and you will be billed for what you booked.

Q: I'm not comfortable with the computer. Can't I just email or call you my dates and instructions? Maybe I can just leave handwritten instructions for my sitter?

A: While new systems can always be scary at first, our online system is quite user friendly, fast and accurate. We are also happy to walk any client through the system via phone. Our online system also communicates your changes with all your sitters at once! If your primary sitter is held up and a back-up sitter needs to be engaged for your sit, you can be certain your back-up sitter has the exact same information as your primary sitter. It is our priority to always minimize the risk that comes with caring for someone else's pets. We've found that handwritten notes can at times be confusing and hard to follow. Your online Client Profile prints in a format your sitters are used to working from so nothing is ever missed. Phoned or emailed booking requests can be misplaced, misinterpreted  or mis-keyed. With this in mind, we do require all clients to enter their pet care instructions and requested sits into our system directly so that we can ensure we know exactly what is expected at each sit and no bookings ever get missed. Your Client Profile is our contract with you and we'll ask that you check and update it if necessary before each sit. This ensures changes are always captured and we can provide you with the best possible service.

Q: What is my computer goes down and I am not able to update my Client Profile or book my sit?

Q: Can my sitter accomodate non-pet sitting requests?

Q: Can you give my pet medication?

A: Yes, we are able to give most pills and liquid medications to most pets. We do not give needle-administered medications like insulin and allergy shots.We do not charge an additional fee for medicating pets.

Q: I never have time to go to the groomer or vet can you help?

A: Yes! We offer a pet taxi service to take them wherever they need to go. Your sitter can take your pet(s) to and from their appointment. Rate is $25 per 1/2 hour.

Q: Does my dog need to walk well on a leash?

A: While we know your dog may not have attended obedience classes, it is our policy to always ensure the highest safety for your pet. With this in mind, if your dog pulls excessively or lunges, we may need to utilize a different collar from what you normally use. This could be a martingale, gentle leader, halti, slip lead or prong depending on the situation. This will insure we have control over your pet at all times and can avoid any problems that may arise.

Q: If I have a cat and a dog and you are coming to my house a few times a day, can you just charge me only once a day for my cat?

A: Our policy is that we do not ignore any animals while pet sitting in your home, as we do feel this would be negligent on our part. Therefore, we require clients to inform us of all pets in their home before we arrive so that proper pricing can be given ahead of time. Our additional pet fee ($2 per pet) has been kept intentionally low to accommodate clients in this situation. Clients with more than 5 pets should speak to us about custom pricing. 

Q: Can you just come every other day for my cat?

A. We do not provide every-other-day service. In order to provide proper care for your pet(s) and your home, we require daily visits when you are away (house sitting not included). Issues such as illness, blockages, behaviors problem, broken pipes, etc can be addressed immediately and action taken if we visit on a daily basis. Our "not on our watch" mentality is for the safety of your pets and your home and is one we do take seriously.

Q: Is it ok if my friend comes in to take care of my pet in the afternoon while you're sitting for us?

A. Our policy is that we do not split sits with other caretakers unless we are the first sitters to provide care from the time you go away. We will be happy to leave our log notes as normal for the next caretaker. Our insurance company has strongly advised against any pet sitting company splitting sits, as we are responsible for your pet(s)/house during your contracted time. With another person coming in providing care for your pet, any issues that arise could spill over onto our watch.

Q: Will you pick up after our pet(s)?

A: Your sitter will pick after your pet(s) when they are out on their walk. They will also pick up after your pet(s) if they go in your yard while under their care however we do not provide yard clean up services. If your pet(s) get sick in your home, we will clean up after them to the best of our abilities with the cleaning products you provide. If this becomes a chronic issue, we may discuss adjusting your sits.

Q: Will my sitter have their own supplies to clean up after my pet(s)?

A: You are responsible for providing your pet sitter with all cleaning supplies, including paper towels, carpet cleaners, etc. This ensures we never use a product in your home that you have not approved.

Q: How do you handle my keys?

A: Zoo Sitters, LLC requires two sets of working keys to provide you with pet sitting services. These will be picked up free of charge at your Client Meeting. Most clients have us keep their keys on file so we are ready for future service at a moment's notice. Clients who prefer their keys to be picked up and returned at each visit, simply sign up for the Key Pick Up and Key Return service when they book their sit. They can choose a day and time block that is convenient to them! There is a $12 fee to pick up and drop off keys. Please test all newly made keys to ensure they work properly. Clients who provide us with garage codes or garage door openers are still required to supply us with two sets of keys in case of electrical outages. Key tags do not contain your name or addres. If you keep your keys outside your home, we will only provide service if the keys are in a secured area or not visible from the street. This is both for the safety of our sitters and the security of your home. 

Q: Why do you require two sets of keys?

A:We require two sets of keys in case your primary sitter gets held up with a sick pet, is in an accident, etc. With two sets on file, your back-up sitter can access your key from the lockbox in our office. Our insurance company also recommends we have two sets of keys to avoid locksmith fees in case we accidentally lock your keys inside your home.If you only supply us with one set of keys, we will make a second copy for you for a $5 fee.

Q: What do I do if I want to book service?

A: Clients are given access to our online system once they Register. The online system allows clients to request their sit dates, services and time blocks directly from our schedules. If you are an existing client and do not have a login, please contact the office. As a new client, please Register, so we can get you started. If you need an emergency sit with less than 24 hours notice, we do ask that you email, the office. call (609.846.4641) or text.

Q: How am I billed?

A: Pet Appointment Summaries are emailed directly to our clients and contain the dates of their sits along with the total amount due. Payments are due 7 days after you return from your trip. At this time, we only accept checks and require them to be mailed to our Office at Zoo Sitters, LLC 889 Goshen Rd. Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. We are happy to provide clients with paper invoices upon request as well for a $3 fee.

Q: How can I be sure that I'm scheduled?

A. When you book your sit online, you will receive a Pet Appointment Smmary via e-mail once your sit is approved. You will also receive a reminder Pet Appointment Summary 4 days prior to your start date. Clients are also welcome to log into their accounts at any time to view their approved sits.

Q: Does my sitter accept tips?

A: Yes. Tips are never expected, but for a job well-done tips are always appreciated! You may include them in your check or leave cash. 100% of all tips go to your sitter.

Q: Are there any extra charges for holiday care?

A: Yes. There is a Surcharge of $10 per visit if pet care spans any of the following holidays: New Years Eve, New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, President's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

Q: Can I schedule a last minute sit with less than 24-hour notice?

A: Sure can! We are happy to schedule or change sits for you with less than 24-hr notice when we are able to accommodate them on our schedule. Please understand that Zoo Sitters carefully schedules our time to service you and other clients and last minute changes do require administrative efforts to engage your sitter and update schedules and billing. There is a $10 fee attached to each sit not booked with 24 hour notice (fee is per sit, not per appointment).

Q: Do you offer a service that monitors that I've arrived back home?

A Yes. The Return Call Service is for clients who would like for us to resume sitting if they do not confirm their arrival home. This service is intended to ensure your pets are taken care of in cases of extreme emergency. We have programmed our system to allow clients to choose if they want the Return Call Service AND when they want their Return Call Service to kick in! 

In the online system, there is an option when you book called Return Call Service. Clients can choose the date and time block by which we'd have to hear from them before engaging a sitter to visit their pets again. You can select this service every time we sit for you or just when you need it.

THE PROCESS

1. Clients select the date and time block for the  Return Call Service from the online system when they book their sit. This would be the date and time by which we would need to hear from you before engaging a sitter to go to your home.

2. If we do not hear from you by the end of the time block you selected, we will call you, at the number(s) listed in your Client Profile to see how you'd like us to proceed.

3. If we do not get in touch with you, we will engage a sitter to get to your home as soon as possible and your normal sitting schedule will resume. Each sit after contact is attempted will be charged a Last Minute Fee of $10 in addition to the cost of the sit.

4. If we do not hear from you within 48 hours, we will begin to call your Emergency Contacts and make arrangements for your pets to go to your Evacuation Contact.

PLEASE NOTE:

There is a $5 fee for this service and it is blocked from being scheduled in the Evening or Overnight time block.  

Q: Can I get text, call or email updates while I'm away?

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A:   Cancellations: We realize plans do change and are happy to process any cancellations for you provided we are given 24-hour notice. If you do not give us 24-hour notice, you will be charged a cancellation fee as scheduling requires at least 24 hours to reassign sitters for lost work. This is full time work for many of our pet care professionals and if they don't work, they don't get paid. Cancellation fees are assessed according to the type of visit:

Vacation Clients Who Cancel Their Entire Vacation Sit with Less Than 24hr Notice: will be charged the first full day's fees. For example: If you had booked Fri (Afternoon and Evening), Sat (Morning, Afternoon and Evening) and Sun (Morning, Afternoon and Evening), you would be charged for three visits as that is your first full day of sits. It is often impossible to find replacement work due to such short notice. This is especially important since our sitters depend on the income from scheduled visits and often turn work away because of being booked.

Vacation Clients Who Return Early and Cancel The Remainder of Their Sit: There are no refunds or credits given for Early Returns. Once service begins, payment is due for the original dates scheduled. 

Recurring Clients Who Book On  a Monthly Basis and Cancel with Less Than 24hr Notice: will be charged a $10 fee per sit for late cancellations. Last minute cancellations give a sitter no opportunity to find replacement work. Extreme weather cancellations will not be charged a fee as we appreciate your understanding that our sitters are put at risk driving and walking in dangerous weather conditions. 

Clients who Forget to Cancel: Clients who forget to cancel and are home when the sitter arrives will be charged for that sit. Clients do however have the option to have the sitter complete the sit while they are there.

Holiday Cancellations: Because of their limited availability, any cancellations with less than four days notice for service on the following holidays: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve and New Year's Day will result in a charge of 50% of the total invoice for your scheduled pet care.