Do we need to do a “Meet and Greet” before you take care of our pets?
Yes, absolutely. We created a checklist for your convenience so you can come prepared to answer all of our questions. That way we can do our very best to meet your pet’s needs. Please provide us with the key, instructions for security and access, or any entry codes we made need AT the time of the meet and greet. This saves worry and time between the meet and greet and the beginning of the booking. Below you will find the checklist that each of our animal caretakers fill out at the time of your meet and greet to ensure the best service possible. These notes from the check list go into your household’s folder, along with any care plan instructions you may share with us. Info@visitingaf.org is the email where you can share them.
House Sit Meet and Greet Checklist
Does your animal need mediation?
Is your dog leash trained?
Is your dog OK with other dogs on and off leash?
Will you please walk me through the security of your home by showing me the key, the locks, codes, and any quirks the home may have?
What time are you leaving on the first day of the house sit and what time are you returning on the last day? Do they need breakfast/lunch/dinner on those days?
How many times a day does your pet poop?
What is their routine?
How many minutes or hours of walks are they used to getting daily?
What’s their favorite toy, bed, or blanket that will help them self-soothe when you’re away?
Does your pet have any allergies?
We provide 2 hour estimated windows of arrival for dogs, and 4 estimated windows of time for cats. Is that okay?
What’s the longest they can be left without having an accident inside?
How old is your animal and are they incontinent?
Where is your animal not allowed to go or what are they not allowed to do?
Where are the cleaning supplies if your pet makes a mess (cat vomit, dog and cat incontinence, etc).
How many photos of your pet in one day is too many?
How much does your pet eat per meal and how many meals per day?
Is the measuring cup in the food bag the right size for one portion?
Does your animal have separation anxiety?
Do you leave calming music on for your pet when you go to work or leave the home, and will you please show us how we can do that, too?
Where should we park if we drive?
Are there cameras anywhere inside your home, and if yes, please show us all of their locations?
How do you want to pay your bill? Bills are due within 3 days of the meet and greet. Cash, Debit or Credit on the website, Venmo or Zelle?
Are you looking for weekly ongoing assistance with your animal?
Do you want us to bring in packages or mail while you’re away and if so is there a mail key and where is your mail room?
If we do a stellar job will you write us a 5 star review for our website?
Do you dog train? Yes, we do. Please inquire by emailing us from our Book Now page so we can get some more information about your pet’s needs.
Do you offer dog boarding services?
No, we find that animals are happier and better behaved in their own routine and homes. We offer house sitting services in place of boarding services for when pet parents travel.
Do I need to provide proof of vaccination or flea/tick/heartworm preventative medication for my dog or cat?
We require that all pets except indoor cats take a monthy flea preventative medication. We highly recommend, but do not require, tick and heartworm prevention medication as well. We also recommend your pet to be current on all relevant vaccinations, but do not require proof of vaccinations at this time.
Do you take aggressive dogs?
We work with dogs who suffer from aggression on a case by case basis. Many of our dogs start out anxious and aggressive at the start of our rigorous trust based training program. We might be a great fit. Please inquire!
What are your rates?
We pay our employees a living wage, healthcare benefits, and retirement accounts. Our rates reflect our commitment to not just animal welfare, but human welfare as well. You can find our price sheet under Pay Invoice.
Do you offer senior discounts?
We do not. We pay taxes specifically the Social Security Tax, SSDI, Federal Income Tax, and State Unemployment, and Medicare Tax, on all our revenue and wages. In this way we support the disabled and seniors. However, we do offer an additional incentive to social justice advocates in the way of a 15% discount if you work in labor organizing, public education, environmental justice, civil rights, human rights, animal rights, etc.
What is your refund policy?
Visiting Animal Friends cannot offer refunds for any first time bookings. On a case by case basis with established clients, we can offer credits for future animal care bookings in lieu of a cash refund.
How long does dog training take?
Every animal is different, but anywhere from 3 months to a year. Maintaining positive dog and cat behaviors is a lifetime pursuit of continuing to practice and work with them. Think of it like hygiene, it requires upkeep. That’s why we offer dog walking and drop-in care visits with our trainers to maintain the behavioral health of your pets after they graduate our four phase training program. You can book a meet and greet with us at our Book Now page and a member of the staff will get back to you by email typically within 72 hours of business days.
