Abbey's FAQ
Q: What are the benefits of using Abbey's Pet
and House Sitting to care for my pet?
A:
Your pet remains in
his or her safe, secure environment, where all the sights, smells,
and sounds are familiar. Your pet follows his or her normal diet
and exercise routine and medical treatments. Your pet is not exposed
to illnesses or parasites from other animals. Your pet is not traumatized
by travel in a car or the stress of an unfamiliar environment. Your
pet receives daily love and personal attention and you have peace
of mind that your pet is in capable, professional and caring hands
during your absence.
Q: What exactly is the Registration Visit?
A: One of our professional pet care providers will schedule a visit to your home for an initial "interview" - to meet your pet, become familiar with your home routine, and discuss all pertinent information about your pet's needs. You will go over and complete our Service Agreement and Pet Profile(s) and provide 2 keys that have been tested and are known to work. The more your pet care provider knows the better they will be able to cater to your pet's needs.
Q: Who are the sitters?
A: All sitters are
mature, responsible adults. Some have other jobs; some don't. They
are screened extensively and are experienced in caring for animals.
Many of our sitters show their devotion to animals not only by diligently
providing services to you but also by working many hours for local
humane societies and other animal welfare organizations. And, of
course, many of them have numerous animals of their own!
Q: How do I know that I can trust Abbey's Pet and House Sitting
with my pet and my home?
A: All sitters are
screened by the company and are bonded and insured. We pride ourselves
on satisfied clients and are happy to provide references. Our sitters
are trained to be security conscious. None of our work vehicles
carry signs or insignia, which helps to prevent people from knowing
you're not home. Sitters are familiar with alarm systems and work
with them often. Anything related to the security and safety of
both your home and your pet will be discussed when your sitter visits
the first time.
Q: What time do the sitters come and how long do they stay?
A: The number and location
of clients change daily, so we can't always guarantee a specific
time. We try to be consistent with your pet's routine because, like
people, animals like regularity in their lives. Daily visits will
be at approximately the same time each day, and twice daily visits
will be approximately 12 hours apart. The length of each visit is
approximately 30 minutes but can vary depending on your pets' needs
for play and socializing.
Q: Can I be assured of the same pet sitter each time?
A: We definitely prefer
to keep the same pet sitter assigned to your home each time, however
if that sitter is not available for some reason, a fully informed
sitter from our staff will always be available for back up.
Q: Do you offer any sort of satisfaction guarantee?
A: You want to know
that your pet will be cared for just the way you specify. 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 our service is only complete when you have returned
home and are completely satisfied.
Q: Are you bonded and insured?
A: Abbey's Pet and House Sitting and all of our pet sitters are covered by our bonding and
insurance policies.
Q: How am I billed, and when is it due?
A: Full payment is required
in advance no later than the first visit of the reserved series
of visits.
Q: May I give my pet sitter a gratuity?
A: Absolutely. You may
give gratuities directly to your pet sitter, or if you prefer you
may pay it to the company.
100% of gratuities go directly to the designated pet sitter.
Q: Do you have references?
A: Yes. We are happy
to provide references upon request. Also, please click on our "Testamonials"
page to read just a few of the rave reviews from Abbey's clients!
Q: Can I hire my pet sitter without contacting Abbey's Pet
and House Sitting?
A: No. Our sitters are
contractually prohibited from soliciting or accepting work directly
from clients of Abbey's Pet and House Sitting. Please do not place
our sitters in the uncomfortable position of offering them employment
apart from Abbey's Pet and House Sitting.
Q: Do you have company signs on your vehicles?
A: No, to keep from alerting thieves to your absence, Abbey's Pet and House Sitting does not place advertising signs on our work vehicles.
Q: Why two keys?
A: This ensures that if an emergency arises with your pet care provider, another qualified pet care provider will be able to continue caring for your pet(s) without difficulty. Before your pet care professional leaves the initial interview, both keys will be tested to make sure they work.
Q: What is the Key on File program?
A: Keys can be retained by the pet care provider and the office allowing all future service to be handled by phone. We do not allow clients to hide keys and we do not lock keys in the house on the last visit. Our satisfied clients enjoy knowing that if an emergency occurs (a missed or delayed flight, a last minute trip or a late night at the office) we can step in quickly and make sure their pet(s) are cared for.
Our safe and secure coding system prevents anyone from linking the key back to the client.
However, if you prefer not to use our key on file service, a pickup/drop off key charge will be added to your next service charge.
