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Frequently Asked QuestionsQ: Where is Home Sweet Home Pet Care located?
A: Our office is based on the Windsor/Bloomfield line. But "Home Sweet Home" means we care for your pets at home, where they are most comfortable and regimented.
Q: Does pet sitting or dog walking cost more than kenneling?
A: It depends. We offer a flat rate system. That means our rates are based on our time only. The number of pets does not affect the price. Often times for a single pet, the rates are similar. When caring for more than 1 pet, the rates are exponentially less than a kennel.
Q: Are you insured and bonded?
A: Absolutely, but this is just the beginning. Unfortunately, anyone can become insured and bonded, which is why we insist that you meet with us before any services. You MUST be comfortable with our administration and staff for a long term pet care relationship to work. We also stand by over 400 current client recommendations, professional references from veterinarians and colleagues, a BBB accreditation, and professional memberships with the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, and The International Association of Canine Professionals.
Q: Does a mid day dog walk really burn that much energy?
A: It does without question. Our walks are high paced and regimented for one. Furthermore, the mental stimulation that a dog experiences when on a walk is equally as powerful. The sniffing or "note taking" as we consider it to be, as well as adhering to structure and command, is a workout in and of itself. Six hours in the familiar back yard is no match for 30 minutes of an intense outdoor stimulation experience.
Q: Do you accept credit cards?
A: Yes. We use INTUIT Merchant Services for safe and verisign secure credit card processing. The payment link comes embedded in your emailed invoice. No paypal sign in's or sketchy payment portals. INTUIT is 3 million subscribers strong and the leader in small business solutions.
Q: Do you charge me if my pet has an emergency and has to go to the veterinarian.
A: No, if an emergency occurs while you are away, we facilitate all emergency protocol until you are available. This includes transport to the vet and hand in hand work with the veterinarian to best help them assess and assist your pet. This is a complimentary aspect of our service. It is all included in your rates. We DO NOT pay for vet bills.
Q: My dog is reactive and has bitten people or other dogs before. Will you still care for it?
A: Yes. We will assess the nature of this reactivity and collect a history before doing so, but fundamentally, we believe that if the dog accepts you, he/she can eventually accept us. We use many different techniques and approaches when working with reactive dogs and have a 98% success rate in them accepting us. It may take weeks of preparatory work, but we will stick with it until your dog understands that we can be a member of your pack.
Q: My dog is wild on a leash, will you still walk him/her?
A: Yes. This is what we do! Chances are your dog is wild on the leash because he or she has not had the proper exposure OR has not been exposed to the right tools, techniques, and resources that provide for healthy walking. Let us do our thing, and your dog will be a model canine in no time!
Q: How do you access my home? Do you keep a key?
A: We try to work with you on the best and safest way to access the house. We do keep your key as it is in fact much safer with us than being hidden for each visit, at which point someone is bound to see us recover it. All client keys are kept in our safe in a secure, neutral location. They are tagged with your pets name so that NO ONE but us knows what house it belongs to.
Q: How long do you provide service for?
A: As long as you need. We have clients who have used our dog walking services daily for years and clients who have used our pet sitting services for as long as one continuous month!
Q:Why would I allow a stranger in my home?
A: Our goal is to NOT be a stanger. We understand how unsettling this idea can be which is why we build relationships with each and every one of our clients. EVERY ONE. We put ourselves out there (on this website) and make ourselves available for your questions and concerns. We have worked hand in hand in raising puppies with our clients, and provided emotional support during end of life stages as well. We MUST be accepted as unofficial members of the family for this relationship to work. We are not comfortable working for someone who is not comfortable with us. We carry credentials, affiliations, and references. We are fighting for legislation that will certify this industry via state regulations. We are in this for the long haul and our reputation is everything.
Q: Do you offer discounts?
A:Typically no. But we do offer promotions from time to time. We email our clients about these offers when they are available. Our clients understand that we carry an extreme burden of liability in entering your home to care for your pets. This burden equates to much more than the cost of services rendered. This makes discounts and coupons extremely difficult to offer.
We pay our employees well to keep them around and on the books and with all state mandated compensation. After Uncle Sam has his way with our payroll, we make very little profit. This makes discounts and coupons extremely difficult to offer.
We must travel an average of 15 minutes between jobs. To and from = 1/2hr. Therefore, each 30 minute service takes 1 hr. There are only so many hours in a day which makes discounts and coupons extremely difficult to offer.
However, we do offer gift certificates and coupons when clients play our online trivia game and lottery. We do our best to provide our regular clients with as many perks as possible and will occasionally send out coupon mailings as well. We DO offer a shuttle service to daily clients at a discounted rate and offer free delivery to our clients when they purchase products from our web store.
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