Question 1

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

Before contacting Fur Sure Pet Sitting Service, please read the information on either the Pet Sitting page for in your home pet visits (to Leominster, MA residents)  or, read the Doggie Vacay page if you are interested in that service. Dogs are accepted from any location for Doggie Vacay.To  inquire about service, use the Contact Form on the Contact Page to ask about availability for the dates you will need service for your pet(s). There may be dates posted at the top of the Contact Form that are no longer available.    Please, No phone calls or texts for an initial inquiry. All inquiries go through the contact form.I will respond back if I am available or not. If I am available a phone conversation will follow to     discuss your pet sitting needs. From here we can set up a free meet and greet if we are both in agreement. The process is easy and moves along quickly.If my schedule is filled and I am not available I will  promptly respond to let you know.  Please Note: I have a (5) pet sit minimum for new customers for Pet Sitting visits in your home                             (no minimum thereafter). I only accept NEW customers from Leominster, MA for Pet 
                            Sitting visits to your home. Doggie Vacay has no area restrictions.

Question 2

Can you explain the Meet and Greet?

Accepted Answer

Why, yes I can.  A free meet and greet is a preliminary, courtesy interview required before any service may begin. This usually takes 30-60 minutes. I offer (1) FREE meet and greet.  If more than one meet and greet will be needed, I am happy to schedule additional time for your pet. Any additional time will be charged the price of a house pet sit visit ($28). Also, If the meet and greet is far in advance of the actual visit, I may request a 2nd meet closer to the date if it is for dogs. The 2nd Meet and Greet would be charged. The meet and greet would take place in your home for pet sitting visits.SEE: PAYMENT POLICY FAQ'SInformational meeting: $28.00. Payable on the day of the meeting.If you don't have any vacation plans scheduled and are exploring your options, we can discuss setting up an informational visit. If you decide to use Fur Sure at a later date, another meet and greet would take place to revisit pet(s) and to fill out paperwork. Not Available June, July and August.During the meet and greet I normally get all the necessary instruction on the care of your pet(s). I ask a lot of questions regarding their routine, feeding schedule, activity, medication information, behavior issues or quirks, etc.  You can show me around and where the pet supplies are located.  If we’re in agreement a contract can be filled out and signed for service. This meeting is also where the exchange of any physical keys occurs.  I ask for (2) keys, one for back up.  If keys are not given to me at the first meet and greet a key pick up charge will incur to come back for the keys ($10-$15.00) or you can drop off the key to me to save the fee charge.  Key Return: after a pet sit is completed  I can drop the key off ($10-$15.00 charge), you can pick it up from me or I can keep your key securely on file  for future booking.  Fee depends on drive time.  SEE PAYMENT POLICY BELOW.Doggy Vacay:  to be discussed during a phone conversation.  A Meet and Greet is scheduled at my home and is scheduled over the phone. Please allow enough time before your trip to schedule the required Meet and Greet.Accepting a dog for service depends on how the Meet and Greet Goes.

Question 3

Do you include a second meet and greet?

Accepted Answer

If you or the Pet Sitter (Brenda) feels that additional time is needed with a second visit, I can provide time, but it will be chargeable at a home visit Pet Sitting  fee. Also, if the first meet and greet for a dog is well in advance of your scheduled vacation, for my safety,  I will want to schedule a second meet and greet closer to your departure. A fee applies for any additional meet after the initial Free Meet and Greet.

Question 4

What if I return early?

Accepted Answer

If you decide to come back a day or two early, no credit will be given. I cannot replace the open time frame at that point. I also most likely turned down other customers for service at this point as well.

Question 5

What is your cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Pet Sitting Visits:  For a single visit, If I show up for a visit and you forgot to cancel, the original charge for the visit stands. If a visit is cancelled less than 24 hours prior, no refund will be given.Last minute cancellations are considered lost income for the Pet Sitter as the time frame usually can’t be replaced with another customer at that point. This is especially hurtful during busy holiday seasons when we count on the business and our schedules should be filled. Please do the right thing and give plenty of notice should you change your plans. Most importantly, please don't forget to cancel with the service.

Question 6

Will you walk my Dog?

Accepted Answer

I love to walk and will happily walk your dog if he or she is leash trained. Unfortunately some dogs just don’t know how to go for a walk. If a dog fights the leash, chokes themselves, does not know how to walk properly or is leash reactive: barking, growling, lunges at other dogs, tries to run after cars or pulls excessively, I cannot walk that dog.  If you have a fenced in yard we can spend time outdoors if walks are an issue.

Question 7

What happens if my pet becomes injured?

Accepted Answer

I will try to contact you first; otherwise I will take the appropriate steps to have your pet seen by your regular Veterinarian or a nearby emergency veterinarian depending on the nature of the illness.  On my contract I ask for an emergency contact and Vet information. I advise informing your veterinarian when you will be on vacation and your pets will be in the care of a Pet Sitter. It is suggested to have a credit card on file with your veterinarian in case of emergency.  Fur Sure Pet Sitting Service is a Fully Insured Business and I have an impeccable record for keeping animals safe when in my care.   However, emergencies could arise and It is best to be prepared.

Question 8

Do you accept a pet sit if the home has an electric fence?

Accepted Answer

From my perspective, servicing dogs in an electric fenced area is taking a big risk that anything could happen to your dog(s) on my watch, especially on a night let out.  I worry about other animals entering the yard, especially coyotes, porcupines, skunks or stray dogs. I would have to walk your dog(s) on a leash in your yard in order to accept the assignment.

Question 9

Why do you have a (1) visit minimum per day requirement for cats?

Accepted Answer

I do not offer every other day visits. One visit is required per day. I am also happy to do more visits if requested. Anything can happen when a pet is left alone.  If a cat falls ill on the "other day", the delay might determine the outcome.  For example, a potentially lethal ailment like a urethral blockage to potential home damages from a cat accidentally loosening a water hose behind a washing machine.  Not checking on a cat daily while the owner is away can have costly or tragic consequences.
Cat visits are scheduled between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a single visit. When two visits are scheduled we will discuss the times needed for the two visits.

Question 10

Do you pet sit Birds and is the visit fee the same as cats and dogs?

Accepted Answer

I do pet sit Birds.  For the safety of your pet bird, it is my policy that your bird(s) be kept in a closed cage while you are away.  The Pet Sitter (Brenda) cannot be held liable for any harm that may come to your bird if left in an open cage in either a closed door room, or an open room with freedom to fly throughout the house during the pet sitting assignment.  Your pet is safest if kept in his/her cage during the pet sit.  The visit fee for birds is the same fee as for a cat or dog.  One visit is $28 per 1/2 hour visit.
I accept new customers from Leominster, MA only for in your home visits.  I do not offer every other day visits for birds.

Question 11

How do you feel about Shared Responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Many people like to include neighbors, relatives and friends in the pet sitting duties.  These well intentioned actions may cause confusion during a shared responsibility assignment.  Most common among problems is overfeeding, unlocked doors, lost keys, or missing some feedings altogether.  I absolutely cannot be the only one held responsible for any sitting assignment mishap when others are involved with the workload.  I advise only one person, myself, for the entire assignment.  If the assignment is to be shared, please understand that this arrangement could prove uncomfortable for the pet sitter should anything happen and not be my fault as the pet owner might be inclined to accuse the pet sitter of any negligence.  Your pets will have THE BEST CARE when you hire a professional pet sitter and not involve other people in the assignment.

Question 12

Can you explain your Payment Policy?

Accepted Answer

1)  "Regular" Customers:   A regular customer has used my servious previously: some for years and years!  I have a lot  of regular customers and always  appreciate their return business.I ask for a check to be left upon departure (or, cash). Payment is deposited in my business account and remains untouched until after your return. See cancellation policy below.2) First Time Customers:  If paying by check: payment is due on the day that a contract is signed for service - typically this is on the day of the Free Meet and Greet: unless the initial Meet and Greet is months in advance, then a second visit will be needed before the start of service. In this case it is then scheduled closer to the service date.  I offer (1) Free Meet and Greet. Any subsequent meet and greet will incur a fee ($28/visit price). Note: The check for service will be predated (2) days before the start of your trip.  I will deposit and clear the check just prior to your departure to ensure payment. This is simply standard policy for Fur Sure Pet Sitting Service (please, nothing personal, just business practice for new customers).The payment will remain untouched in my business account until after the service is completed. If you pay in cash, payment is due just prior to the start of service and not at the end of service.I do not accept payment at the end of service, for regular or new customers. If you use my service again in the future, I will then request payment upon departure (cash or check).See above:  "Regular" Customers. The same cancellation policy applies to new and regular customers.

Fur Sure

FAQ's

Here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions regarding service.

Frequently asked questions