We are here for you!
FOR EVERY QUESTION THERE IS AN ANSWER
Q: Why should I use an in home pet sitter, rather than a professional kennel?
A.: Kennels have been known by different names, doggy spas, and doggy day care to name a couple. However, the imprisonment like environment for your pets falls quiet short of such euphoric terms. First of all, the psychological impact on your pet dealing with YOUR absence is severe, and then to have them removed from their home environment and placed in lock down within a kennel can be very jarring for the pet. Repercussions, such as depression, may last several days or more for some animals after the kennel experience. With visits from The Pet Granny your pets are able to maintain their normal routines of diet and exercise. In addition, your pet has the undivided attention of their Granny. Finally, your pets are at home when you return, so there is no need to make an extra trip to pick them up once you are home.
Q: What is "in home pet sitting?"
A: In home pet sitting is customized care for your pets. During our registration visit special care is taken to understand the "family rules" and to provide your furry family members with the attention and support that meets their specifc needs and routines. You can even request that Granny spend the night. As a bonus your home also receives special attention, plants watered, mail brought in, and lights alternated. This allows your home to appeared occupied at all time in order to deter burglars.
Q: What time do the sitters come and how long do they stay?
A. The Pet Granny sitter will come to your home up to 4 times per day to take care of your furry family member(s). In the morning the sitter will arrive between the hours of 7 AM and 9 AM, the Nooners Club or Mid Day visits are between 10:15 AM and 3:15 PM, the evening visit is between 6:30 PM and 8 PM, finally a special potty break visit can be scheduled starting at 10:00 PM. We encourage scheduling that is designed to accommodate no more than 12 hours between visits for dogs. This cuts down on the possibility of bladder infections. As an example: if we do an evening visit at 8 PM, we return no later than 8 AM the next morning to let the dog outside. However, if your dog has a dog door you may choose to have only one visit per day.
The least number of visits we will schedule is every other day for cats. Visits are between 20 and 30 minutes. The exact number of routine visits is entirely up to you. You may choose from one, up to four visits per day, utilizing a combination of Extended Care and/or Sleep Rovers (overnights) whatever fits the needs of you and your pets. Please see our complete list of services to tailor your pet care plan.
Q: Do you have boarding facilities?
A:No. We believe in in-home care, our service is about seeing to the comfort and contentment of your pets during your absence; even a loving environment can be traumatic when the pet is removed from their own home. However, we do understand that some pets require more personal attention than others. Therefore, we have pet care providers that can house sit, as well as take care of your animals should you need to leave town for an extended period of time. Please email us at thegrannyway@thepetgranny.com or call/text (214)458-1611for more information regarding this service.
Q: Why is there a REGISTRATION MEETING?
A. The registration meeting is a visit that allows you to get to know our service, and for us to get to know you and your pets. During this visit we will learn the family rules, become aware of your special needs, and requests that you have. This visit allows us an opportunity to meet your pets in your presence . Building a positive rapport with the animals when you are there carries over to the initial time that we enter the home without you. We will also collect important information such as the pet's vet name, location and number, emergency contact numbers, and alarm numbers. This will also be the time that we collect the keys to your home, and answer any additional questions you might have.
Q: What do I do if I want to book service?
A: You have two options: You may call or text The Pet Granny office at(214)458-1611 Should you need service in less that a 48 hour notice YOU MUST CALL TO MAKE THE RESERVATION. Or you can click "CONTACT US" and send an email to conveniently scheduling your reservation. You should receive a call from The Pet Granny within 24 hours to confirm the reservation.
Q: I already have a pet sitter, why should I change to The Pet Granny?
A. The Pet Granny is committed to providing care for your pets that allows you to feel you are evolved with a positive, personalized family service. Granny does have gray hair, a few wrinkles, and parts of her body sags here and there, but she is not without some techno savvy, she has an i-Phone that is with her twenty-four hours a day. When you call The Pet Granny number, you will not hear a recorded message (unless Granny is driving) and a request to leave a message, you will speak directly to Granny. Other services can provide you with a capable and responsible service, but the service is often provided by sitters that are far removed from the original pet sitter's (owner) passion and vision. Our commitment to a positive, personalized family service is available to you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Short notice requests are often what we are about, because we believe that family does for family - guaranteed.. Call and talk to Granny and see what you think.
Q: Can I meet my sitter?
A: Absolutely! At your registration meeting you will meet your sitter for the first time, in the comfort of your home. This sitter will make all of your visits unless she becomes ill and must have a stand in.
Q: I never have time to go to the veterinarians or the groomer. Can you help?
A: We provide transportation to and from the veterinarian, the groomer, or wherever they need to go. If you require the sitter to be in attendance during the veterinarian appointment to gather instructions, obtain a written copy of the diagnosis, and get copies of the prescription, we will be happy to do so. Time fees are charged based on the sitter being with the pet.. Example: charging of time fees start when the pet is picked up from the home, are suspended when dropped off, and pick up again when pet is picked up to be taken home.Should you require the sitter to be in attendance for any appointment the time fees charge will include the entire appointment from pick up to re-delivery home. We prefer a 24 hour window for such appointments, however, if an emergency arises do not hesitate to contact us.
Q: I have a last minute trip suddenly come up! Can you help me!
A: Life is full of the unexpected and the immediate change. Sometimes they are fun, sometime sad, and sometimes just necessary; and no one can predict when you will be thrown one of these curves. Having a pet should not be something to add to the stress of changing gears in mid-stream. Call The Pet Granny., we are there to help.Family takes care of family - guaranteed
Q: Will your sitter provide supplies to clean up after my pets?
A: The Pet Granny does not provide supplies,YOU are responsible for all necessary supplies to clean up after your pet.These supplies include plastic bags needed to facilitate picking up waste, trash bags or containers for removal or scooping of litter, litter scoops, air freshening sprays, disinfectants, paper towels, and floor and carpet cleaners.
Q: Are there any extra charges for holiday care?
There are no extra charges for the holidays. However, for all existing clients we require a non-refundable payment for the Thanksgiving service no later that November 6th, and a non-refundable payment for Christmas and New Year holiday service no later that December 6th. Should your holiday plans change and you are suddenly going to be out of town for a holiday, please call, we accept short notice service.Payment for service is made at the time of the scheduling. There is no refund for holiday cancellations, there are no exceptions.
Q: What is your key policy:
Our clients can choose between two options:
1. Clients can choose our pick- up and drop-off service with their keys. Cost $7.50 each way.
2. Clients can provide The Pet Granny with a key. This key is kept for future service.. Most clients choose this key policy, so we can be ready in a moments notice to provide service.
Q: Can I trust The Pet Granny with my keys and my home?
All sitters are screened prior to employment and all are bonded. None of the vehicles that drive up to your home have company insignia, which prevents people from knowing you are not home. Sitters are familiar with alarm systems and work with them frequently.
Q: How do you handle my keys?
Should you choose option number two of the key policy and provide us with a key, we request that you are prepared, at the time of your registration meeting, to provide the sitter with one or two keys. If you are having keys made for us,PLEASE CHECK THE KEYS PRIOR TO YOUR DEPARTURE TO GUARANTEE THEY WORK PROPERLY. Nothing is more terrifying than to be outside on a porch, being able to hear the animals inside, and can not get in because a newly made key does not work!!! In addition, should you live in a gated community an access device or gate code should be given to the sitter along with alarm codes and passwords.
Q: How and when is payment received?
A: Payment is due at the beginning of service. Payments are currently accepted in the form of a check or cash. We will give you a call prior to your departure to confirm your departure and arrival times to assure additional time is not needed, and to confirm the fees. Please leave your payment on the kitchen counter along with any special instructions you may have for the visit. Nooner Club members leave payment for the month on the first working day of the month.
Q: Does my sitter accept tips?
Yes. Tips are not required, however, if you feel that your sitter has earned a tip for a job well-done, then by all means show your appreciation by leaving a "special thank you." If you are leaving the tip at the beginning of your service, you may leave an envelope marked "for the sitter only," or you may add the amount to the service check. Please call the office at 214-458-1611 and notify Granny of the amount you would like to give. If you would like to leave the tip after the service is over, please contact the office at the number above for instructions. The entire amount of a tip is given to the sitter.
Q: Will you pick up after my pet(s)?
A: Our sitter will pick up animal waste when taking a dog on a walk. Should you have an animal become ill and extensive clean up is required which causes the sitter to be in your home longer than the normal visit time table (20 to 30 minutes) there may be an additional charge.
Q: Does my dog need to be on a leash even if they have been through training?
A: If the dog is going to be outside of your home and yard we have a very strict policy that requires them to be on a leash. Our first priority is the safety of your pet, the only way we can maintain that safety is by having a certain level of control. Situations could arise that without a voice command from you, the pet parent, a dog without a leash could move into a dangerous situation and The Pet Granny would be unable to stop possible harm or crisis.
Q: Are you able to administer medication for my pet(s)?
A: The Pet Granny sitters are trained in how to administer both pills and liquid medications. We are also trained in providing insulin shots and allergy shots, and in administering sub-q hydration fluids.
Q: I have a very elderly pet that will die soon. Do you provide hospice care for sick or elderly pets?
A: Facing the impending loss of your beloved pet is one of the most difficult experiences a pet parent will ever have to cope with. As your pet's health declines, you may elect to care for your pet at home with palliative care (hospice care). However, your work schedule and life style may not allow you the additional time for the additional care required to see that your pet's discomfort and stress is minimized. Palliative care is a growing area in veterinary medicine. therefore, it is very important that you discuss this intensive home care and all that it requires with your veterinarian prior to making your final decision. There will be medications to administer, possibly bandages to change out, close observation and recording of your pet's behavior, weight, temperature, eating habits, mobility, and over all well-being. The Pet Granny works with the supervision of your veterinarian to help guide the end-of-life experience. Surround your pet with their favorite things, that special squeaky toy and soft blanket, providing a cushioned sleeping spot to deter pressure sores that develop due to limited mobility. Older pets (like people) are often incontinent with age as they loose bladder control. The Pet Granny can visit as often as you choose to assure that your pet is comfortable. The Pet Granny checks to see that the pet is not wet or soiled; and will assist your pet in getting up with a sling or towel, if need be, to go outside to urinate or defecate, provide fluid therapy, perform general nursing duties, and keep a record of all critical information required by the veterinarian to assure the best care. Granny will also text or call you if there is a sudden change that would require your personal attention and/or the veterinarian.
Palliative care is an option for those individuals that wish to have an extended good-bye or are opposed to euthanasia . Pet hospice is not a place, it is a personal choice and philosophy that includes death as a part of life; and holds to the belief that the death can be dignified. The goal for your veterinarian and The Pet Granny is not to cure your pet's illness, but instead to guarantee a peaceful end to the life experience.
