Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Pet Sitter?
What is daily dog Walking?
What is your Pet Sitting Service?
How long is a visit?
How many times a day will you visit during a vacation?
Will you stay at my home overnight?
Can my pets stay at your home?
Do I meet you before the service?
Are you Insured?
Are you bonded? And what does that mean?
Is it save to have a "stranger" at my home?
Tips:
Other Factors to consider:
Final questions to discuss with the sitter:

What is a Pet Sitter? (Top of Page)

Manny's Pet Sitting Services is a contracted service provider who takes care of pets in their own home. This allows for the pet's normal schedule to be maintained while you are away and results in much less stress for your pets.

What is daily dog walking? (top of page)

Daily dog walking is a service I provide on a regular basis for those busy work days. I provide your dog with weekly or ongoing walking sessions. Manny's Pet Services offers multiple daily walking sessions upon reqest.

What is your Pet Sitting Service? (top of page)

Manny's Pet Services provides multiple daily visits to your pets while you are away on vacation or on a business trip. Visits will take place during a specified two hour block that is best for your pet's normal routine.

How long is a visit? (top of page)

Daily visits tipically last about 30 minutes, but could run longer depending on how many pets we will be caring for. Also, we never limit or time with you pets because we make sure your pets are properly cared for. If you have a specialty needs pet we recommend our 24/7 Home & Pet Sitting Service (we care for your home and pets day and night)

How many times a day will you visit during a vacation? (top of page)

During the initial Meet & Greet we will discuss the frequency of the visits. Manny's Pet Services recommends scheduling visits for dogs every 8 hours, but dogs should should not be left unattended for more than 12 hours. Puppies will require more visits throught the day or 24/7 Home and Pet Sitting Servide. For cats, we recommend scheduling visits every 12 hours, but we do not advice leaving a cat alone for more than 24 hours.

Will you stay at my home overnight? (top of page)

Manny's Pet Sitting offers 24/7 Home and Pet Sitting, and we care for your home and pets day and night. Furthermore, we are there before you leave for your trip, and we stay with your pets until your return. This service is recommended for puppies, special needs pets and senior pets who need constant care.

Can my pets stay at your home? (top of page)

Sorry, we do not offer this service at this time.

Do I meet you before the service? (top of page)

Initial Consultation is mandatory for all new customers. At this time we will get to know you and your pets, fill out necessary forms, take notes about your home and required tasks, and collect your keys. Manny's Pet Sitting Services does not charge for initial consultation.

Are you insured? (top of page)

Yes we carry liability insureance though Pet Sitters International and Business Insurers of the Carolinas. Manny's Pet Sitting Services will gladly show you proof of coverage upon request.

Are you Bonded, and what does that mean? (top of page)

Yes, we are bonded through Pet Sitters International and Business Insurers of the Carolinas. Manny's Pet Sitting Services will gladly show you proof of coverage upon request.

Bonding is different than insurance. Bonding generally applies if someone steals from the client's home and is convicted of a crime. At that time, the bonding company will reimburse the client for the loss and the pet sitting business will reimburse the bonding company.

Is it safe to have a "stranger" in my home? (top of page)

We understand that having a pet sitter in your home for the first time can be nerve-racking. Below we've provided some common tips to ensure that you have found a reliable pet sitter. Manny's Pet Sitting Services wants to build a trusting relationship with your family and pets

Tips: (top of page)

The pet sitter should carry liability insurance.
The sitter should provide contact information for references upon request. Do be sure to contact the references.
Check with vets, groomers, pet stores, and other area pet businesses to learn more about the reputation of your chosen pet sitting business.
Be sure that the sitter provides a copy of the legal terms of your contract, including cancellation policy and other terms.
Be sure that you fully understand the pricing of your service. Ask what services are included with the rate quoted.

Other factors to consider: (top of page)

What kind of pet education and/or certification does the sitter have?
Does the sitter know pet first aid?
Did the sitter ask many questions during the consultation. Did they write down all of the answers carefully?
Is the sitter a member of professional organizations, such as pet sitting associations, humane organizations, or other pet care groups?
Does the sitter have a backup plan in case of a personal emergency?
Is the sitter a full time sitter, or do they have limited availability due to another job?
Does the sitter have the proper licensing for their area (in some areas a business license or may or may not be required).
Does the sitter talk positively about other sitters in the area and seem informed about the industry and other pet care providers?

Final questions to discuss with the sitter: (top of page)

Will you have the same person be sitting at your home the entire time you are away?
Will the sitter be allowed to bring anyone with them to the sits?
Does the sitter ever bring children to visits?
How often will the sitter leave a note for you logging how the trip is going?
Do the sitter's available time periods fit your pet needs?
How will your key be stored or returned?
Has the sitter cared for your type of pet in the past?
Does the sitter accept multiple payment methods (cash, check, credit card, etc)