Frequently Asked Questions
We are often asked common questions that many of our potential clients want answers to. So, here are a bunch of those commonly asked questions and their answers. If you have any other questions, please feel free to give us a call or you can "Drop us a line" at the bottom of our home page.
Q: Why should a pet owner use a pet sitter?
Many veterinarians and pet experts believe that keeping pets in their familiar surroundings helps to alleviate the stress imposed when their owners have to leave home. Pets are then also able to maintain their diet and exercise routine, and enjoy the personal attention provided by a pet sitter. This also eliminates the trauma of being transported and minimizes their exposure to illnesses of other animals.
Q: What services do you offer?
Kelly’s Pet Services provides in-home pet care and mid-day dog walking. This means our sitters travel to our client’s homes to care for their pets. We provide service for whatever they need; travel, long work hours; a late meeting, recovering from surgery; working from home but not enough time to walk the dog, don’t trust the kids to care for the animals properly. Whatever the reason, we will be there! Our clients are mostly cat and dog owners but we will also visit rabbits, birds, frogs, guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, iguanas, etc.
Our clients can customize how long they would like their visit with their pets. We will also bring in the mail, take out the trash, rotate the lights and open and close the curtains to give the home a lived-in look.
Q: How does a client go about getting started?
All are welcome to call with any questions. The office number is 803-269-0634. You can also complete our New Client form. We will discuss your needs and setup a meet and greet to cover important details regarding your pets and their care.
Q: So, you don’t board animals or bring them into your homes?
No, we believe in in-home care, which is why we have chosen not to have a boarding facility. However, we do have pet care providers who can remain at a client’s home. This is our overnight/house sitting service, which is VERY popular.
Q: What happens at the Meet and Greet meeting?
The Meet and Greet allows the clients to get to know our service and their pet’s caregiver prior to the start of their service. During this visit their caregiver will introduce themselves, spend some quality time with the pet, confirm and review the pertinent information about the home and pet care routine (vet info, emergency contact, special requests, etc), and answer any additional questions the client may have. We do not provide service until this meeting has taken place.
Q: How do you accept payment?
We accept all major credit/debit cards including Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express. We also accept cash and check. Payment is normally made prior to the start of service.
Q: Are you bonded and insured?
We are bonded and insured. A dishonesty bond gives you peace of mind that you will be reimbursed if anything is stolen from your home. Anyone that has workers enter their home should be sure they have a dishonesty bond.
We also carry a liability insurance policy that protects from financial loss in the event that we were liable for accidents that occur while caring for our client's pets. Any responsible, professional business should carry liability insurance.
Q: Do you administer medication or shots to pets?
We can administer any medication or shots that you, the pet owner, are able to administer on a regular basis. If we are unfamiliar with a particular medication or shot we will schedule an appointment (free of charge) with you so that you can show us how to properly give the medication or shot.
Q: How can I prepare for my pet sitter?
Our initial ‘meet and greet’ will cover important items to have available while you’re away.
Q: What happens if my pet gets sick?
We will contact you immediately and will take your pet to your pet’s veterinarian. Your pet’s veterinarian information will be collected during our meet ‘n greet session.
Q: How far in advance do we need to make an appointment?
As far in advance as possible. Two weeks’ notice is preferred. This allows both you and us plenty of time to schedule a meet ‘n greet. It also gives plenty of room for any changes to be made by you or us. We do realize that last minute service is sometimes necessary and make every effort to accommodate all of our clients.
Q: Do you have any references?
We have many happy clients. We can put you in touch with as many of those as you need to feel satisfied you have made the proper selection.
Q: What kind of results can we expect when working with Kelly’s Pet Services?
The greatest result for a pet owner will be peace of mind. Our clients can travel, work or leave their homes for whatever reason, guilt-free because they know that their pets and their homes are in the best possible hands. Their pets are going to receive top-notch care; they are going to be relaxed, comfortable, well exercised, and doted upon. Their houses are going to be safe guarded and kept tidy and neat. They are going to have happy and healthy pets.