Frequently Asked Questions

Why should a pet owner use a pet sitter?

Veterinarians and pet experts alike believe that keeping pets in their own environment helps to reduce the stress they go through when their owners leave home. It is easier to keep up with their diet and exercise routine. They are also more likely to enjoy the personal attention given to them by their pet sitter. This also helps get rid of the trauma of being transported and decreases their exposure to sickness from other animals.

 

What kinds of pets do you care for?

Cats, and small animal exotic pets - bunnies, guinea pigs, pet rats, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, tortoises. 

 

Why do we not offer every other day service for cats?

Cats, like any other pet, need constant social stimulation even if it is just a voice when they are afraid of coming out. But that is just one of many reasons for daily visits. Cats can be known to get stuck in cabinets, behind doors, closets, etc., and will lose access to their food, water and litter box and this can cause stress to your beloved cat. 

 Daily visits ensure your pet will have what they need every day.

Cats tend to eat things they should not, like strings and plants that can cause obstructions that can lead to complicated problems for them and for you, and if there are any health concerns like these or otherwise, seeing your cat daily can lessen and/or eliminate the consequences of such issues.

Monitoring your cat's habits and environment is vital.

 For example: Living in the desert it can get pretty hot and if your AC were to go out 

it would not be safe for your cats/pets to be sitting in the heat. Or getting locked in a room and not being able to get to their food, water or litter box. 

These are just a few examples that having a daily pet sitter, such as myself, can help with to keep your precious pets safe and give you peace of mind while you are gone!

 

What services do you provide? What are your Service Hours?

Desert Whiskers Cat Sitting provides Daily Drop In Visits for Cat Sitting and Small Animal Exotic Pet Sitting

Usually 1-2 visits per day. Please see policies page for more info

Service Hours are 7am to 7pm. Office Hours are Monday-Friday 10am - 4pm. Saturday & Sunday - Closed

 

Do you Administer Medication?

Yes, I do. I can do these forms – Insulin Injections, Transdermal Medications, Pills and Liquids.

Many of our clients are diabetic, needing insulin shots every 12 hours.

 

*Note: Clients with pets needing medications should be prepared to give a demonstration of their preferred method of administering medication during their 

meet and greet. *

 

Do you have references?

Yes, I am happy to provide references to first time clients.

Testimonials & Reviews of my services are also available on my website and other sources.

 

Are you Bonded & Insured?

Yes, I am BONDED, and INSURED. with Pet Care Insurance

What does it mean that you 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 that they have a dishonesty bond. I also carry a liability insurance policy that protects from financial loss in the event that I were liable for accidents that occur while caring for my clients' pets. Any responsible, professional business should carry liability insurance.

 

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

My education has been in animal science & animal behavior. I also keep up to date with monthly online courses, in-person seminars and networking events. 

 

I have training and paid experience in:

First Aid/CPR training for pets

Cat health and care

Dog health and care

Small animal health and care

Exotic animal care

Basic obedience for dogs

Agility training

Socialization

 

I am a member of:

Better Business Bureau A+ Rating

 PSI (Pet Sitters International) CPPS Certified

NAPPS (National Association of Professional Pet Sitters) Certified

PUPS (Professional United Pet Sitters)

Fear Free Certified (Veterinarian & Pet Sitter)

 

Is it OK to have you share sitting duties with our friends or neighbors?

No. I am sorry, but I do not accommodate this request for liability reasons. It violates my insurance & service agreement. I cannot be held accountable for other people you invite into your home while you are gone or have shared duties. Shared duties means you have another member of your family, friend or a neighbor come care for your pets on top of a pet sitter or another person. If you hire a pet sitter, they should be the ONLY person in your home during your vacation or time away.

 

What is your Cancellation Policy?

Please see Policies Page for Cancellation Policy

 

What happens if my pet gets ill or injured?

Your pet is very important to me! If your pet should become ill while you are away, you will be notified immediately. If it is after normal office hours, I will take you pet to the emergency clinic you have designated. I will do what is in the best interest of your pet. I will also discuss this plan at our consultation.

 

What happens if I can’t return on the date I’m supposed to?

I understand things don’t always go as planned. I will continue service until you notify me that you have returned home. I do ask for as much notice as possible though. 

*This is for current clients only that I have a key or access to the home. *

 

What if I need your services at the last minute?

Once we have had a meet & greet/consultation, I will always do my best to accommodate your needs. It is much easier to honor last minute and emergency services when I have your key or code on file. Currently for current clients only. Same day requests for current clients are charged $10 service fee.

 

How much advance notice do you require before service?

I recommend a minimum of 7 days' notice for all current clients. However, I will always do my best to accommodate any short notice requests.

I recommend a minimum of 2 weeks' notice for new clients as a meet and greet is required before we will accept any request. No meet and greet? No service.

I recommend a minimum of 4 weeks' notice for holiday pet sitting. The earlier the better as space is limited and in high demand!

 

What Forms of Payments do you accept?

Cash, Checks, Zelle and

Credit Cards (visa, mastercard, discover, american express, etc.)

 

What are your payment terms?

Please see Policies Page for Payment Terms

 

What is the best way to reach Desert Whiskers Cat Sitting?

By filling out the Contact Us form, New Client form, text or by email.

If you are a current client, you can reach me from your time to pet portal.

 

Are there extra costs for services rendered on a holiday?

Yes, please see Policies or Services on Holiday Rates/Services

 

Do I need to give you a key to my house?

Yes, I request a key in addition to any garage or door code to your home during the initial consultation. A key is requested in addition to keyless entry methods in case the power goes out or the batteries should fail. It is suggested that clients allow me to retain the key safely in my possession for future pet sitting needs. However, the key may also be returned to client personally after services are rendered. If the key is returned to Client, there will be a service charge each time I make a trip to Client’s home to pick up or drop off the key. I suggest you get a lock box to avoid the fee.

 

Can I come to your house to drop off & pick up the key?

Since I do not have a storefront, and for the privacy & security of my own home, family members & pets. I do not allow others to come to me to drop off or pick up keys.

 

We will be staying in a local Hotel; can you visit our pet(s) there?

No. Due to the complexity of arrangements and other insurance considerations, I do not perform pet-sitting when the clients are staying at hotels/motels.

 

Can I drop my pet off at your house?

No. I do not provide boarding or kenneling in my home. I only provide service in the clients home where the pets can remain in the comfort of their own home. If you are looking for a boarder or kennel, I can recommend a few places to you.

 

 

What areas do you service?

Buckeye - 85326, 85396

Goodyear - 85338, 85395

Litchfield Park - 85340

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*Includes these major neighborhoods: Tartesso, Verrado, Estrella Mountain, Canta Mia, 

 Litchfield Farms, Palm Valley. 

 

I do NOT provide service to Sun City Festival.

 

All roads must be paved/blacktop for service to be provided.

*Sorry, I do not service dark, dirt/gravel roads. * My car is not equipped to handle such roads.

 

Do you have a referral program?

Yes, I do!

Existing clients will receive a credit for every new client they refer who books services. 

New clients who are referred to Desert Whiskers Cat Sitting by an existing client and/or rescue/shelter will receive 10% off their first booking (covers 7 days of services).

(Credit will be received after completion of the new booking).

 

**If you have a question and you don’t see it above, please send me an email & I will answer your question. I try to base all of my questions off what I look for in a pet sitter.