Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What types of animals do you care for?

A. We care for cats, dogs, fish, turtles, frogs, birds, small caged animals and reptiles that are non-venomous. Nothing that will endanger the staff like biters or cats that scratch, are accepted. We won’t take any clients who have animals with a history of attacking other animals or humans. Our specialty is taking care of geriatric pets. We have the patience to wait for the senior pet to do their business outside and not rush them. We take it slow with our seniors and walks are definitely not power walks like with some of our younger pups!

Q. Are you insured and bonded?

A. We are insured and bonded by Business Insurers of the Carolina’s.  We are insured up to the highest amount allowed. Don’t be fooled by others who claim to be insured and bonded but carry the minimum, or worse- expired policies!  All our workers go through an extensive background check and have passed with flying colors with no hidden cases or misdemeanors. We have been in business since 1993 and have a very loyal following with excellent references.

Q. Do you offer boarding services?

A. The answer is no. According to the American Humane Society, pets are happiest when they are left at home, surrounded by familiar sights, sounds and smells, protected from the stress and potential exposure to illness. We’ll come to your home and stick to your pets routine! Plus you need a boarding license in the state of NY.

Q. How does the service work?

A. We are a pet sitting service that treats each client and their pet with respect and care. Our pet sitter will arrive at your home to begin taking care of your pet.  The visit lasts approximately 30 minutes from the moment we walk in the door.  Each pet is different and we tailor our visit to the directions that you gave us during our meet and greet.  The visit will include:  feeding if scheduled, water refreshed, walk or playtime and treats if allowed.  For older dogs, we keep to their usual routine and walk route.  We will clean up after your pet during their walk. Any dog waste bags will be thrown away in your outside trashcan.  If you have a cat then we will feed your kitty, clean the litter box, refresh their water, and play with him/her if they allow us to! Only prescribed medication can be given such as oral meds or insulin shots.  For safety reasons, we will only give insulin shots to dogs who are used to having it done. We can also alternate blinds and lights to give your home a lived-in look. Newspapers and parcels will be brought inside. Our visit applies to no more than 3 animals per household per visit. This includes outside feral cats. If you have more animals then we will need more time to give them the quality ‘posh’ care.

Q. What is Reiki for animals?

A . In its simplest form, Reiki is a hands-on healing method that originated in Japan. The practitioner channels healing energy through her hands to the animal through a light touch either directly on the body or from a distance. The word Reiki (pronounced “ray-key”) is a Japanese composite word usually translated as “universal life energy”. It is based on the idea that all living beings have life energy flowing through them. When life energy is high, your pets are healthy and balanced, more relaxed and less likely to get sick. Reiki sessions for pets typically last 15-30 minutes. The frequency of sessions depends entirely on each individual animal’s health status and needs.

Q. What will it cost me?

A. For Petsitting and pet walks, each visit is $21 + tax.

All indoor dogs are visited 3 times per day, nothing less unless they have a dog door and fenced in backyard.  If you do have a dog door and your pet is allowed in and out throughout the day, we can come a minimum of twice a day and lock them in for the night.  All cats must have a minimum of one visit per day.  Fresh food and water are given.  Litter box will be scooped out during each visit.   If time allows, we will keep your cat company and have some playtime. Please don’t ask if we can ‘just check on them every other day’.  It is our policy to always take care of any pet every single day.  For a breakdown, check the RATES page.

Q. Will I have the same person each time?

A. We prefer to keep the same pet sitter each time, however, if that sitter is not available for some reason we will always supply another sitter as back up.

Q. How far in advance do I need to call to schedule the pet sitter?

A. We ask for 48-72 hours notice for all scheduling. For holidays, we ask for a week’s notice. We try to accommodate unforeseen emergencies and will schedule you in at the last minute if necessary but our other pre-scheduled clients will come first.

Q. Do you administer medication to pets?

A. We will administer only prescribed medication, pills, and drops to domestic pets.  We can administer insulin shots to dogs who are already used to their shots.  No new patients, please.

Q. How will I know my keys are safe?

A. We use a key safe when you leave. Before you depart home, simply place the door key in the lock box compartment provided and attach the portable lock box device on a mutually agreed upon location. The majority of realtors and home-cleaning services all use similar devices. This prevents you from losing control of your key as they will never leave the premises. Or you can simply have us pick up an extra set of key which we gladly bring back to you after your return. Our policy is to never put an owners name or address on any key tab.  All keys are safely locked away.

Q. What if my property or pet is damaged while I am gone?

A. PPP commits to providing the services in our agreement in a reliable, caring and trustworthy manner. We are liable to claims arising from negligence or willful misconduct. Due to extreme unpredictability of animals, we cannot accept responsibility for unusual mishaps (i.e. biting, furniture damage, etc) Also, if your pet has access to outside, we are not responsible for injury, disappearance or fines. We always keep a close eye on your pet and will bring up any unusual behavior while you were away. Please don’t take this personally but it is our responsibility to make you aware.

Q. How do I find out how my pet or pets acted while I am away?

A. We will leave you a detailed note on the status of your animal & home.

Q. What do I need to do when I come home?

A: Please call or text us within a few hours so that we know you made it home and your pet is taken care of! Otherwise it is our policy to keep on taking care of your pet just in case you hit traffic, cell phone isn’t charged and so many other possibilities. When your pet is in our care we don’t stop till we get the call.

Q. When do we meet?

A. We will meet no less than 3-4 days before you leave on your trip. Please allow 45 min to 1 hour for our first home visit. This is a free visit.  I will be emailing you several pet information forms ahead of time.  Please have these questions filled out. I will listen carefully and write down more information regarding your pet and home.  Going over these forms will give me a better sense of what your pet will need while you’re away.  I will need a spare house key and any alarm or garage codes

Q. Is Fitness important for my dog?

A. Yes, nearly 40-50% of dogs are overweight in the US. SPCA studies show that overweight dogs are prone to increased health problems.

Q. What if my dog is not overweight?

A. Your dog’s mental health would benefit.

Q. Do you walk my dogs with other?

A. No. The only time is if they are from the same household and if we are instructed to do so!

Q. Do you have references?

A. Yes, impeccable. Upon request only.

Q. Do you do sleepovers in the clients home?

A. Yes we do. We have several employees who love to do just that but it must be scheduled ahead of time. If your pet just wants companionship for a few hours we can also help you with that!

Q. Inclement Weather?

A. Your pet will be given a relief walk if the temperature drops below freezing or rises above a dangerous high temperature.  This is for their protection.  They will be taken out to do their business but we come right back inside and have some playtime to finish up our pet visit.

Q. What times do you come?

A.  Our times are as follows.

Morning visits- 7:30am-11am

Afternoon visits- 11:30-3:00pm

Evening visits- 5pm-9pm