faqs
What results can I expect from beyondPets™ dog walking service?
A Happy Healthy Dog. Dog walking clients can expect a happy, well-exercised, well-socialized dog to return home from the trails or a private walk. Giving your dog the exercise and socialization he or she needs makes your dog healthier overall and helps with behavior issues associated with boredom and a lack of exercise.
A Calm Home. A daily walk for your dog makes a calm home and peace of mind for you.
Five-Star Service. beyondPets™ provides loving and reliable care 365-days a year that is personalized to each client’s individual needs. We know you are busy and we know you are particular about your pet. Our caregivers are thoroughly trained as to your dog’s individual needs, quirks, and favorite tennis ball. We pride ourselves on providing the exacting level of care you desire and your pet deserves.
What are the advantages of having beyondPets™ take care of my pets and home while I’m away?
Happy, Healthy, Stress-Free Pets. Long periods of confinement create a loneliness in pets which can lead to boredom, depression, and sometimes even destructive behavior. Pet sitting clients can expect to find a very happy, healthy pet when they arrive home. Most importantly, your pet stays in the safe, familiar environment of your home, so your pet (and you) are free of the trauma of strange animals and unfamiliar surroundings of the kennel.
Peace of Mind. We guarantee you a guilt-free trip! Your pet will be as happy and content when you return as she was before you left.
Convenience. Your mail, newspapers and home deliveries will be secured in your home. We will also water your plants and take in and out the garbage cans if it’s what you need.
Security. Added security for your home while you are away by giving it what we call the, “Honey, I’m home!” look.
What happens at the “Meet & Greet?”
During this complimentary visit to your home, Mark, beyondPets™ owner, will meet you and your pets so you can get to know one another and become well informed as to the particular care and attention that your pets and home will need while you’re away. If you have not completed your paperwork, we will leave it for you to complete and mail directly to our office. We like to receive the paperwork well in advance of the first visit so that if we have questions or need clarification we can ask you prior to your departure.
Why do you request two sets of keys at the “Meet & Greet?”
Your beyondPets™ caregiver will use one set and the other set will remain in our office to be used in the event of an emergency or a last minute pet-care request. If your primary caregiver is unavailable we will provide another trained caregiver with your key.
Are you insured?
Yes, beyondPets™ and its caregivers are covered by liability insurance which covers loss or damages (includes pets, personal property, mysterious disappearance, and theft) caused by beyondPets™
Are you licensed?
Yes, we have a valid city business license. The pet sitting industry is self-regulated, so there is no state “pet sitting” or “pet care” licensure.
How long does it take to schedule new service?
Generally we ask for 48-72 business hours notice for new clients to be added to our schedule. This gives us time to understand your needs through a phone conversation and then send you our “Welcome Packet” via e-mail. After you receive the packet, Mark will be in contact to set up an in-person “Meet & Greet” that takes place in your home. Please note, generally two weeks is required to add new clients during holiday periods like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Year’s.
We will not provide service to new clients without conducting the in-person “Meet & Greet” first.
Do you have a contract?
beyondPets™ provides each client with a “New Client Packet” that walks each client through our operational policies, expectations and information necessary to conduct business. However, we do not require clients to commit to any long term contract for services. The “New Client Packet” mostly provides information regarding the safety of your pets and our pet caregivers.
What type of personality do you work best with and what is expected of me?
Each of our clients is passionate about his or her pets and their community. They are thorough in their instructions about their pet’s care and they keep us in the loop about any changes in the care their pet needs.
Additionally, they also tend to be over-achievers and driven types who enjoy the outdoors, exercising and learning new things. Clients who work best with us are flexible when an emergency arises, have a great sense of humor, and like to let us know how we’re doing.
Overall, our clients are nice people who treat us like a valuable member of their pet-care team, and they refer us to their friends and colleagues who have similar pet-care needs and challenges. We work best with pet-owners who give us ample opportunity to build our relationship with their pets. The more often we see and care for your pets, the better the relationship becomes. We love seeing our clients and their dogs at local events, and we like to consider our clients more than just clients, but friends.
What happens if you haven’t yet worked with my type of pet?
No worries! Each caregiver spends time learning about animal care and, when necessary, different types of species. However, we recognize that books and seminars are limited when it comes to clinical practice. Therefore, we’ll be up front with you if we’ve not worked with your type of pet, and we’ll ask you to take the time to train us on the specific needs and nuances necessary for caring for your pet. If you love ‘em, we do too!
How long will each visit be?
Private pet sitting and dog walking visits are at least 30-minutes long but many of our caregivers tend to stay longer. Group hikes and park runs have the dogs out enjoying nature and all its smells for at least a 60-minute walk or run.
When staying overnight the pet caregiver tends to stay for at least 10 hours. The particular hours may vary according to your pet’s needs and the caregiver’s schedule, but typically the caregiver is at your home from 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. If your pet requires more love and attention during the day, we can schedule a mid-day visit for an additional fee.
What time will the caregiver/dog walker visit my pet?
Dog Walking Hours:
Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Pet Sitting Hours:
Mornings (7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.),
Evenings (4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.),
Weekends and Holidays.
Overnight Hours: 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Do you charge a fee for picking up and dropping off my house key?
When we visit you for our “Meet & Greet” we request two sets of keys and do not charge for this, however if you decide you do not wish to keep the keys on file we do charge a minimal fee for dropping off or picking up keys. If you would like to avoid the fee, keys can be mailed or you can drop off or pick up the keys at our office. For your security, we prefer not to have keys hidden outside your home.
Do I need to stop delivery of my newspaper and mail?
No. During pet or home visits, we’re happy to pick up your newspaper and mail and any packages that may be delivered. We neatly stack your mail and newspapers in an area inside your home, which is out of sight from passersby.
Would you mind watering a few plants I have indoors?
No, we don’t mind at all and, in fact, that comes along with your pet sitting service! However, our main priority during pet visits is loving and caring for your pet, so if the plant watering is substantial we will work with you to customize rates and services to your individual needs.
What if I get delayed and cannot make it home to resume care of my pets?
No problem. Just give us a call when you realize you’re not going to make it home in time as you planned. We will make arrangements to continue care of your pet until you return and invoice you for any additional visits.
What is your cancellation policy for pet sitting?
We have a 2-day cancellation policy. In order to receive a full refund, please contact us three days before your scheduled activity if you need to cancel. Cancellations made less than two days before your reservation are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Cancellations made less than 24-hours before your reservation are subject to a 100% cancellation fee, unless we are able to fill the spot with another pet.
How is payment handled?
Payment is always due in advance. We accept cash and checks. Once you receive your invoice (dog walking) or before you leave (pet sitting), please leave a check payable to “beyondPets” at your home in an obvious place for the pet caregiver to pick up upon the first visit or walk.
Okay, I know what service I want – How do I get started?
Simply goto the contact page and fill out the form or email us at info@beyondpets.net to let us know the type of pet you have, where you live, and the type of service desired. We’ll get to know you on the phone, walk you through the registration process and send you a “Welcome Packet” to get you started. We’ll then schedule a time for your “Meet & Greet” with Mark, confirm your service, and get you started. It’s that easy!
Call or email today for a free consultation and more information.
(415) 637-0097
“We treat your pets like family!”™
beyondPets™