Q: When should I use Pet Sitting services?

A. Anything from stopping by due to working late to several visits per day while you’re out of town, Paws and Claws Pet Nannies can be there to help with your pets. A few other examples of when you might use our service include: Longer hours at work, a long day of entertainment away from your home, weekend getaways, vacations, business trips, family celebrations, emergencies, or anytime you feel like your pet might need some extra attention.

 

   
Q: Why should I hire a pet sitter?

A. There are many reasons for getting a pet sitter over putting your pets in a kennel. The Humane Society lists benefits like your pet(s) getting the environment they know best, their regular diet and routine, relief from traveling to and staying in an unfamiliar place with other animals (such as boarding kennels), and attention while you’re away. You get: Happier friends and neighbors, who aren’t burdened with caring for your pet. The peace of mind that comes from knowing that your pet is being cared for by a professional. Someone to bring in your newspaper and mail so potential burglars don’t know you’re away. Someone who will come to your home so you don’t have to drive your pet to a boarding kennel. Other services provided by most pet sitters, such as plant watering and pet grooming.
 

 

Q: How many visits do you make per day?

A. Each client is special and has different requirements. Typically, dogs schedule three to four visits per day and those with cats request one to two visits daily. This can be customized or changed as necessary to meet the needs of your pet(s) and your schedule. Paws and Claws Pet Nannies is happy to accommodate special requirements that are time sensitive as much as possible.
 

 

 
Q: I have a cat that doesn’t require much attention. Will you visit every other day?

A. No. Any veterinarian will tell you that feline health problems can advance rapidly and may become terminal in 24 hours, even with pets that are in good health. It’s not uncommon for a cat to shut itself into a room or to get stuck in the window blinds or to accidentally knock over a water bowl.  Additionally, coming every other day increases the opportunity for little problems (such as a broken pipe or gas leak) to become catastrophic.
 
 

 

Q: Can my pet(s) come to your home?

A. No. Paws and Claws Pet Nannies looks after your pet(s) in their own home where they will feel secure. Our home is not zoned for commercial boarding and our insurance does not include care in our home. In case of emergency, Paws and Claws Pet Nannies will take them to your veterinarian or boarding service specified in advance until your return or alternate arrangements are made.
 
 

 

Q: What kind of pet(s) do you care for?

A. Paws and Claws Pet Nannies specializes in care for dogs and cats; however, we will offer individualized care for your other pets in your family, including birds, fish, hamsters etc. We also offer short term farm sitting. Please call Paws and Claws Pet Nannies, (423) 946-5270 for more information.
 

 

 

Q: Will you provide updates on how my pet is doing while I am away?

A. Paws and Claws Pet Nannies provides a daily report of what occurs in your home when you are away. You’ll be notified of any strange behavior or unusual eating habits. If you receive texts on your phone or have internet access while you are away, we will automatically send updates via our journal inputs on your pet. You will receive pictures as well as detailed information about each visit we complete to the email address we have on file. We will go over these journals in detail at the meet and greet appointment.
 

 

 

Q: Why not just have a friend, relative or neighbor to take care of my pet(s)?

A. For many people, a trusted neighbor, friend, or relative that is familiar with your home and pet(s) may work just fine. However, your friends/family may have a change in plans and be unable to look after your pet(s). Additionally, this can sometimes be a burden on friends and family and could strain your relationships with these people over time. Hiring a pet sitter can bring peace of mind in knowing that your pet is being cared for by an experienced professional.
 

 

 
Q: I have a family member that lives close by and will also visit. Is that okay?

A. Many people like to include neighbors, friends, and relatives in pet sitting duties. Though well-intentioned, this can often lead to confusion during a shared responsibility sitting assignment. Common problems are over-feeding, skipped feedings, unsecured doors, or lost keys. Paws and Claws Pet Nannies cannot be responsible for a sitting assignment where others are going to share the work. If anyone other than Paws and Claws Pet Nannies has access to your home during our scheduled dates of service, we must be notified in advance and P&C will not be liable for any damages or lost items. P&C suggests that anyone considering a split of duties make only one person responsible for the entire time you are away.
 
 

 

Q: What happens if my pet becomes ill while I’m gone?

A. Paws and Claws Pet Nannies will always observe pets for signs of irregularity or illness. At the initial consultation visit, we will ask for your veterinarian information and for you to complete a form giving us permission to take your pet to your veterinarian for treatment. In an emergency situation, your pet will be taken to your veterinarian immediately. Otherwise, we will call you first. If your veterinarian is closed, your pet will be transported to a 24-hour emergency animal hospital. We ask that you provide your veterinarian with the Veterinarian Release Form to let them know you will be gone.
 
 
 
Q: My pet(s) isn’t very social, will you care for it?

A. All pet(s) must be people friendly. The initial consultation will be our time to get to know your pet(s). For our safety, any pet(s) that appears to be overly territorial, anxious, or aggressive toward people will not be a match for Paws and Claws Pet Nannies services.
 
 

Q: What if there is a delay in our return from vacation?

A. Paws and Claws Pet Nannies' policy is to continue service until the client calls to inform us of their return home. We pay close attention to travel information and weather forecasts to anticipate such events. Please reach out to us as soon as possible in these situations so that we can come up with a plan for your pets extended care.
 
 
 

Q: Is there a fee for key/lockbox pickup?

A. There is no charge for the first service; however if you elect for Paws and Claws Pet Nannies to pick up and return your key each time, there is a $10.00 charge. If you leave your key with P&C it will be coded and kept in a locked box. Your name/address will not be on the key. If you return a lockbox and decide to lease it again, a charge will apply if we are required to drop it off and/or pick it up.
 
 
 
Q: What is the preferred form of payment?

A. Payment is due on or before the start of service. Preferred forms of payment are Credit/Debit card, Paypal, cash or Venmo. Checks are not accepted. An invoice will be sent to the email on file the monday before your services are to begin.
 
 
 
 
Q: How do we get started?

A: The first step is to call Paws and Claws Pet Nannies or fill out an online form. you should click Schedule Services on the main page and follow the link. Set up a free profile and we will get in touch to schedule a complementary meet and greet with you. Meet and greets will be at a convenient time for you, including nights and weekends. This will give us time to meet you and your pet(s) in order to establish the plan of care we can provide for your family.