SERVICE AREA: We cover Norton and Mansfield approximately 3-4 miles from Great Woods Plaza in Norton.
CONSULTATIONS: Initial consultations are free. They take about 30 minutes. We will need to meet your dog so we can get to know one another and determine if we are a good match. We do not need to meet your cat(s) if she /he would rather not meet. We will have plenty of time to get to know each other when your cat(s) feels comfortable. You can show us where the pet and cleaning supplies are located, as well as any hiding spots where your pet likes to hang out. We will go over what needs to be done while you are gone. Please provide us with a key, or code, and alarm code for entering and exiting your home. We will test it to make sure it works and that we can operate it correctly. You will be charged the price of one visit for us to come back for a 2nd consult. If you want to make sure that you have told us everything, please update your details and pets in Time to Pet.
KEYS: We hold onto your key for future visits. Keys that are not being used are stored in a locked key box. Keys are never labelled with your last name or address. We charge the cost of one visit for each drop off and pick up.
OFFICE HOURS: Call or text between 8am-7pm. We do not answer calls or texts while walking or driving.
VISITING HOURS: We generally perform visits between 8am – 4pm. We will take into consideration your preferred times, however, we are unable to guarantee exact times for visits. They are based on the pet sitter’s route, which is subject to change. Once a day cat visits are done at our convenience, unless otherwise agreed upon.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Please contact us 24 hours before the first visit. If you arrive home early or depart late, please send a text or message, or submit a cancellation request in Time to Pet to save us an unnecessary trip and to avoid being charged. School vacations, holiday weekends, and summer vacation can be our busiest times. Please be aware that others may have been turned away to accommodate your pets, and notify us as soon as possible if you will not be needing us. For midday walks, please contact us by 10am. You will be charged the full visit price if you wait to cancel until we arrive at your house.
LAST MINUTE BOOKINGS:
NEW CLIENTS- We ask that new clients give at least 10 days notice so we can schedule an initial consultation.
VACATIONS AND WEEKENDS- Please book at least 1 week before you leave
MIDDAY WALKS and INDIVIDUAL VISITS- Please give at least 24 hours notice
PAYMENTS: We accept cash, checks, and credit/debit cards through Time to Pet. Your invoices are located in your Time to Pet account, and can be paid directly though there.
GOING ON A TRIP? Please check that your details and pet info in Time to Pet is up-to-date, and let us know about any new health or behavior issues with your pet(s). Also, please let us know your approximate departure and return times, and if anyone will be in or working on your house while you are away.
SHARED CARE: We do not share pet care with anyone including friends, family, or neighbors to insure continuity of care and for liability issues. Our insurance may not cover us if others have access to your home. We greatly prefer that we are the only ones in your home while you are away.
SNOW REMOVAL: If we will be caring for your pets during the winter, please arrange to have your driveway plowed and steps cleared. We understand that snow can accumulate quickly. We carry a shovel during winter months, but cannot be expect to clear an entire driveway or walk on icy steps. If you normally enter through the garage, please be mindful of the way we enter your home and ensure that it is safe for us to do so.
PET SITTER INJURY OR ILLNESS: As a solo sitter, we do not have a back up. Client is responsible for providing an emergency contact who can take over care in the case of injury or illness of pet sitter. We have a list of other local sitters who may be able to help out subject to availability.
Pet Care
VACCINATIONS: Pets must be up to date on all vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian.
CARING FOR CATS EVERY OTHER DAY:We require daily visits for cats. Most pet sitters and vets agree that cats should be seen at least every 24 hours. We have had cats locked in rooms on multiple occasions, without access to food, water or a litter box. An otherwise healthy cat can develop a urinary blockage and die within 48 hours. We have even had a cat turn on the faucet in the bathtub!
ADMINISTERING OF MEDICATION:We are experienced at giving pills and liquid medication. We do not give injections due to the higher risk involved. If your cat has a tendency to hide or becomes aggressive, it may not be possible to medicate him/her. Cat bites are extremely dangerous! We will not risk our health to medicate an uncooperative cat. If you think your cat may hide, please keep him/her in a room where we will be able to get to him/her.
SICK PETS:We do not knowingly accept sitting assignments with sick pets. We firmly believe that sick pets belong under the constant care of a veterinarian. However, if you have aged, infirm, or medicated pets, this is not a problem if you discuss with us the special needs of the pet. If your pet shows signs of illness, we will attempt to reach you and take the pet to your veterinarian. If your vet is not available, or if it is after hours, we will take your pet to the Animal Emergency Center in W. Bridgewater or Tufts in Walpole.
CONTAGIOUS CONDITIONS: Pets must be free of all potentially contagious conditions and free from internal and external parasites. We can not risk passing anything on to other clients or our own pets. Any pet that goes outdoors must be on flea/ tick preventatives, as well as all pets in the house.
DOG BEHAVIOR: We try to enforce good canine behavior such as not jumping or pulling on leash. We are not professional trainers. The client is responsible for ensuring we can safely care for the pet. We will not take undo risks with dogs that bite, or pull or yank on the leash.
Great Woods Pet Sitting 