Frequently Asked Questions

PawPrints & HoofBeats has compiled the following list of the most frequently asked questions for our pet sitting services. If your questions are not answered here, please feel to contact our knowledgeable staff.

Q: Why should I use a PawPrints & HoofBeats?

A: Your pet will remain in his or her familiar, secure environment and follow his or her customary diet and exercise routine. Your pet is not exposed to illness of other animals. Most importantly, your pet receives lots of love and personal attention while you are away.

Q: What do you do on a visit?

A: Our pet sitting visits include: Feeding per your instructions, freshwater, dogs walked, love and playtime, brushing if requested, litter box cleaned, bird/small animal cage cleaned, medication given if needed, mail and newspaper brought in, plants watered, lights on and off. Lots of TLC.

Q: Do you always visit at the time we ask for?

A: We book your visits within a time frame and will be there during that time. If you are booking a cat visit for the morning and it is during peak times such as holidays we will be there in the later mornings due to the fact that we need to get to dog visits first, unless of course, you have a cat that needs medicine at a critical time. If time is critical, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your pet.

Q: If my pet has an “accident”, do you clean it up?

A: Yes, we will clean up after your pets to the best of our ability. If there are accidents above and beyond the normal amount, PawPrints & HoofBeats will charge a reasonable fee for clean up time. If there are always accidents, we will ask you to book an additional visit in the day. We will do a walkthrough to check for accidents.

We also ask for 2 keys so the sitter can have one and the other kept in a locked file cabinet at the office.

Q: Do you charge for the initial consultation?

A: The initial consultation is FREE as long as you book services at the time you book your consultation. Otherwise, the fee is $25.

Q: May I give my pet sitter/dog walker a gratuity?

A: Absolutely. You may leave a gratuity for the sitter at your home.

Q: Do you pick up my dog’s waste when you are walking?

A: Yes, we do. We do ask that you provide the bags.

Q: What kind of animals do you care for?

A: We care for most animals, as long as they don’t pose a danger to our pet sitters. We do not care for any animals that have a history of biting, fighting or attacking other animals or people.

Q: What hours do you provide services?

A: Pet Sitting visits are generally between 7:30 am to 9:00 pm. Other times can be arranged.  Mid-day dog walks are generally between 11:00 am and  2:00 pm.

Overnight visits are available on a limited basis (check for availability) from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am.

Q: Can I be assured of the same pet sitter each time?

A: We prefer to have the continuity of the same pet sitter each time. However, occasionally emergencies arise that require that a fully informed substitute back up sitter will be available.

Q: What experience do you have with pets?

A: Sandy Hogan, the owner, has an Associates Degree in Applied Animal Science, as well as, working with all sorts of animals for many years. Our pet sitters are very caring, have pets of their own and have a huge love of animals. All of our sitters are professional and very well qualified.

Q: I am leaving in two days and don’t have time to meet one of your sitters. Will you take care of my pets without meeting them?

A: I’m sorry but we do require an initial consultation before taking care of your pets to assure that we have all the information needed in order to provide quality care of your pet(s).

Q: What happens in severe weather?

A: PawPrints & HoofBeats requests the name and phone number of a person living nearby. If the PawPrints & HoofBeats pet care provider is physically unable to reach your home due to impassable roads, we will contact that person. Your pets’ health and well-being is our utmost concern and we will contact you as soon as possible to keep you informed of these events. This is pertaining to snow, hurricanes, severe storms.

Q: Can you let me know how my pet is doing while I’m away?

A: Yes, we would be glad to give you e-mail or text updates.

Q: Do you charge a holiday fee?

A: Yes, we do. We pet sit 365 days a year. We do charge a holiday fee of $10 per visit on the following holidays. New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, Father’s Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (all day), Christmas Day. On the following major holidays, we charge on the day before the holiday as well as the day after the holiday. These holidays are New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

This is a way for us to reward our pet sitters who are giving of their holiday time.

Q: Are you insured and bonded?

A: Yes.  We are insured through Pet Sitters Associates, LLC.  Underwritten by Essex Insurance Company.

Q: If a pet sitter is bitten or in some way hurt by my pet, who is responsible?

A: If a PawPrints & HoofBeats pet care provider is harmed or injured by the client’s pet, the client/owner accepts full responsibility for the cost of any necessary medical attention required by the pet sitter. You accept this liability upon registering in our system.

Q: Do you board pets?

A: We do not board pets in our home as we have a menagerie of our own animals. We do provide multiple daily visits for your pets as needed.

We will customize a schedule to fit your pet’s needs. Your pets will be much happier in their own home, stress-free!

Q: How is payment handled?

A: Cash or check.  For extended care, we ask for 50% upfront and we will leave an invoice for the remaining 50%, which is due upon your return.

Q: Will I receive a refund if I leave later than expected or return early?

A: No, please understand that we have made time for your visits and may have turned other people down to allow time for your pets. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: We have a 2-day cancellation policy for vacation visits and overnight visits. Please call or e-mail us 2 days before your departure if you need to cancel in order to get a full refund. Cancellations less than 3 days before your departure are subject to a 50% cancellation fee.

We have a 24-hour cancellation policy for mid-day walks, dog walks, and pet taxi services. The first cancellation within 24 hours of a scheduled visit is subject to a $10 charge. All subsequent cancellations within 24 hours of a scheduled visit are subject to the full charge. 

Q: What happens if I do not leave enough food or other supplies for my pet(s)?

A: We will notify you that there is not enough food so that you are aware and perhaps you have more food in another place in your home. If we do need to make a special trip to purchase food we will be glad to do so. There will be a $25 trip charge plus the cost of the food. If an extra trip to your home is needed for an extra visit to feed your pets, that will be charged as well.

Q: How will I get my key back if I move or discontinue service if you are keeping my keys on file?

A: We will be glad to mail your keys upon your request if you have kept your keys on file with us as a ready key. The fee will be $5. If you need them to be dropped off, we can arrange that as well. There will be a trip charge of $20 for this service.