FAQ

I hope these comments will answer any questions you might have about our practices and policies. We are always available and happy to answer any other questions!

Sincerly,

Why should a pet owner use a Pet Sitter?
Pet experts believe that keeping pets in their familiar surroundings helps to alleviate the stress imposed when their owners have to leave home. Pets are then also able to maintain their diet and exercise routine, and enjoy the personal attention provided by a professional pet sitter. This also eliminates trauma of being transported and minimized their exposure of illnesses from other animals.
What services do you offer?
We offer in–home pet sitting, dog walking, individual field trips, overnight stays and even other concierge services such as plant care and house sitting! To get a full list of our services check out our website or email us today.
How do we communicate with your service?
Our leading technology greatly enhances our professional and comprehensive service. We recognize that not every one is tech savvy or experienced. Let us know if you need it, and we will come and get you set up and comfortable using our simple and awesome communications app, otherwise by phone, text and email work great. We will cater to your communication needs.
What is your cancellation policy?

A 48 hour cancellation notice is required for refund, which will be applied to future visits. Any cancellation less than 48 hours will be refunded at 50%. No refund will be applied for any cancellation too late to allow for a change in the sitter’s or walker’s schedule. This applies to both regular visits as well as regular visits during holiday periods.

What are your holiday period policies?
Holidays are busy times for Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA. Requests should be submitted as early as possible. For the benefit of everyone involved, an additional surcharge will be added to holiday visit, see the list of holidays and surcharge amount in our services and rates section in this document as well as on our website.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept all credit cards, checks and cash when prearranged. Any tips you wish to give your pet sitter are acceptable in cash, left at your home for pick up during the visit. If included in a check payment, it should be noted how much tip is for the sitter. Tips can be charged; however, note that credit card processing fees will be deducted from the amount. In the case of more than one sitter per invoice, tips will be prorated and allocated to each sitter. We also offer recurring payments for repeat services based on the timing of the service period.
Can a pet stay at a Pet Sitter’s home?

If your pet is to stay at a Premiere Pet Sitter’s home, food for your pet, kennels, leashes, medicines etc. will be required. Drop off and Pick up can be included in this service.

What do you do if my pet has an emergency?

At registration, you will be asked if there are other situations that could constitute an emergency in your home that we should know about, and how we should address it.

1. We will try to contact you, the pet owner. If no contact, we will attempt to contact your emergency backup.
2. For medical emergencies, we will contact the family veterinarian, with the owner’s permission, granted at registration.
3. If the family vet is not available, we will contact an emergency veterinarian and follow their direction.

By registering with Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA, you authorize the following:
1. In case you cannot be reached in a timely manner, Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA to approve medical emergency treatment recommended by the veterinarian.
2. Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA to purchase foods, medications or related items recommended by the veterinarian.
3. Reimbursement of all expenses incurred during the emergency, including reasonable sitter time and expenses.
4. You will also reimburse Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA for expenses and one 30–minute sit for purchase of food and litter, etc. outside emergency situations.”

What is your Code of Ethics?

• To treat every pet entrusted to me with compassion and loving care, as if they were my own.
• To provide the highest quality pet care and customer service.
• To be trustworthy and honest by fulfilling my promised duties.
• To act professionally and respect the instructions of my clients.
• To protect and respect my client’s home and property.
• To always observe my client’s confidentiality.
• To have open and timely communication.
• To respond promptly, respectfully, and clearly in all forms of communication.
• To be on time for registration, orientation, and assignments.
• To be helpful and cooperative with my fellow Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA Professionals.
• To continue my knowledge and understanding of pets with my continued experience and education.

How do your pet sitter’s access my home?
Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA requires uninterrupted access to the house. Lock boxes assure that a key will be available on site for any sitter filling in for scheduling conflicts or emergencies, providing peace of mind and efficiency. Lock boxes must allow for at least a four–digit code (one will be assigned by Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA); be hung from a doorknob or attached to a wall. It can be hidden anywhere on your property that is easily accessed by the sitter(s). Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA will provide one if desired for a cost of $15, reusable for any reason. In the unlikely event that a house lock malfunction occurs; the access key is unavailable, or the key provided does not work, a locksmith will be engaged to gain entry into your premises. The cost for this service will be the responsibility of the pet owner.
What are the details and requirements for an overnight stay?

A 50% non–refundable deposit is required to confirm an overnight reservation. Information will be collected at the first meeting of an overnight stay in your home, to ensure your preferences are followed. Overnights begin at 9pm. Dinner visits can be added to the stay for an additional visit fee. Daytime walks and visits are also available as separate services. Overnight stays, either in the pet’s home or the pet sitter’s home generally requires the sitter to make special arrangements in order to cover the time commitment. Cancellations are required 48 hours for any refund, which will be applied to future reservations. Anything less than 48 hours will be refunded at 50%.

What if there’s inclement weather during my pet’s scheduled visit?
Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA takes responsibility seriously and will make every effort to fulfill our commitment to care for your pets. However, very occasionally, weather is so severe that even the most fearless will be unable to get to your home.

At registration, you will be asked about your preferences and options if weather poses an emergency. Please be prepared to provide contact information of a neighbor or friend who could provide emergency backup if needed. They should also be given our number so they can contact us if needed. You will be contacted whenever warnings of inclement weather are issued to discuss what is needed in case we cannot get to your house.”

What happens with extraordinary or unusual pet behaviors?

Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA in business to ensure the welfare of your pets in your absence. We are ever mindful of your pet’s safety and well–being. If your pet exhibits signs of aggression, panic or destructiveness to your property, our sitters will take whatever steps they can to minimize danger or damage; however, they will not endanger themselves. Visits may be shortened, and medications eliminated. The pet may be confined to a single room. In contracting for pet sitting services with Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA, you are agreeing to and authorizing the following:

1. You will not hold Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA liable for any injury, disappearance, or death of your pet, or fines imposed upon your pet in the absence of the pet sitter. This includes animals left or allowed free access to the outdoors.
2. You expressly waive and relinquish any and all claims against Premiere Petsitting LLC and the individual sitter, unless it is a case of obvious gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the sitter.
3. You authorize Premiere Petsitting LLC to place pets in a kennel, boarding facility or veterinary office if safety concerns prevent us from caring for your pet.

You will be responsible for all expenses related to Items one and three above.

Can you assist with administering medication for my pet?
Yes, we are willing to administer medicines. Specific instructions are required, and we request that you leave a checklist by the medicines for review each visit to assure consistency in following your specific requirements.
What happens if a Pet Sitter, Dog Walker or Dog Trainer gets hurt?
Pet owners will be held responsible for injury or damage to your property caused by your pets except in cases of obvious gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of the sitter, walker or trainer. Owners agree to pay all medical costs and other expenses. Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA respects the privacy of our pet owners as well as our sitters. Sitters are prohibited from giving out their personal contact information. Please respect that policy. By registering, you agree to make all future reservation requests through Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA scheduling.
What are the hours for visits as well as your business hours?

Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA is available for communication during regular business hours of Monday–Friday from 9 am to 4 pm (We are out in the field and might not respond immediately). The business office is closed on weekends and all Federal holidays. If you have an emergency, please text the business phone 804.456.6469. Regular communication should be via the pet owner’s individual page. Morning and Evening visits occur between the hours of 7:00 am and 9:00 pm. Mid Day Walks occur between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Evening visits are between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Cats are always visited a minimum of every 48 hours and dogs are visited a minimum of every 12 hours. Premiere Petsitting and Dog Walking RVA will make every effort to accommodate a specific time request; an additional fee of $5 could be incurred.

We will be happy to meet outside our regular hours when scheduled in a timely manner. Please request an appointment via email at info@premierepetsitting.com; text 804.456.6469. We will respond as soon as possible. Please allow 24 hours for us to get back to you.

Expect the Exceptional