Services

Fees are quoted depending on the following factors:

• Services needed (walking, overnight sitting, exercising, feeding, medications administered, daily or weekly visits)
• Number and type of pets
• Location and travel time
• Frequency and duration of engagement
• Other services (watering plants, pet taxi, private training sessions, taking your dog to obedience classes you might miss)

I treat my client's pets as I would treat my own. I have been training German Shepherds (and now Rotts) since 1982 using positive methods -- even for those with big attitudes. I also sit cats and have excellent referrals for birds, rabbits, and geckos. I am certified in pet first aid and pet CPR.

My rates are reasonable for the customized care I give your pet and home. They are not the most inexpensive; however your pets are taken care of individually -- I don't gang walk and let 'em run loose in a park where they can get injured by other animals. And if your pet is a little rowdy on our walks, I am always happy to do a little extra and work on their "walking nice" on a leash. I understand and can handle most behavior problems and am happy to help show you how to have a better relationship with your dog.

Pet-House Sitting

Includes introductory meeting at your home. If you engage my services, I can leave your pet a "sock baby" toy so that they can remember my scent and not feel frightened when I arrive.

• Lots of attention, petting, brushing and playing
• Fresh food and water -- all bowls cleaned after each meal
• Walking or favorite exercise
• Medications administered
• Scop Maintenance: cleanup after your pets, cleaning of litter boxes, and cages
• Water plants indoor and out (outdoor watering if on sprinkler system) -- a greenhouse is extra charge
• Packages can be delivered and picked up
• Service calls can be scheduled
• Collect newspapers, mail, UPS and bring them inside daily
• Set out and bring in trash and recycle cans
• Alternate lights and window treatments to make your home looks more active.
• A daily note is left for you to read upon your return so that you know what your pet(s) has been doing each day.
• Receive deliveries if requested (additional charge applies to deliveries made outside of routine sitting hours)
• Medications administered as requested either by pill or injection
• NOTE: I DO NOT DO ANYTHING OFF LEASH -- FOR YOUR PET'S SAFETY AND MINE

A typical overnight routine goes something like this: upon arrival between 5-7 pm, I take your pet for a good 30-min walk -- and I walk German style and can cover alot of territory if your pet is up to it. When we get home, your pet is allowed to rest for 30 minutes before I give them dinner. I wait another hour to take them for another walk so that they can relieve themselves. They are also allowed another quick tour around the block about 9pm for a final night potty break before we all go to bed.

Doggy dishes are washed after each meal, and pets are given petting or a massage before bedtime. In the morning, they get their breakfast, I have mine, then we go for aother 30-min walk so they can relieve themselves. I leave your home between 7-9 am.

We do offer in-home pet sitting service on a 24- hour basis where someone is with your pet all day and evening with only short 1-2 hour breaks for the person to run an errand. This service needs a reservation at least a week prior to the dates required.This is at a higher fee depending on age of puppy/dog and requirements.

There will be an extra chage for special care, cleanup, and time required for sick and/or invalid pets. Rate depends on care required.

All schedules are individually customized to follow your pet's regular routine so that they are comfortable while you're away. Pets like a consistent schedule and your dog/cat will keep the same sport in the schedule the entire time you are away. Just let us know your pet's preferred times for meals, walks, etc. Refunds less the deposit are provided with a 7-day written notice (email is acceptable). However last minute cancellations will be refunded on a pro-rated basis based on whether or not I can rebook your time with another client. Time commitments are a 2-way street and as I am usually booked 15-30 days ahead, I send other requests to other pet sitters.

During the winter months and rain, we will try to provide the same type and length of exercise as the weather and light permit. It may not always be possible during inclement weather conditions.

Mid-Day Services

Does your pet need to be walked during the day while you're at work? Do you have long hours? Do you have a new puppy that needs consistent relief breaks to help it keep it's house-training?

Mid-day visits are a great way to provide additional attention your pet needs and deserves. After each visit, I can email, call or leave you a note updating you on activity or progress. I only provide one-on-one pet services -- I don't group your dog with other dogs and let them run loose in a park.

• Dog Walking -- a 30-minute Private walk -- Private walks offer one-on-one attention for your dog or young puppy. Daily walking service includes a fresh water change and feeding, if requested. Add a second dog for weekly walks at a discount.
• Potty Breaks -- 20-minute visit, Monday-Friday
• Puppy Visits -- a 30-minute visit includes personal attention, potty break, feeding, fresh water, and basic puppy training on any exercise you need help with in your own yard -- this is for puppies who have not had all their shots
• Cat & other pet Visits
  • Cats don't walk on leash, but I do provide brushing, petting, litter box cleanup, and playing each visit.
  • We can also take care of your rabbits, hamsters, rats, guinnea pigs, and geckos -- please no other reptiles.
• We can take care of giving your pets (dogs & cats medications -- this is on a case-by-case basis).
• Pet Taxi - pick up and drop off in designated service areas to vet or groomer or wherever, $25
• Key pickup or return if you're not on my "ready-key" system – $15
• Supply trips -- if your pet runs out of food or other supplies, a minimum fee of $15 for the errand run plus costs will be charged.

Ready-Key System

If you travel frequently and like using my services, I offer to make a duplicate of the key(s) needed for your home and keep them in a safe place in my office. There is no need for numerous trips back and forth to your house to pickup and return keys. This saves me time and you money and allows you to make reservations at the last minute.

New Puppy Owner Seminar

• Private puppy mini-seminars are available for those who have never had a new young puppy, or those folks who forgot what a young puppy needs to learn. These are fun for you and your puppy! New Puppy Seminars run 3 hours in the privacy of your home. Click to Training Page.
• Does your puppy need a little training during mid-day breaks? I can also help you and your pup progress in his/her puppy training by providing daily training sessions along with the mid-day potty breaks.

Payments

Payment is required in advance of services rendered. Cash or personal checks accepted. Please note that holidays must be prepaid in full at least 2 weeks prior to an assignment. Overnight bookings do require a one night non-refundable deposit.

Holidays

• Call for holiday schedules. Refunds for cancellations of overnight bookings must be done in writing 7 days prior to appointed start date. Last minute overnight cancellations are refunded based on whether or not I can rebook your scheduled time. The one-night deposit is non-refundable.

Please note that during the holiday seasons, our arrival times may vary depending on how many pets/homes we need to take care of on our schedules. Holidays are charged $5 extra per day per service depending on our workload and availability. We work so you don't have to worry about your pets during the holidays!

New Year's Eve & Day, President's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve & Day.

Just Like Home Pet Sitting follows all leash and clean-up laws. I use my own leather leashes. I also use collars of your choice (halti, gentle leader, flat, and prong) if you do not have supplies on hand.

Areas covered in the Bay Area Peninsula (California) include: Atherton, Belmont, Burlingame, Foster City, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Portola Valley / Ladera, Redwood City, Redwood Shores, San Carlos, San Mateo, and Woodside