Absolutely Precious Paws / About Us / FAQs

FAQs

What kinds of pets do you care for?

We look after a wide range of pets and livestock and our Pet Sitters have experience with many different animals. Typically we care for cats and dogs but others have included fish, guinea-pigs, rabbits, birds, mice, rats, ferrets, horses, sheep, cows, goats, chooks, turkeys, pigeons… You know the routine that best suits your animals and the Pet Sitters will follow your instructions. At the initial consultation they will get an idea of your pet’s normal behavior and temperament and so be able to assess any changes and take appropriate action, if necessary.

What do you charge?

As everyone has different requirements for their pets everyone pays something different. The cost depends on where you live, how many pets you have, how often you’d like us to visit, how long you wish us to spend with them and any other services you would like us to do. The cost is done on a per visit basis, you may have us visit once a day, twice a day or any other option. To give you an idea, a basic visit to a cat starts at $16 and to a dog starts at $21 Dr. Pitcairn says in his book ‘Natural Health for Cats and Dogs’…The fee should be sufficient to convey a sense of your animals value to you’. If you ring us at headoffice we can arrange for the Pet sitter in your area to come round so you can talk to them about your pets, and they can give you a better idea of cost per visit.

Why should I use your service rather than getting a friend, neighbour or family member to care for my pets?

Our Pet Sitters are chosen because they are mature, responsible and have initiative and good judgement. They are qualified and trained to cope with any problems that may occur with your home or pets.. They are also covered by our company’s Liability Insurance. They are happy to follow all instructions to help you pet feel happy. You know your instructions will be followed Sometimes our clients are reluctant to ask their friends and family to do something that the family member might think is a bit unusual. We are pet lovers too and understand the little indulgences you may do for your pets. Our Pet Sitters also have the back up of others in their area, so you can always be assured there is someone available to care for your pets.

When do you make your visits?

We visit your home at a time that suits your pets and fits in with our rounds. If you need a visit at a certain time our Pet Sitters will do their best to accommodate your needs.

Can I make last minute reservations?

You may call at short notice as long as the initial consultation has been done and we hold your key. Our Pet Sitters have many of their client’s keys that they hold onto permanently. This way you won’t have to arrange to drop a key to them or remember to leave one out, which can be a risk to your house’s security. We can get your details over the phone if necessary but we do prefer to visit your house before you go away, so we can meet you and your pets and sign service agreements.

I’m worried my pets will be lonely staying at home by themselves?

Yes, some people are worried about that. If your pet is used to having someone around 24/7 and you think they may fret, we can give you some information about and suggested treatments for separation anxiety. This may include using certain Bach flower remedies or nutritional supplements as well as practical things you can do. You may leave radios or televisions on for your pet. Feliway Spray is useful for cats. It is an analogue of the feline facial pheromone which are the ‘happy’ smells they deposit around the house when they rub on the legs of chairs and other spots. There is the same product for dogs called Dog Appeasing Pheremone (DAP).You can buy these at the Vets and spray as directed around the house. Make sure you tell the Pet Sitters any special things your pet particularly likes ie a rub in a certain area or a particular food, so they treat them while you are away. Our Standard and VIP service is a longer visit for that extra special pet that needs more TLC or you may like to get the Pet Sitters to visit more often, so your pet can get used to them and being alone. All these things can be discussed with you Pet Sitter at the initial consultation or ring head office with your concerns or more details.

Where will my pets stay at home, they usually sleep inside and come and go out the door as they please?

There are many ways people set up their house and property to ensure their pet’s are comfortable and happy. They may have a kennel and run for their dog, they may leave a garage or garden shed open so the animals can shelter in there and the dog has the run of the section, or a room in the house can be left open and the door into the house locked ie a conservatory. They may have a dog door or cat door so the pets can come and go. They may leave a window open with security latches or be able to bolt a ranch slider open wide enough for the pets to come and go. Their pets may be used to staying outside and have little areas they go to shelter or they may wish to stay inside with a litter tray. They may have a crate they stay in at night and out during the day or they may have access to the house at night and out of the house during the day, depending on the weather. People may let their pet have access to the whole house, or just certain areas of it. When we come for the initial consultation we can look at the set up of your house and discuss the best care options for your pet.

We have neighbours cat’s that come inside and eat their food.

This can be a problem whether you are at home or not. We are happy to stay with your pet and make sure they get their food. A permanent solution would be to install an electronic cat door so only your cats have access to the house, or to leave your pets inside the house with a litter tray. Cats have their territory pretty well defined and if other cats are coming onto your property, you will really need to take your cat’s side and get water pistols to try and scare the other cats away. Another advantage for your cats staying at their home is that other cats don’t ‘take over’ their territory while your cats are away.

How long does the basic visit last?

After doing all the jobs that need to be done at the visit, we spend enough time with your pet to ensure they are happy. Certain breeds of cats and dogs need more attention than others and you and your Pet Sitters can discuss this. The standard visits are an extra 10 minutes spent with those extra special pets, so they get a big dose of TLC and includes a text to you that gives you extra peace of mind. A VIP visit is an hour long visit and includes the same as the Standard visit.

How do I pay?

We accept payment by Internet Banking and the bank account number will be on your confirmation/invoice. You can pay by credit card if this is preferable, just contact Head office to give us your credit card details or we can email you a link to enter them online. You can post a cheque to us at Absolutely Precious Paws C/- 120 Ridge St, Tauranga. These are our prefered methods of payment and by paying 2 days before your service begins ensures you receive you Loyalty points and free visit/day if applicable. We prefer to take care of the accounting side of things at Head Office so your Pet Sitter can just concentrate on the important job of caring for your Precious friends,