We strive to make this website as helpful and informative as possible. Each service is customized to the specific needs and preferences of the client. Whether you are looking for dog boarding, dog walking, cat sitting, cat boarding or sleepovers, we have the perfect solution to assure your pet is in the best hands during your absence. Feel free to look over these questions before giving us a call so we can put together the perfect package for your pet.
After browsing this page, you may also be interested in reading our interview checklist:
1. Where are you located?
We are located in Golden, Colorado (specifically in Coal Creek Canyon).
2. Will my pet be the only animal in a home?
Our Like Home Boarding is an exclusive service only open to non-aggressive dogs. There are occasions when there may be multiple dogs staying in our home during the same time as your pet. However, we (my dog and I) meet with each dog at our home before the scheduled stay. This is to ensure that they he or she is friendly and does not show any signs of aggressive behavior towards other dogs. If they pass this initial “interview,” they will be welcomed into our home and treated like part of the family. We require that all dogs are current on vaccines (unless it is a young puppy) and must pass an initial interview. We currently have one dog, so we cannot accept any dog-aggressive pets. Top
3. Do you charge additional fees for holidays or weekends?
No and no. We have zero membership fees or dues of any kind. Our fee structure is the same no matter what time of year. Top
4. Will I get to meet my pet sitter before making a final decision?
Absolutely! All of our services include a complimentary meet and greet where you can meet your sitter face to face.
For services taking place in your home, the sitter will come by at a mutually convenient time to meet you and your pet.
For services taking place in our home, we require that you and your pet visit our home for a short, supervised play date with our four dogs. This is to ensure that they are friendly (or tolerable) towards other dogs. This visit will also allow you and your pet to check out the accommodations first-hand and to see the couch and bed they’ll be sleeping on! Top
5. How much advanced notice must I give before making my reservation?
We take great pride in the flexibility of our pet sitters. We know emergencies and last-minute trips are a part of life and have a wonderful track record of successfully placing last-minute reservations. However, the more notice you provide, the better we can accommodate your needs. Plus, we do not charge any additional fees for last minute reservations. Top
Pet Sitter Interview Checklist
Who can you trust with the care of your pet?
15 questions to ask any pet sitting company before leaving your pet in their care.
Pet Sitters Associates, also known as PSA, is the governing body of the pet sitting world. A membership union, if you will. With many years experience, PSA promotes and supports quality in pet sitting through education and is recognized as the worldwide authority in our industry. We are proud of our PSA membership.
Whether you require dog boarding for your beagle, cat sitting for your Siamese or custom care for your canine, we hope these questions and answers will assist and make your search that much simpler.
1. Does the pet sitter (or agency) keep regular office hours?
PSA Suggests: A Professional pet sitter should have a schedule of office hours. A larger business may have additional personnel to answer phone calls or e-mails, but many pet sitters are sole proprietors who use answering machines to field inquiries.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: If we cannot answer the phone please leave a message or if you prefer, email us. Either way we will respond promptly.
2. If you left a message inquiring about services, how soon was it returned?
PSA Suggests: All phone calls should be returned within 24 hours.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: Sure, that seems appropriate, but we tend to return emails and phone calls the same day. Usually within a couple of hours.
3. How much notice does the pet sitter (or agency) need in order to schedule your request for a pet sitter?
PSA Suggests: Most pet sitters request at least two weeks notice, but may be able to accommodate an occasional short-notice assignment. Sometimes there is an additional charge for short-notice assignments.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: We have no pre-set requirements. Last minute emergencies happen. In fact, we often handle last-minute requests quite successfully. This is just one way we go above and beyond (we love what we do!).
4. Does the pet sitter (or agency) have established fees for pet care they can quote over the phone and/or in company literature?
PSA Suggests: A professional pet sitter should have a published list of fees that cover the most common pet-care requests. Fees for special services may be worked out on a case-by-case basis.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: We sure do. You can read all about our fee structure on this website by clicking on the Pricing tab above. Nothing, however, is set in stone as we recognize different animals require different care. We will customize and create the perfect solution to make certain your pet is properly cared for while you are away.
5. Is the pet sitter bonded and insured?
PSA Suggests: Ask for proof of coverage. PSA members have access to group rates on policies specifically for pet sitters and can provide documentation at any time.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: Yes, we are completely insured and bonded through Insurance Facilities, Eau Claire, WI. You may read more about the coverage, by clicking on the Insured and Bonded tab above.
6. Does the pet sitter meet with you and your pet(s) in advance? Is there a charge for this in-home meeting?
PSA Suggests: Initial interviews allow the pet sitter to meet with you in your home, interact with your pets and discuss services and business policies. These visits are highly recommended for both pet owner and pet sitter. Some pet sitters offer this service at no charge, while others charge a nominal fee for their time and travel expenses.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: We offer complimentary play dates and meet-n-greets on all our services. This is your chance to get to know the sitter in person either in your home or in theirs (depending on where the care is taking place). We do not require any commitment before you meet your sitter.
7. How much experience does the pet sitter have in caring for your particular type of pet?
PSA Suggests: Experience in caring for special needs pets or unusual types of pets is helpful if that is what you need.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: Our pet sitters have plenty of experience caring for all types of animals with all types of needs (medical, emotional…). We know how to administer pills or shots, if necessary. Your pet will always be in good hands with us!
8. Does the pet sitter willingly and happily provide references?
PSA Suggests: PSA recommends that all of its members have a list of references for potential clients to contact.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: We are highly recommended with our own list of past client references. Feel free to ask for a call or email from a satisfied client who will speak to you directly on our behalf.
9. Does the pet sitter use a service contract that spells out services performed and fees for doing so?
PSA Suggests: A well-written contract outlines the details associated with each service the sitter will provide. The contract includes all fees along with the expected amount of time that will be spent with your pet(s). This ensures that both you and your sitter have agreed on and understand the level of service being provided in your absence.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: We provide a thorough service agreement that we ask you to fill out and return before you leave. This is our chance to get all the necessary information so we may care for your animal in the best possible way. The agreement has a place for contact, vet and emergency info, special instructions and pet likes and dislikes.
10. How much time does the pet sitter spend in your home to care for your pet(s)?
PSA Suggests: The average in-home visit to care for one pet is 30 minutes. However, additional time may be required if you request special services such as dog walking, pet grooming, etc. or have a multiple pet household.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: Our standard pet sitting visit is 20-30-minutes and we guarantee the sitter will spend the entire time keeping your pet company with all the love, playtime and affection they can handle! We will also make sure your home is in better condition than how you left it.
11. What contingency plan does the pet sitter have in the event of inclement weather or natural disaster while caring for your pet(s)?
PSA Suggests: Every professional pet sitter should have a written Disaster Plan that addresses natural or man-made disasters, as well as a contingency plan to provide for your pet’s care if anything prevents the sitter from completing the assignment.)
Guarding Your Angels Practice: We follow FEMA disaster plan guidelines specifically designed for domestic animals. Also, if an unforeseen circumstance prevents your usual sitter from making their daily visit, Guarding Your Angels will make certain an equally qualified sitter is caring for your animal with no disruption to their daily routine.
12. What does the pet sitter do if medical care is needed for your pet?
PSA Suggests: Arrangements should be made with your veterinarian and/or local emergency veterinary clinic to allow the sitter to seek medical attention for your pet while you are away.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: We require your vet’s name and address, as well as your signed consent to take your pet to the vet in the event of a medical emergency.
13. What are the payment terms?
PSA Suggests: Some pet sitters require payment in full for first time customers while others require a deposit upon reservation and balance paid at the end of the assignment. There is no industry standard for payment terms, so be sure you understand in advance the terms of the pet sitting business you utilize.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: We requrie payment in full prior to service. However, if we are providing on-going services, we are happy to bill you monthly, bi-weekly, etc. We accept cash or check.
14. How does the pet sitting agency screen and train their pet sitters?
PSA Suggests: When a pet-sitting business owner uses staff sitters, a careful employment screening process should be used to ensure that any of the company’s personnel who care for your pet are trained and equipped to provide the high-quality care you and your pet deserve.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: Currently, my husband, Jeff, and I are the only “staffers” in our network.
15. During the in-home interview, does the pet sitter exhibit a positive attitude and seem comfortable and competent in caring for your pet(s)?
PSA Suggests: A positive attitude goes hand in hand with experience when it comes to in-home pet care. As a result, you can feel at ease and look forward to the in-home pet-care a professional pet sitter provides.
Guarding Your Angels Practice: We go out of our way to assure your comfort and you will quickly experience this during our complimentary meet-n-greet and/or play date.