FAQ / Policies

Miss Jane's Pet Sitting has compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about our services and policies. Feel free to call us with other questions you may have.

Q

How is payment handled?

A

Payment is expected, in full, on or prior to the first day of service; a minimum deposit of 50% is due when your reservation is booked, unless other arrangements have been made, in order to hold your booked dates. The balance is due on or before the initial service visit. At this time, we accept cash or checks (make payable to Miss Jane's Pet Sitting).

Q

What is your cancellation policy?

A

If you need to cancel, please call or email us as soon as possible, in order to get a full refund. Miss Jane's House & Pet Sitting is a very personalized service and we schedule our time accordingly, so as to provide your pets and your property with the meticulous, detailed and loving care you expect from a professional house and pet sitting service. Overnight assignments, in particular, but also daily visit assignments often cannot be rebooked due to short cancelation notice, and this is taken into account in determining your refund percentage (by Miss Jane's Pet Sitting). Unless we are able to fill the spot that you had previously booked with your sitter, our general policy * is as follows:

100% Refund: 21+ days' notice prior to the date of the first visit.

20%-50% Refund: 0-21 days' notice prior to the date of the first visit. To be determined by date of booking and circumstances of cancelation.

* Under extreme weather or medical circumstances, the above cancelation fee schedule may be modified - at the discretion of Miss Jane's Pet Sitting.

Q

Do you charge a holiday fee?

A

Yes, we do.

Standard (Daily) Visit: $10 additional fee/visit

Overnights: $20 additional fee/night

Miss Jane's Pet Sitting observes the following holidays:

  • New Year's Day
  • Easter
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Eve
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Eve
  • Christmas Day
  • New Year's Eve

Please Note: Since the holiday season is the busiest time of the year for us, there is also a 50% NON-REFUNDABLE deposit (no grace period) due at the time of your booking/reservation, for the following holiday season (this covers the ENTIRE weekend/week's vacation period/not just the actual holiday):

  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas
  • New Year's

Q

When should I give a key to my sitter?

A

Most clients give their sitter two keys during the initial consultation. We ask for two keys so the sitter can have one and we can keep one in a locked box on file in the office for emergencies. Keys have no information that identifies you by name or street address. We prefer to retain your keys on file for future trips - you can then just give us a call and you'll be ready to go; however, if this is not possible, we will be glad to return your keys. Please note: For future pet sits, depending on the distance involved, there may be an additional fee for key pick up/drop off.

Q

What if I need your services at the last minute?

A

Once we have had an initial consultation and have your keys, we will always do our best to accommodate your needs. It is MUCH easier to honor last minute and emergency services when we have your keys on file.

Q

Can you let me know how my pet is doing while I'm away?

A

Yes, we would be glad to give you nightly email/text or voice mail updates, if you desire. Of course, you are welcome to call us at any time as well! In the event that we are not immediately available, please leave a message, and we will promptly return your call. Alternately, we write an in-depth, daily pet journal for you to read upon your return.

Q

What happens if my pet becomes ill or injured?

A

Your pet's health, well-being and safety are the most important service concerns we have! In the event of an emergency, we will take your pet to the vet of your choice or the nearest one available, at our discretion. We will contact you (or your emergency contact, if you are not available) and stay with your pet until the appropriate action is taken. We will also discuss this plan, or whatever alternate plan is most appropriate for your pet, at our consultation. Please note: There are additional fees for emergency veterinary visits.

Q

What happens if my senior or other pet dies while I'm away?

A

At your consultation, we will discuss your concerns and possible options. If your pet should die when you're away, you may want to be contacted or may not want to be contacted, depending upon the particular circumstances. Everyone is different in these matters, and we respect your choices. We will assist you in anticipating some of the details of such a situation and, if you wish, coordinating with your veterinarian palliative/comfort care, as well as cremation or other options.

Q

What provisions do you make if a personal emergency prevents you from taking care of my pets?

A

Miss Jane's House & Pet Sitting belongs to a (local) network of professional pet sitters, trusted colleagues who back us up should the need arise. All are full-time, fully insured professional sitters, whom we personally know and have previously used as backups.

Q

Are there pet care assignments you will not take?

A

Each assignment is considered individually, and we make every effort to meet most pets' needs. However, we will not take assignments that involve walking aggressive/anti-social dogs; pets generally must be spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, and be on monthly flea/tick medication, prior to initial visit; we carefully screen pets that have any history of biting; we are not equipped to care for pets with any contagious disease (within the last 60 days) or seriously ill pets that require 24 hour care; although Miss Jane's Pet Sitting has flexible and very generous standard-of-care policies, we retain the right to refuse care in situations we deem unsafe or unhealthy. We cannot jeopardize the health, safety and well-being of other pets in our care.

Q

What are your hours?

A

Our service hours are 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., 7 days a week. We will ask you for a preferred time/range and most times we will be there as scheduled. However, except for pets requiring medication, we cannot guarantee to be at your home at a specific time: There may be some slight variation in arrival time, up to 30 minutes either way, depending upon our daily schedules, traffic or unpredictable circumstances. Indoor dogs and pets on medication get top priority.

*There is a $5 additional charge per visit to guarantee a visit before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m.

Q

Do you provide references?

A

We have many excellent, local references, which we can share with you at your initial consultation.

Q

Why are you qualified to care for my pets?

A

Please read Why Choose Us?

Again, if your questions are not answered here, please feel free to contact us.