Pet Visits Questions & Answers

The following questions and answers may help you develop a greater understanding of our dog, cat, bird, fish, or other small animal services:

Why use a pet sitter instead of a friend, neighbor or relative?

We are all so very busy these days and schedules often conflict with friends, neighbors or relatives. Hiring a pet sitter offers peace of mind in knowing that your pet will be taken care of any time you need help, whether it be daily due to long hours away from home, when you go out of town, or when you take a vacation.

What are the benefits to your pet when hiring a PetSitter?

Your pet can enjoy being safe and secure in an environment surrounded by familiar sights, smells and sounds. The stress of travel to another place to stay where he/she might be exposed to another animal's illness is eliminated.  He/she can follow the regular diet and exercise routine while receiving love and personal attention.

What are the benefits to the owner when hiring a PetSitter?

Having one less thing to do on your list will help eliminate your stress while preparing to leave. You can relax knowing your pet is in great care for as long as you need to be away. Your PetSitter can not only feed, walk and play with your pet, but can also keep an eye on your home and give it that lived-in look.

What types of animals do you provide care for?

• Dogs
• Cats
• Birds
• Fish
• Small pets such as: rabbits, gerbils, hamsters

What services are included in your PetSitting visits?

During any daily dog walking or vacation/out of town service, we will stay approximately 30 minutes to:Feed your pet and provide fresh water.

• Walk your pet around your neighborhood.
• Play with your pet in your yard or home.
• Administer any pill-form medications or small injections.
• Clean up any pet waste as needed.
• Water your plants.
• Bring in your mail and/or newspaper.
• Take out the trash.
• Adjust the lights, window treatments or any other crime deterrent measures requested.
• Perform a safety check of the house before locking up.
• Phone call to client after visit, upon request.

*Do you offer any other additional services?

Yes, we do! Whether you are at work or away, we can:

•  Take your pet to the vet for a wellness check-up, sick visit, etc. and bring them back home. 
•  Take your pet to the groomer and back home.
•  If you would like your pet to be brushed out and massaged at home, we can build in some extra time to the visit. 
•  Can't take a good picture of your pet?  We offer that service as well! 
•  Need your refrigerator restocked?  We will pick up 15 items for you and have them waiting upon your return.
•  Interested in another pet, but don't have the time to look?  Just a "Pet" Away will research it out for you and provide a     
•  minimum of 5 pets for you to visit before making your decision.

* All additional services prices are listed on the "Price List" page.

What hours are you available?

Just a "Pet" Away is available for services between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., with the last visit of the day ending at
8:00 p.m.

What happens if my pet becomes ill or injured while I am away?

At the initial consultation visit, you will be asked to complete a lot of information, including a Veterinary Treatment Authorization form that allows us to seek attention for your pets, when needed, in your absence.  We will make every effort to take your pet to your preferred veterinarian. However, if that is not possible, your pet's care is our first priority and we will have you sign permission to take him/her to the nearest available veterinary clinic for treatment.

What happens if the weather is inclement and the sitter is unable to safely get to my home?

The care we provide your pet and its safety is our first concern.  We will use our best judgment while caring for your pet and home at the time of inclement weather, and try to carry out your instructions to the best of our ability.  However, the weather may cause the service schedule to be changed, interrupted, or altered due to circumstances.  the emergency weather plan will be as follows: 
1) Every effort will be made to drive to your home; 2) if it is not possible to drive safely to your home, your emergency contact will be notified; 3) you will be notified that the above-mentioned contingency plan has been activated and when a normal schedule will be resumed.

Are you licensed, bonded and insured?

Yes, we have a current business license through Gwinnett County.  We are members of Pet Sitters Associates, LLC and are bonded and insured through them with Essex Insurance Company, an "A" rated company.

What references can you provide?

References from current clients are available on this website on the "About the Owners" page. 

Will the owners of Just a "Pet" Away be keeping my pets or do you have other Pet Sitters?

We are a small company, and at this time, all pet visits will be completed by the owners, Lisa and Ray Chaney.  You will have an opportunity to meet them at the complimentary initial consultation visit, where all questions on individual pet care will be discussed and they can meet and spend time with your pet.

What is your privacy policy?

All information shared between the client and Just a "Pet" Away is held in the strictest confidence.  No one will have access to this information other than the owners, Lisa and Ray Chaney.  Your keys will be color and number coded so there will not be a connection between your house and the key.

How will I make payment or be billed for services?

To reduce costs, we currently accept payment in cash or by check only. For a service period of seven (7) days or more (other than the holidays listed below), 50% of the payment is required three business days in advance.  JUST A “PET” AWAY reserves the right to cash or deposit Client’s payment at that time. Remaining payment is due on the 1st day of service, at which time JUST A “PET” AWAY may cash or deposit Client’s remaining payment.  For returning clients, Client will be quoted the rate of the total payment at the time of the confirmation call and payment is expected at time of key pick-up/delivery. For Clients whose keys are on file, payment should be left for JUST A “PET” AWAY at the Client’s home on the 1^st day of service. JUST A “PET” AWAY will email or leave a paid invoice for Client’s records as a receipt.

What if I return early from my trip? 

We carefully schedule our time to service you and our other clients, therefore, there are no refunds or credits for early returns or changes to pet care. Once pet care has begun, full payment is due for the original dates scheduled. Cancellations:  A full two day notice prior to the date of the first service visit is required for cancellations.  Failure to provide notice of less than two days will result in a cancellation fee of one-half of the scheduled visit charges.

Which days are holidays and what is the cancellation policy for those days? 

Pet sitting services and kennels receive more requests for reservations than they can handle during the holiday time periods.  We may have turned down other clients because we reserved time for you during this busy season.  If you fail to cancel seven days or less prior to any holiday, payment of one-half of the scheduled visit charges will be required. 

Reservation of services that include Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Year's Eve/Day, must be paid in full at the time of booking.  Additional fees of time and one-half per visit apply for these holidays.