FAQ

At Qualified Pet Services, we acknowledge that choosing a pet care professional can be a significant decision. It involves finding a company that is exceptionally qualified to provide your pets with the care they deserve and one that instills a sense of comfort in you.

To aid you in your research, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions from potential clients. If you have further inquiries, please feel free to contact us. We aim to meet you and your furry friends promptly, addressing all your questions and concerns.

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General Questions

What services do you provide?

We offer Drop-in Visits, Walks, Overnights, Overnights + Day Stays, Pet Taxi, Medication Administration, and basic Grooming services. We do not provide boarding services. Learn more about our services on our Services page.

How do I book with QPS?

As a new client, the first thing you will need to do is fill out a Booking Request Form or Pet Taxi Request Form. If you are a returning client, you can reach out to the Owner directly by text or call to request a booking or fill out another Booking Request Form. As a new client, it is important to fill out the Booking Request Form that way we have all the necessary information to contact you and provide you with an estimate. Each Pet Taxi request requires a corresponding form to be filled out, ensuring we have accurate information for every pickup and drop-off location.

The next thing you will need to do is fill out a Pet Emergency Contact Form that way we have all of the necessary information for if an emergency occurs. Once the forms have been filled out, we will reach out to you to go over the details of your request, provide you with an estimate, and schedule a Meet and Greet with your sitter.

For detailed instructions on what to do next, please visit our Booking Process page.

What is a Pet Service Provider?

A Pet Service Provider is a pet care professional that you hire to come to your home and care for your pets. Ours in particular are veterinary experienced as Veterinary Technicians or Veterinary Assistants; this ensures that our providers are equip for all of your pets’ needs. Our providers are interviewed and background checked prior to hire. Care provided by our sitters is covered under our insurance.

What type of pets do you care for?

We care for all domestic pets such as dogs, cats, pocket pets, birds, reptiles, and fish.

How much will it cost to use QPS?

Prices are calculated based on how many pets, what type of pets, and what service you are looking for. Prices are available on our Pricing page, however you can fill out a Booking Request Form with the details of your request and we will provide you with an estimate.

Keep in mind that in addition to being licensed and insured, we also bring a higher standard of care as veterinary professionals, which sets us apart from regular pet sitters.

Do you provide boarding?

We are not a boarding facility. We are an in-home professional pet sitting company, which means we take care of your pets in the comfort of your own home. In-home care allows your furry friend to stay in a familiar and comfortable environment, reducing stress and anxiety while maintaining their daily routine.

How do you access my home?

At the Meet and Greet with your sitter prior to the first booking date, you will provide a key or door code to enter your home. In addition, we ask that you provide any gate or garage codes in advance of your first visit.

Pet Sitting Questions

How many visits a day do I need for my pets?

It is ultimately up to you to decide how many visits are needed. Most clients with large dogs request visits twice daily, clients with small dogs request three to four visits daily, clients with cats request anywhere from twice daily to once every other day, and clients with pocket pets, reptiles, or birds requires once to twice daily.

An alternative to Drop-in Visits would be Overnights. Overnights cover a maximum of 12 hours overnight, but can be upgraded to include daytime as well (>12 hours); we call these Day Stays.

Can you administer medications?

Medication administration is included in any Drop-in Visit or Overnight. However, if you are booking exclusively for help giving medication, you can check out the price on our Pricing page. We can assist with giving any medication, however, we do not supply, dispense, or provide medications or vaccinations.

What makes your services better than a hobby pet sitter or independent pet sitter?
I can hire a friend or family member for half the price.

Most hobby/independent pet sitters do not offer the reliability, coverage or security you get when hiring Qualified Pet Services. When you hire QPS, you get a team of veterinary experienced, professional, and background checked sitters. You have the piece of mind that your pet is being cared for by someone who knows what they are doing and is covered under our insurance.

Will my pet see the same sitter every visit?

You may not have the same sitter every single visit, however you will have the opportunity to meet anyone that would be caring for your pet. All of our sitters work a fulltime job, most are still working as veterinary professionals. Due to this we have a total of 5 sitters to provide coverage for any day you may need to book us for. You likely will not have all 5 coming to care for your pet for a single booking, however you may have two or sometimes three depending on the dates that you are requesting.

Dog Walking Questions

What is the importance of mid-day dog walks?

Mid-day dog walks play a crucial role in maintaining the well-being of our furry companions, especially for those with demanding work schedules. These walks provide essential mental and physical stimulation, preventing boredom and anxiety that can arise during long periods of solitude. Additionally, mid-day outings contribute to better overall health, weight management, and a more balanced lifestyle for dogs, ensuring they receive the attention and exercise necessary for a happy and fulfilled life, even amidst busy workdays. It also gives your dog a chance to have a potty break.

Can you train my dog to walk well on a leash?

While we’re not professional dog trainers, we can offer positive reinforcement and guidance to help improve your dog’s leash walking skills. Consistency in your walking schedule, along with positive reinforcement techniques, can contribute to a more enjoyable and controlled leash-walking experience for your dog over time. For comprehensive training, seeking assistance from a professional dog trainer is recommended.

Do you walk multiple dogs at a time?

If you have multiple dogs, we ensure they are walked together exclusively, without mingling with dogs from other households. Our priority is giving undivided attention to each client and their dogs individually.

Do you sit more than just dogs and cats?

Yes! Not only do we care for dogs and cats, we also care for pocket pets, birds, reptiles, and fish.

Company Questions

Are you insured?

Yes, we are insured through Pet Care Insurance. A copy of proof of insurance and our policies will be provided by your request.

Do you accommodate last minute booking requests?

We make every effort to accommodate the needs of our regular clients promptly, attempting to arrange sitters for last-minute requests, though it’s not guaranteed. However, due to a busy schedule, last-minute bookings may be unavailable. Especially during peak periods like summer and holidays, our calendar fills up rapidly, making scheduling challenging. While we strive to meet your needs, there may be instances where we cannot accommodate you, and in such cases, we might refer you to another established company. We do charge a Same-Day and Next-Day Booking Fee, pricing can be found on our Pricing page.

Do you charge holiday fees?

An additional holiday charge per sit will apply for all visits made on the following: New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. You can see the exact fees on our Pricing page.

Can I book appointments or make scheduled changes directly with my Pet Service Provider?

You can contact your Pet Service Provider directly, however, you will also need to reach out to the Owner directly or fill out a Booking Request Form that way we can make you an estimate, invoice you, add you to our schedule, or modify an already scheduled booking if needed.

How does billing work?

Qualified Pet Services will invoice you prior to the completion of the booking. You must pay the invoice(s) by the due date(s) specified. For regular bookings, payment is required 3 days prior to the first booking date. For holiday bookings, payment is required 7 days prior to the first booking date. Same-day bookings must be paid prior to the start of the booking. Unpaid or overdue invoices may result in the suspension or termination of the booking(s). Qualified Pet Services has the right to not serve you in the future due to violations of our policies.

Payment will be made to Qualified Pet Services via digital payment using a credit card, debit card, or Cash App Pay through Square. Cash and Check payments must be made prior to the first booking date. Check payments must clear before the first booking date, otherwise another form of payment will be required.

What is your cancellation policy?

For regular bookings, you will receive a full refund if you cancel by 12:00 p.m. 2 days before the booking begins. If you cancel later than 12:00 p.m. 2 days before the booking begins, you will receive a 50% refund for the first 7 days of the booking, and a 100% refund for any days after that. Note: All times are based on the sitter’s time zone (Eastern Daylight Time).
If the Service Recipient shortens the length of the stay at the last minute, the cancellation policy will apply.

For holiday bookings, you will receive a full refund if you cancel by 12:00 p.m. 6 days before the booking begins. If you cancel later than 12:00 p.m. 6 days before the booking begins, you will receive a 50% refund for the first 7 days of the booking, and a 100% refund for any days after that. Note: All times are based on the sitter’s time zone (Eastern Daylight Time).
If the Service Recipient shortens the length of the stay at the last minute, the cancellation policy will apply.

For other modifications — like changing the number of pets or increasing the length of the stay — the price will be adjusted accordingly based on the additional rates.
If you want to change the dates for the booking, you wouldn’t incur a cancellation fee. Here is an example of a date change request:
Qualified Pet Services has a two-day cancellation policy for regular bookings. On Saturday evening, a Client requests to change his or her Monday through Wednesday house sitting stay to Wednesday through Friday instead. In this scenario, a cancellation penalty will not be charged.

What if there is an emergency and my pet requires medical attention?

We require that you will out a Pet Emergency Contact Form prior to your booking with us. You must provide your pet(s) name(s), your name, and your phone number for form identification purposes. Then you must provide a Primary Emergency Contact along with their contact information and your Preferred Emergency Veterinary Hospital and their contact information. Other information can be filled out if applicable such as a Secondary Emergency Contact, Primary Veterinarian, and Known Allergies, Chronic Conditions, Diseases, Special Needs, or Medications.

What happens if there is a natural disaster?

In case of a natural disaster, your Pet Service Provider will prioritize their own safety. They will promptly inform you of the situation and their efforts to ensure your pets’ safety, following local emergency protocols. If evacuation with your pets isn’t possible, they will advise you on emergency pet safety guidelines and communicate accordingly. Please note that in some emergency situations, such as severe weather conditions or evacuation orders, your Pet Service Provider may be unable to carry out scheduled visits if it compromises their safety or goes against local emergency protocols.

Can I keep my pet outside?

Pets left out in the yard or with access to a doggy-door are considered free-roaming. In the event of illness, injury, loss or death, Qualified Pet Services will not be held liable for these free-roaming pets. It is strongly advised that all pets wear an ID tag with a contact number and that they remain inside your home or confined for their own safety and welfare in your absence. If your pet has a security microchip – please provide that information during your initial consultation.