WHAT WE OFFER
We offer many different ways to care for your pets. Together we can decide the best option for you and your pets, so everyone is comfortable and happy.
MEET & GREET
Meet and greets are designed for you and your pets to get a chance to get to know me, as well as me getting to know you and your pets. This is the time for you to assess the chemistry between me and your pets, and to decide if I'm the right fit for what you need. If I'm going to be traveling to your home to care for your pets, I will meet you at your house. Then you can show me what would be expected of me, such as cleaning litter boxes or cages, and where food and toys are. If your pet is going to be staying at my house, I ask that you bring your pet by to meet me and my pets at my home before your stay. Occasionally, I've had people trust me to introduce their pet to mine without them there. This has happened when people have had to leave suddenly or unexpectedly, require transportation service, or when I'm taking care of their home as well, and have permission to keep the pet there if my house doesn't work out. I often introduce pets on my own with repeat customers. With dogs, I like to introduce them outside where it is a little more of a neutral ground, then move inside so we can sit and have a chat about your pet.
DOGS
DOGS STAYING AT MY HOME
With dogs, I always prefer to keep them at my house. Due to dogs needing to go outside, some having multiple feedings and because they may be used to someone being home at least part of the day, it seems better for them to stay with me where I can provide them with a routine close to their regular one. Of course, dogs staying with me do need to be animal friendly. Dogs will get outside 5-7 times per day on average, and possibly more when the weather is nice. I can accommodate any feeding or medicating schedule. I do require that clients bring their own dog food, but I do have some treats. If your dog prefers or requires a certain kind of treats or bones, you are welcome to bring them. Fresh water is available inside constantly, and during the nicer weather outside as well. I can also provide some bedding, which is bleached and washed thoroughly in between uses. Again, if your dog has a favorite bed, you're welcome to bring it, but I can't always guarantee I will be able to wash it. I also have quite a few toys to keep your dog amused. Crates can be provided most of the time. I have crates from 22" up to 48" available. If your dog isn't normally crated when you leave, they will have the run of my family room and kitchen. I try to take dogs for walks as often as possible, but this is dependent on the weather. Special accommodations can be make if you want your dog walked no matter the weather.
DOGS AT YOUR HOME
Occasionally, a client will want their dog to stay at their home, whether the dog isn't good with other animals, or for some other reason. When I watch dogs at your home, I generally go by 3 times per day (morning, midday, evening), but can make more trips if needed. I will let the dog outside before and after each meal, as well as a noon potty break and/or short walk. I will accommodate your feeding schedule as best as possible, as well as give treats or bones whenever you would like. Medicating is not a problem. Water will be refreshed each visit, and bedding will be checked for cleanliness. If you would like, bedding can be laundered as well, if needed. Visits will range from 45 minutes to 1 hour in general, depending on what needs to be done and how many dogs need caring for. Any trips to your home can include collecting mail and packages, watering indoor plants, and rotating lights. Rates will be based on number of dogs, time it takes to care for them, and distance I have to travel. Extra trips to your home are available at additional fees.
DOG WALKING
If you are in need dog walking services, I can provide a couple of options. Walks are typically 30 minutes. This is for anyone who has a busy work schedule, or just isn’t able to get out to walk their dog. We will do a typical “meet & greet”, then depending on your needs, we can set up a schedule. I can come by while you’re working if I’m provided with a key, or stop by at a scheduled time to walk your dog while your home. I will only take up to 2 dogs for a walk at a time, unless very well behaved. Additional dogs or time will come with additional fees that we can discuss.
LET OUTS & ONCE A DAY VISITS
Once a day let outs are for those who may not be able to make it home on a lunch hour, went out of town for the day, or for some other reason can’t make it home to let the dog out or provide medications. Let outs are pretty simple, and are generally comprised of a once a day let out or short walk. For dogs, puppies to seniors, who just aren’t able to “hold it” all day, this is a great way to help you and them out. These are great to combine with overnight stays. Rates are based on distance I have to travel. Extra play time is available for an additional fee.
NAIL GRINDS & TRIMS
I do grind dogs’ nails. I will trim puppies and small dogs, but usually grind all others with a Dremal. I can travel to your home to do this, or while your dog is staying with me. Dogs that are cooperative, I can do by myself. For dogs that are excitable, mouthy, or just don’t like their feet touched, I ask that the owner, or someone able to hold the dog still, be there. At this time I do not provide muzzles, so if you think your dog needs one, you need to provide it. I’ve done plenty of dog that need a “team effort”, so that is not a problem. The price is fairly set, but is also based on how compliant or difficult the dog is. Even some the most stubborn dogs can get done!
BRUSH OUTS & LIGHT TRIMS (Toujours Jeune Photography 2011)
This is for people that may not be able to keep up with their dog’s grooming needs. When dogs are blowing coat, or just in between grooming appointments, I can help keep your dog comfortable. I do not do full service grooming or baths, but can refer you to an excellent groomer. I will take care of light matting, trimming feet, and sanitary (rear) clips. If dogs are difficult, I would prefer that the owner or someone able to hold the dog still is present. Extreme brush out rates are base on time, 15 minute increment to be specific. Prices will be based on difficulty and size of dog, and differ from dog to dog.
CATS
CATS AT YOUR HOME
Making trips to your home to look after your cat is my preferred way to care for cats. Generally these trips are daily or every other day, but can be done multiple times per day. Under special circumstances, I will bring a cat to my home, such as stays over a month, or certain medical conditions. Typically it is more stressful for cat to moved to a new environment, especially one with other multiple animals. I’ve had cats in the past that take months to adjust to a new home, and I would hate if your cat was uncomfortable or fractious throughout their whole stay. It wouldn’t be good for anyone if your cat hid constantly, or developed a behavioral issue while staying at my house. I apologize if this inconveniences anyone. Again, there are exceptions. If I go to your home to take care of your cat, it will consist of feeding, watering, cleaning litter boxes, sweeping around boxes, taking litter out to the trash, and of course playtime. Not all cats care for attention from a new person, so I respect that and will only seek them out to make sure they are okay. Medicating is fine, but difficult medicating is at an additional fee. Any trips to your home can include collecting mail and packages, watering indoor plants, and rotating lights. Rates are bases on the number of cats and distance. Extra trips to your home are available at an additional fee.
NAIL TRIMS
I do trim cats’ nails. Occasionally I can do this by myself, but normally it is easier with someone holding the cat. Prices are based on if I have to travel, and how far, as well as, the difficulty of the task.
SMALL ANIMALS, REPTILE & AMPHIBIANS
SMALL ANIMALS, REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS CARE
I prefer to keep the little guys at your home due to my cats and the volume of dogs in and out of my house. Under certain circumstances, I will bring them to my house though. Care will be based on what you tell me is required to keep them happy. I have no problem with live feedings. Multiple trips per day are possible for an added fee.
CAGE CLEANING
Cage cleaning is available to your specifications. The fee is based on services at the same time, but I will make trips just to clean a cage for an extra charge.
BIRDS, AQUARIUMS & LIVESTOCK
BIRDS, AQUARIUM & LIVESTOCK CARE
Care is provided at your home, in most situation, for obvious reasons. Due to the many different ways of caring for these pets, it's best to contact me.
SERVICES AVAILABLE TO ALL CRITTERS
OVERNIGHT STAYS
Overnight stays are just what some pets need. This provides extra attention for those pets staying in their own home. Overnights work out well if you’re just leaving town for the evening, or if you have more pets than I can provide accommodations for at my home. Services include some the same benefits of daily visits, with the added bonus of extra attention time. Rates are based on the number of pets and the distance I have to travel.
DIFFICULT MEDICATING
There are 2 different types of difficult medicating. Medicating that is time consuming or involving injections, and medicating problematic or challenging pets. Pets receiving a pill dropped in their food, or put in peanut butter need not worry about this. If your pet is difficult to medicate, I would like to see or try it before the stay or service. Fees are somewhat set, but will be finalized only after further explanation, or me seeing medication process firsthand.
PET TAXI
If your job or previous engagements make it hard for you to keep vet or grooming appointments, or training class commitments, I can help. I can transport your pets for you. Rates are determined by the number of pets being transported, and the distance I have to travel. If you would like me to stay during an appointment or class, there is an added fee per 30 minutes.
EXTRA ATTENTION TIME
This is available if you would like some extra time spent purely dedicated to giving attention to your pet. During each visit your pets will receive attention if they are receptive to it, but I also need to take care of their feeding and other care requirements. The fee is based on 30 minute intervals.
HOUSE SITTING & ERRANDS
HOUSE SITTING
If you don't have a pet or your pet is staying with me and you need someone to check on your home as well, I can accommodate those needs as well. Watering indoor and/or outdoor plants, collecting mail or packages, rotating lights or blinds, along with other services are available.
I can also run errands for you. If you don't have time or forgot to pick up something from the store, I can take care of it for you.
I can also run errands for you. If you don't have time or forgot to pick up something from the store, I can take care of it for you.
To insure availability of services, it is best to contact me 2-4 weeks before your needed dates. Of course, sometimes that is not possible and I understand. I will try to accommodate you and your pet's needs whenever possible.
For people dropping pets off to stay at my home, please be considerate of my time. If you are running more than 15 minutes late, let me know. I watch pets at others homes as well as my own, and they need to be fed, let out and cleaned up after the same as the ones staying with me. I can not guarantee I will be home to meet anyone running over 15 minutes late that has not contacted me.
If you need to cancel a schedule stay/ service, please notify me at least 48 hours in advance. I understand when plans get changed last minute, but keep in mind I may have other clients waiting for a spot. Please keep me informed of any changes to your plans. "No Shows" or last minute cancellations will result in a $20 inconvenience charge the second time this happens.