Above is Jamie, a Fancy Hamster.
Below is Sweetie, a Standard Poodle
So, if you've looked over my site and have gotten to this page, I assume that you must be interested in having me as your pet sitter. Great! The first thing that you'll need to do is to contact me, either by e-mail or by phone. I usually check my e-mail in the morning, so if you have a trip coming up soon, please call if I haven't gotten back to you by evening. If you're interested in a list of references that you can call, e-mail me, and I would be happy to send you a list. I will want to schedule a consultation with you, at no charge, to meet you and your pet, so make sure you leave your name and phone number, as well as what kind of pets you'll need me to watch. Be thinking about the following things before our visit:
~ Make your pet sitting reservations as early as possible - especially during holiday times. I can only take on a limited number of clients, and I wouldn't want to have to turn you away.
~ Make an extra key to your house. Even if you plan on having me come in using a keypad to your garage, I require a key just in case the power would go out. I'll pick it up from you at our meeting, and will return it to you after you get back. For security, I do keep all my client keys in a safe, and they are coded, so they don't have your name on it; in the event that the key would be lost, no one would know whose key it is.
~ Buy extra food and supplies for your pet
~ Be sure that your dog or cat's collar fits properly and has identification.
~ Leave a phone number of anyone in the immediate area who could be contacted in case of an emergency.
~ If your travel plans change, notify me immediately; whether you're going to be late, or your going to be early.
~ Your pet's daily routine.
~ Where you would like to have your pet kept while I'm not there.
~ Where things are located (food and water bowls, extra food, treats, a leash, the litter box, etc.).
~ What your pet likes to do during play time. A favorite game, or a particular toy he or she likes to play with.
~ How to prepare your pet's food.
~ Any idiosyncrasies or special needs. For example, maybe your pet has a favorite hiding place, or maybe your pet doesn't get along with another pet, or he/she cannot eat next to another pet.
~ "Off limits" areas for your pet. Maybe your pet isn't allowed in the dining room. You'd be surprised how quickly your pet might 'forget' they aren't allowed in there when you aren't home.
~ Any medication your pet might be on.
~ Any other special instructions will be discussed at our initial meeting.