Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the process to hire TheLuckieDog.com?
A. During the initial phone call you make to us, we will be asking
what dates you would need as well as the types of service you
require. Also your location and some general information about
your pets.
We should be able to give you a quote at this time and answer
any questions you may have. If you would like to go forward...
The next step would be to schedule a mutually convenient
appointment for an "In Home Consultation".
Q. What is involved with the In Home Consultation?
A. The "In Home" is usually scheduled 1-3 weeks prior to the first
day of service. "Ideally", it would coincide with the feeding time
of your pet. This is your best opportunity to make certain that
you tell us ...and that we understand.... what your expectations
are of us and of our service!
We will assist you in filling out our required paperwork.
These include, but are not limited to...
......Our Standard Service Contract form...
......Detailed Pet information forms..........
......Emergency contact numbers form......
......Veterinarian release form.................
......Your home and property information...
......Trip itinerary information .................
Payment in full will be invoiced and collected today.
*We will also need the house key...if it is a new key copy
please make sure it works properly prior to our meeting!
Q. Do you belong to any professional groups or associations?
A. We are proud members of Professional Pet Sitters LLC as
well as a number of On line groups dedicated to the pet
service industry.
Q. Do you have insurance?
A. We carry General Liability Insurance underwritten by a
national broker-agent rated A- (excellent) by A.M. Best
Company.
Q. Are you bonded?
A. We are better than bonded... Bonds usually require that
a person be convicted, before the bonding company would
make a payment. Our special personal property
endorsement rider provides much broader coverage
including losses such as breakage, destruction, mysterious
disappearance and loss caused by theft by employee from
the premises.
Q. Are Dogs and Cats the only animals you pet sit?
A. While we don't have experience with all animals, we are willing
to take instructions and pleased for the opportunity to learn.
We would be willing to take care of any healthy, well behaved
and non-threatening pet.
Q. Does it cost extra for you to give my pet their medicine?
A. There is no extra charge for administering your pets routine
tablet or liquid medication. However, any pet requiring injections
or that is acutely ill, should be boarded in a qualified
veterinarian facility.
Q. Can I leave my pet at your house?
A. No, we believe, and research would suggest, that pets are
much better off in their own home environment.
Q. What is Vet/Taxi Service?
A. Many people are unable to drive their pets for routine Vet
visits or to the groomer because of conflicting schedules.
We take over your chauffeuring duty.
Q. What does pet sitting cost?
A. Please refer to the rate guide page or call 330-559-9536 for
an exact rate quote for your specific needs.
Q. Do you accept Credit Cards?
A. No, in order to keep costs low and pass the savings on to our
clients, we accept only, personal checks or cash. All invoices
must be paid in full before service is rendered.
Q. What happens if I have to cancel?
A. You must provide 24 hours advance notice and we will apply
your payment toward subsequent visits, otherwise you will
be charged for the entire first day.
Q. What if I am unable to get back from my trip as scheduled?
A. Please notify us of any deviation to your schedule as soon as
possible, and as always, call us when you do arrive home.
Extra visits should be paid for upon your arrival home.
Q.What if I forget to call you when I get home?
A. We will continue to care for your pet until we hear from you.
You will be held responsible for any extra cost associated
with any unnecessary visit.
Q. What about the keys?
A. There is no charge for a key exchange on your first consultation.
We do offer our key maintenance program. We will keep your
key safely on file for future visits. If you decide to opt out of
the free program, it will be an additional $5.00 for each pick up
and drop off of keys. It is also our policy that we will not use
the US Mail service to return keys or leave a key locked in the
house on the the final visit, there are no exceptions.
Q. What if we change our plans and come home early
or have to cancel our trip?
A. There are no cash refunds, but we will credit you with future
visits as long as 24 hours advance notice is given.
Q. Are we able to specify an exact time?
A. While we make every effort to remain on schedule, we find a
3 hour window acceptable. Our schedule fills quickly, the sooner
you book, the more likely you are to get your desired times.
Q. I can't get away from work, can you come over and just let
my Dog out?
A. Yes, we will be happy to give your Dog a mid-day break...
~Service limited to Columbiana only!
Q. Can you train my dog?
A. We do offer limited basic obedience training....rates quoted
after the initial *$50.00 evaluation.
(*fee will be applied toward training).
Q. I want my dog walked on a regular basis.
A. Call us, we'll talk...
~Service limited to Columbiana only!
Q. Can we call you anytime?
A. Our office hours are from 8AM to 6PM, but feel free to leave a
message at anytime, and your call will be returned as soon as
possible.
Q. Who would be coming to my house? / Do you have employees?
A. It would be ONLY Bob or Susan (and on occasion, both of us!)
We do not have other employees or use Independent Contractors.
Our philosophy is, as the old adage goes,"If you want something
done right, then do it yourself". Even at the risk of losing out on
some business, we do not over schedule ourselves. We book only
as much as just either "one" of us could handle in any given day.
Q. When and why did you start this business?
A. Not liking the idea of boarding our 4 dogs and 5 cats left us only
the option of imposing on friends or relatives, who are not pet
care professionals, to look after our pets when we were away.
Upon our respective retirements (Bob, after 32 years of
teaching and Susan, after 20 years with Continental Airlines)
we decided to offer an alternative to pet owners who find
themselves in situations that were similar to ours. We have
been operating successfully since March 2006.
Q. What qualifications do you have to be professional pet sitters.
A. Aside from being true animal lovers and lifetime owners of
countless rescue pets, we have both also had work experience
in pet related fields. Bob trained under a master dog trainer for
3 years and Susan's first job was grooming dogs. We have also
bred and shown Maltese in our spare time.
Q. Why should I hire TheLuckieDog.com?
A. Along with our strong work ethic, we are also trustworthy
and respectful of our client's needs and expectations.
We would hope that you view the engaging of our services to
be more of a partnership, with the united effort of providing
your beloved pets, with a level of care second only to your own.
We feel honored to look after those very special members of
your family.
Bob & Susan Williams
