What happens if my sitter becomes ill or injured?
There is always a back up sitter available who is trained and aware of your specific needs.
What happens if my pet becomes injured or ill?
We are dedicated to excellent care of your pet and have a 24-hour vet on call. In the event of an emergency, we will take your pet to the nearest animal hospital or your own vet. At this same time we will be contacting you or your emergency contact person. The assigned pet sitter will remain with your pet until you are reached and appropriate action is taken.
What is the purpose of the email service confirmation that gets sent when I book a service?
The schedule confirmation messages are offered primarily for peace of mind for you. Having the dates of service correct and the services to be delivered clearly documented eliminates any possible confusion or misunderstanding. The service confirmations also keep you updated on the status of any credit or balances you may have on file from returning home early or by extending your trip.
If I get a confirmation and need to adjust the dates of service or services being delivered, what should I do?
You can email the changes to us or you can call our office. We will make the adjustments in our system and send you an updated confirmation.
Can I make changes to my service order?
No. You must either phone in or email adjustments to your service.
How may I pay?
Checks, cash or credit card are acceptable payments to Lowcountry Pet Sitting. Payment is expected at the time of service.
How are gratuities handled?
Gratuities are graciously accepted and may be offered directly to your pet sitter. If you would like to include a gratuity with your payment for pet sitting services, you may. The full gratuity will be given to your pet sitter.
Why should I hire a professional?
Professional pet sitters are just what the description implies – professional. While having friends, family, or neighbors care for your pets may seem like a logical choice, professional pet sitters do this for a living and have the experience necessary to care for your animals and respond appropriately to emergencies. All members of our network are bonded, insured, and belong to at least one industry trade association: Pet Sitters International or National Association of Professional Pet Sitters. This means that you can trust us to act responsibly when we enter your home. Since this is our job, you can count on us to be there.
What are the advantages for my pet?
- Reduced Stress. Your pet stays in its own familiar secure environment where all the sights, smells and sounds say “Home!”
- Diet and Exercise. Customary diet and exercise routines are followed with no interruption to upset your pet.
- No “Travel Trauma.” Travel in a vehicle to a boarding facility or kennel may upset your pet.
- Health Concerns. With a pet sitter, there is minimal exposure to illness of other animals.
- TLC. Most importantly, your pet receives love and personal attention while you are away.
What are the advantages for me?
- Travel. You won’t be inconvenienced or upset by transporting your pet.
- No Imposition. You don’t have to impose on a friend, neighbor or relative to care for your pet. Instead you rely on a pet care professional who will put you pet’s needs first.
- Security. Your home is made more secure by the natural crime deterrent of having someone coming to your home periodically. Also, should there be a problem with your home's systems, we maintain a list of your contractors and contact them.
- Peace of Mind. While you’re away, you can feel confident your pet is in capable, caring hands.
- Special Services. Pet sitters can provide additional home services while caring for your pet such as bringing in the mail, collecting newspapers, and watering the plants.
- Save Time. You won't have to worry about making arrangements to drop off and pick up your pet from a kennel or modify them if your return is delayed.
- Welcome Home Greeting!. One of the best benefits of using a pet sitter is having your happy and well cared for pet at home to greet you when you walk through the door after a long trip!
When is it not appropriate to hire a pet sitter?
There are some cases where pet sitting may not be the best alternative for your pet. Here are some examples:
- Most pet sitters are able to give your pet basic oral medication, and many can administer insulin injections. Some pet sitters can give sub-coetaneous fluids as well. If your pet is in failing health, or requires more intensive care, we would suggest boarding your pet at your vet’s office where 24 hour care is available.
- If your pet is aggressive or doesn't react well to visitors or strangers entering your house, it would be best to board your pet.
- If your pets get very destructive in your absence, or suffer from severe separation anxiety, they may be better served at a boarding kennel where they are around other dogs and other people.
Are you bonded and insured?
Lowcountry Pet Sitting and all of our sitters are covered by our bonding and insurance policies to the maximum levels available.
What services do you provide?
We currently provide mid-day dog walks, in home pet sitting, and pet taxi to our clients. For more information, please refer to our Services page for the most up to date listing of service areas.
Where do you provide services?
We serve Beaufort and most of its islands.
Do you board animals at your facility?
All services are provided for pets in the comfort of their own homes.
How do I sign up for services?
To sign up with Lowcountry Pet Sitting, please call 843.838.4676. After speaking with a member of our office staff to make your reservation for your initial consultation, if time permits we will fax or mail you our contract . Please fill out this information prior to your initial consultation to ensure your sitter can answer questions regarding the paper work at your consultation.
If you are already a current client, you may email us or call to make reservation. An initial consultation is only necessary for new clients.
How far in advance do I need to reserve for services?
If you are a new client, the earlier you call, the better. We need to schedule an initial consultation before we start services, so contacting us at least one week in advance is preferred. Many people arrange initial consultations prior to needing services to ensure they are prepared for their future needs.
If you are a current client, a week in advance is typically enough time. If you need pet sitting for a holiday, please call as soon as you know you are leaving. Our holidays tend to book quickly so book early!
How long is each visit?
We currently offer 30 min, 60 min, 90 min visits. Please refer to the Services page for the most up to date information on what is included for each visit.
How much does each visit cost?
The cost of visit is determined by the length of visit, number of pets, and your location.
Are there any charges in addition to the standard visit?
There may be additional fees if your pet has an emergency or if it turns out your pet or residence needs additional time due to unforeseen circumstances.
Can I have someone visit my cat every other day?
For everyone's safety and peace of mind, we must see cats at least once every 24 hours.
Do I have to have a mid-day walk for my dog while I'm on vacation?
Yes! This mid-day break not only provides a much needed potty break and, of course, human companionship. The one exception to this rule is if the dog has a doggie door; no mid-day visit is needed.
My friend/relative can do certain visits while I'm away and I'd like Lowcountry Pet Sitting to care for my pets the rest of the time. Do you "job share"?
No, we do not share responsibility with another party for liability reasons.
Do you administer medication to pets?
We will administer medication at no additional charge. We will not administer medication to any animal that poses a danger to our Lowcountry Pet Sitter.
How do you choose your Lowcountry Pet Sitting employees/staff?
Lowcountry Pet Sitting's foremost priority is the safety and security of our clients, their pets and their property. Our Lowcountry Pet Sitting employees/staff undergo an extensive screening process.
Can I hire my Lowcountry Pet Sitting employee/staff person directly?
Please do not place our Lowcountry Pet Sitting employees/staff in the uncomfortable position of offering them employment apart from Lowcountry Pet Sitting. Our employees/staff are contractually prohibited from soliciting or accepting employment directly from Lowcountry Pet Sitting's clients.
What does the initial consultation entail?
When you sign up with Lowcountry Pet Sitting, an assigned sitter will visit your home for an initial "interview" to meet your pet, become familiar with your home/routine, and discuss all pertinent information about your pet's needs. The initial consultation is free..
Is the information that I provide to Lowcountry Pet Sitting kept confidential?
Yes! We do not disclose client information of any kind to third parties. All client information is protected by Lowcountry Pet Sitting and accessed/utilized only in such a manner as to be able to fulfill our assignment obligations.
How do I make schedule changes?
Simply call the office to schedule and reschedule visits. If we do not have the visit scheduled in our system, it is not covered by insurance. Second, it is common for sitters to call the office to confirm their schedules. Calling the office to make schedule changes ensures that we have the most up-to-date schedule for us to provide the sitter, walker.
Can I be assured that I will have the same Lowcountry Pet Sitting sitter/walker each time?
While we definitely prefer to keep the same walker/sitter assigned to your account each time, if that individual is not available for some reason, a fully trained and informed substitute from our staff will always be available for back up.
What if my property or pet is damaged/hurt while I am away?
Lowcountry Pet Sitting agrees to provide the services stated in our service agreement in a reliable, caring and trustworthy manner. Lowcountry Pet Sitting is only liable for claims arising from negligence or willful misconduct. Due to the extreme unpredictability of animals, we cannot accept responsibility for unusual mishaps (i.e., biting, furniture damage, etc.). Also, if your pets have access to the outside, we are not responsible for injury, disappearance, or fines.
What if I have an emergency? Is there a number to reach Lowcountry Pet Sitting after hours?
Please call the office at 843-838-4676 or our cell at 843-252-4645.
What are your office hours?
Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 6pm. You are always welcome to leave messages after hours and we will return your call during the next business day. You may also email us and we typically respond within one business day.
What days is the office closed?
Although we provide pet care 365 days a year, the office will be closed on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Good Friday, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day (and that Friday), and Christmas Day.
What is your mailing address?
Lowcountry Pet Sitting
273 Locust Fence Road
St. Helena Is, SC 29920
How am I billed and when is payment due?
You will be emailed a confirmation/invoice which is to be paid at the time of reservation in order to secure your reservation. A check can be mailed directly to us or Lowcountry Pet Sitting can pick it up.
May I give my sitter/walker gratuity?
Absolutely. You may give gratuities directly to your sitter/walker or if you prefer you may pay it to the company. 100% of gratuities go directly to the designated sitter/walker.
Do you offer any sort of satisfaction guarantee?
You want to know that your pet will be cared for just the way you specify. And we will guarantee it every time! If you are not 100% satisfied with the service that was provided, we will be happy to address your concerns. We believe in lasting client relationships and so our service is only complete when you have returned home and are completely satisfied.
I love your services and I have referred you to friends and family. Do you offer a referral discount?
Absolutely. The best compliment we can receive is for you to refer your friends and family to us. As a thank you, we provide a credit on your statement for each client that signs up for our services. Your credit is 30% of the initial first visit.
Do you have references?
Yes. References are available upon request.
How can I provide feedback to Lowcountry Pet Sitting?
We ALWAYS welcome your feedback!! Please send us an email and tell us about your experience and, of course, you can always call us at 843.838.4676.
