Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a pet sitter?
When you are away your pets routine is disrupted, by engaging a pet sitter your pet can stay in familiar surroundings and receive plenty of love and attention while in their own home. Sending your pet to a boarding facility can be a traumatic experience for both you and your pet. They will be exposed to unfamiliar surroundings and possibly the illness of other animals. For some pets simply being transported can be stressful. In addition a pet sitter will watch over your home while you are away. A pet sitter can water plants, bring in the mail, turn on/off lights, open/close blinds and notify you should there be a problem with your pet or your home.

I've heard that pet sitters should be insured, and licensed. What does that mean to me and my pets?
Insuring and licensing are all steps I take for your safety and security. Insurance protects you, your home, and your pet from damage or mishaps. Licensing guarantees that your pet sitter has agreed to work up to the standards set forth by the National Association of Pet Sitters. I am insured and licensed and can provide you with my documentation.

Why should I use your services, when I might be able to get a friend, neighbor, or relative to do this?
These are the kinds of friends and neighbors I love to have. However, these people are busy and may not be able to devote the time and attention that your pet will receive from a professional pet sitter. I am bonded and insured for your peace of mind and I am better able to handle an emergency with your pet. If your travel plans change I will be available to continue to take care of your pet until you return. When I go out of town, I won't ask you to 'return the favor' and watch our pets!

What services do you offer?
I recognize that the needs of each animal and home are unique. To accommodate your needs, I offer a wide variety of services.

• Daily dog walking: I walk your dog while you're at work during the day. I can also accommodate running exercise or taking your dog to a park.


• Short-term daytime pet sitting: I can visit your dog multiple times per day while you're out of town. I will maintain your dog's usual daily routine, with play, feeding, and exercise.


• Dog taxi service: I can transport your pet to the groomer, veterinarian, airport, or other location.

Will my pets and I meet the pet sitter before service starts?
Yes. Every client schedules a free introductory visit with me before services begin. During this visit, I will meet the pets and owners and reviews policies and guidelines. I DO NOT bring family, friends, or even another pet sitter into your home without your prior permission.

I will arrive with a DD’s Pet Patrol Packet. The packet will contain a service agreement, proof of insurance, a daily visit sheet and a business card for your purse or wallet. We will fill out the service agreement together. Information and items that you should have readily available are as follows:

• Your personal contact information: cell phone number and email address, if you will not be carrying a cell phone or a cell phone will not work in the area that you are staying please provide us with the name and phone number of the hotel or place of stay.


• Emergency Contact person: In the event of an emergency and we are unable to reach you


• Veterinarian name & number: For emergency purposes


• Pet Information: This includes the daily routine of walking, feeding and playing. Also tell us about your pets' favorite treats, toys hiding places and any behavioral problems.


• Medical History: If medication is to be administered please provide detailed instruction.


• Security Company phone numbers & codes if applicable.


• Heating & Cooling Company phone number and contact information.


• Plumbing Service phone number and contact information.


• Key to your home: Please test it before giving it to your pet sitter!


• Names & number of others who may be entering the house or yard.

How will my keys be handled?
I ask you to have 1 set of keys ready for us. For your security, keys are labeled with your pet's name only (never your name, address, or phone number).

What does a pet sitter doing during a pet visit?
During an average visit the pet sitter provides fresh food and water for your dog, takes the dog for a walk, or lets the dog out, and plays with the dog. At your introductory meeting with me, I will discuss the length of each visit and what services are to be provided.

My cat is very shy. What will you do if you can't find her?
I have experience with pets of many temperaments. If your cat is shy, I will ask that you acquaint me with your cat's favorite hiding places. When I arrive for my visit, I will search for your cat – I will check the hiding places discussed as well as the litter box and food & water bowls. This ensures that your cat is just being shy and is not injured.

When I go out of town, how many visits per day shall I schedule?
Generally, I recommend three visits per day for a dog and one visit per day for a healthy cat. Of course, you know best how often your pet is used to going out or being fed. I will work with you to set up a schedule that's comfortable for you and your pet.

Is there anything special I should do before I leave?
Please make sure you have left enough supplies such as pet food, cat litter, medications, and treats for your pet to last the duration of your trip. Also, please leave out your pet's leash and bowl. Please be sure to inform me of any changes in the health or routine of your pets.

What will you do if my pet has an emergency while I'm away?
I will try and contact you immediately. If I suspect that your pet is ill, I will follow the emergency instructions you provided on the service agreement. This usually entails taking your pet to the veterinarian unless you request otherwise.

What if my pet sitter has an emergency while I'm away?
If I have an emergency, I will contact you immediately. I do have two pet sitters that I can use should there be an emergency that requires someone else to enter your home. If this makes you uncomfortable, you can cancel the current service and make other arrangements. Please keep in mind that these pet sitters are properly-screened animal lovers and are covered by both licensing and insurance.

What should I expect when I return home?
You should return to happy, healthy pets. I will leave a note for you that includes a report of the time I spent with your pet(s) and an invoice for my services. I ask that you call me when you return home so I can be certain you have arrived home safely and I no longer need to care for your pet(s). Delays sometimes happen therefore I will assume that you have not arrived home until I hear from you. For your pets' safety, I will continue to visit your pet until you confirm that you are home.

Does DD’s Pet Patrol work every day?
Yes. For the convenience of you and your pets, I work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a visit?
I am happy to reschedule a visit. Typically, I do not charge a cancellation fee.

How do I get started with DD’s Pet Patrol pet service?
You can call 517.546.0439 or contact me here to set up a free introductory meeting.

How much advance notice do you require before service?
A two week notice is standard. To ensure availability it is best to contact DD’s Pet Patrol as soon as you anticipate you will need pet sitting services. If a last-minute need arises please do not hesitate to call; I will always try to work with your schedule. Existing clients whose contracts and keys are already in my files can be accommodated on shorter notice.

Do you have references?
Yes. DD’s Pet Patrol is happy to provide references. Please read my client testimonials located on various pages throughout my web site.

When do I pay for the service?
Clients generally pay for pet sitting services when they return home.

What forms of payment do you accept?
DD’s Pet Patrol accepts cash and checks.