432-413-0868
KMPETSITTING, LLC
Providing Midland, TX with reliable & affordable drop-in pet sitting services
Professional Pet Sitting Services
FAQ
KMPETSITTING, LLC anticipates lots of questions from prospective clients trying to determine whether to let someone into their home to take care of their pets and their belongings. Our goal is to treat your pets and your property as highly as our own. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any concerns!
Are you comfortable handling shy/fearful pets that require a little more grace than most?
The purpose of the consultation is for the pet owner and their pets to meet their prospective sitter and determine whether it's a good match. Upon client disclosure of pet's personality and history, a determination will be made whether services can be provided. KMPETSITTING, LLC strives to provide pet care for all pets!
*Sitters with KMPETSITTING, LLC are knowledgable of dog/cat body language and take careful steps to gain your pet's acceptance and trust.
What kind of pets are you comfortable taking care of?
I've worked with dogs, cats, fish, lizards, chickens, goats, horses and various rodents. I do love all kinds of animals and can't think a breed I would avoid! *The only exception is pets that are unsocialized. Generally, dogs with little or no socialization to people are not optimal pet sitting pets. This includes indoor/outdoor dogs and some cats. A lot of times, pets are great at the consult, but once the owner leaves, won't let a sitter enter their home. If a sitter can't complete services due to safety issues and a non-cooperative pet, services may be terminated with immediate notice to the owner, with a refund of unused services.
My pet has an unexpected crisis and needs to go to the vet. Can you take them?
Absolutely! At the consultation, we will discuss the procedure for a sitter to seek emergency vet care. Clients must fill out a Vet Release which they can find under Forms on this website or they will be provided a hard copy at the consult.
What are your professional qualifications? Are you insured?
All sitters with KMPETSITTING, LLC will be certified in Pet First Aid and CPR through Pro Pet Hero; insured and bonded through Pet Sitters Associates and background checked annually. Documentation will be shown during our initial consultation.
Additionally, Sitters may complete continuing education in pet care subjects such as pet psychology, body language, stress relief, separation anxiety and more to increase their effectiveness as a pet caregiver.
What does your consultation consist of? Can I have a family member meet with you if I'm unavailable?
The pet/home owner is required to be present at the consultation and to complete the necessary paperwork. Due to the nature of questions asked, contract/vet release to be signed, and instructions for entry to your home, I believe it is in the best interest of sitter/client to meet and agree to services.
I would like to hire your services for morning visits and have my relative/neighbor take care of the evenings. Is this something you will do? Will you share a pet sitting assignment?
Unfortunately, no. For liability and insurance reasons, KMPETSITTING, LLC will not share pet sitting assignments. This includes family members, neighbors and friends dropping in during the contracted service period. Also know that should you allow anyone in your home while you're contracted for pet sitting services, this information will be made known to KMPETSITTING, LLC's insurance/bonding provider and be factored in to any claims a client may make regarding their home/pet (Discussed in our initial consultation)
What times do you provide services?
KMPETSITTING, LLC utilizes time blocks of 5am-8am; 12pm-2pm; and 5-8pm. 10 minute express late night services are offered between 9-10pm.
Administrative hours are Monday-Friday from 9am-4pm. Adhering to this policy helps to maintain boundaries between work and personal time.
New client consultations must be scheduled 1-2 weeks in advance of new services.
Can you provide references from previous/current clients?
Absolutely! Three references are already listed on the bottom of page 2 of the Service List form. Additional contacts can be provided if a client requests more.
Expectations of sitters and clients
During the new client consult, clients will be asked lots of questions to determine the best care for their pet(s) and their home. If at any time, a sitter has a question that requires clarification, they will text (if non emergency) or call the client (if time sensitive). Likewise, clients are expected to ask KMPETSITTING,LLC any questions that will help in their decision for drop-in pet care as well as read through and understand all aspects of the Contract and Vet Release. *Clients signature on both documents convey agreement to all policies contained therein. Policies are upheld 100% and non-negotiable.
Can sitter make an unscheduled visit to my home?
When scheduling visits for each service period, clients must disclose information such as when someone may enter their home during a service period, important package delivery expectations and instructions, etc. Sitter's schedules are generally planned one to two weeks in advance which means an unscheduled visit request can be hard to accommodate. If the requested unscheduled visit is a home/pet emergency, by all means, give us a call. Otherwise, package pickup, household tasks, etc. will happen at the next scheduled visit.
Why did I receive an additional invoice after my pet sitting service period?
Throughout every service period, the client is responsible for providing all pet care supplies, which include food, cleaning supplies, litter, trash bags, etc. Per line #16 of your signed contract, the client athorizes necessary purchases for the satisfactory performance of duties and will reimburse KMPETSITTING, LLC within 3 days of notification of purchases. (Papertowels, spray cleaner and trash bags are the most forgotten (and important) supplies required.)
I've been told my dog doesn't eat much when we're gone.
Challenge accepted! So many dogs get anxious or just thrown off their schedules when owners leave. My mission (and any sitters employed) will utilize many methods to get your dog to eat. First step...sit near the dog while they eat - possibly hand feeding until they decide to eat from their bowl. Second attempt...crush a client provided treat and sprinkle throughout the food to intice interest. Third attempt...utilize any food toppers recommended by client (asked during consult) to intice dog to eat. *Client will receive phone call if dog refuses to eat at all. (So far, this has not happened in over 3 years in business)
Are you able to take on last minute pet sitting requests?
For established clients, generally, yes. Due to schedules being planned out, sometimes weeks in advance, it is very rare to schedule a consultation for a new client less than a week in advance of services starting. Consults for new clients are scheduled one to two weeks prior to the start of services. Please know that major holidays are usually booked a month or more in advance.
What basic services can I expect from any visit?
In addition to any agreed upon pet services, Sitters will ensure that your property is secure (doors locked, gates secured, alarms set if applicable), and that all of your pet precautions are enforced. At the initial consultation, any specifics you have requested that have been agreed upon will be met with the utmost attention. Clients will receive a Journal update at each visit so that you'll know EVERYTHING that took place each day. Picking up pet waste and disposal is included in Standard and Extended visit pet sitting services (for standard/maintained yards), as well as the Cat Only visit!
Can you check my mail, bring in packages, and water my plants while I'm away?
YES! That is part of the basic services offered! In addition to keeping your pets happy and safe, Sitters will strive to meet the expectations set at our consultation to keep your home secure! From opening/closing blinds, alternating lights, and bringing newspapers and packages in to your home, our goal is to keep your pets happy and healthy and your home running smoothly! Watering potted plants is included in standard and extended visits!
Do you have a hot weather dog walking policy?
During high temperatures, heat stroke in dogs can happen in minutes and foot pads can quickly get burned on streets/sidewalks (resulting in emergency vet care). Sitters will only walk dogs (June - August) during morning visits between 5-8am. Throughout the remainder of daily visits, your dog can enjoy interactive play in their yard or even indoors with direction from clients. *If sitter can't hold the back of their hand on the sidewalk for seven seconds without being burned/removing it, we won't walk your dog and will utilize other agreed upon methods for exercising your dog(s).
How did KMPETSITTING, LLC begin?
As the owner of KMPETSITTING, LLC, I currently have...lots of fur-babies in my home (cats/dogs/lizard/bunny)! Honestly, if city ordinances allowed, I'd operate a full fledged dog rescue from my home. I fully recognize the love and benefit pets can provide and know that WE are their only voice. I'm the one at a get-together to give my attention to the pets at the home over the humans. Extroverted-Introvert...animal lover!
How easy are you to get in touch with?
In order to focus on pet visits during specified time blocks and to maintain a healthy balance of work and family/personal time, service requests and general inquiries are addressed Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm. Emergency calls from clients currently being serviced should be directed to 432-413-0868, leaving a message if necessary, and a call back will happen ASAP. Service updates will be sent by the assigned sitter through the Precise PetCare app after each visit.
What forms of payment do you accept?
KMPETSITTING, LLC accepts cash, check credit card, PayPal, Zelle and CashApp. A $35 returned check feeis enforced. Payment for services are due in full prior to the start of services and future services will not be booked until outstanding fees are met in full. Per your signed contract, services not paid in full prior to the start of services are NOT guaranteed and can be cancelled immediately with notice to all communication avenues you have provided (text/email).
Will you walk my dog(s) during a drop-in visit?
During 20 and 30 minute visits, KMPETSITTING, LLC is able to walk dogs that are non-aggressive to people/animals and easily maintained. The total combined weight of dogs walked at one time is 125 lbs. Clients must provide collar with city tags, leash and/or harness. KMPETSITTING, LLC will immediately stop walking dogs that exhibit aggressive/unruly tendencies and client will promptly be notified of necessary changes in services.
Do you offer a newsletter or social media so I can stay up-to-date on your services/availability?
KMPETSITTING, LLC aims to make weekly posts on Facebook with helpful articles for pet owners, business updates and other important information. Please follow @kmpetsittingintx on Facebook to stay updated. You may also learn something about caring for your pet that you were unaware of. So many tips, tricks and information to be discovered!
Can you give my pet(s) their medication(s)?
At the consultation, we will go over your pets medication needs and administration procedures. If I feel a certain procedure is beyond our Sitters abilities, I will let you know in our consultation of any reservations. *Insulin shots,oral meds including liquids and pills, ear/eye drops/salve, wound care and special feeding techniques are readily handled.
Do you only provide services in Midland, TX?
That is correct. At this time, the majority of KMPETSITTING, LLC's clients are in west and north Midland. In order to provide thorough, timely visits to clients, services are only provided to clients in Midland, TX that fall within our serviceable area. This helps to ensure that Sitters are able to arrive at locations at agreed upon times, multiple times a day. During the initial phone/email conversation, your address in Midland, TX will be verified to determine whether we are able to provide services.
Will you sleep at my house to provide round the clock care for my pets and home?
KMPETSITTING, LLC does not provide overnight services. During the consultation, we will schedule a series of drop-in visits for a Sitter to take care of your fur-babies as well as your home. If it is determined that KMPETSITTING, LLC is not a good fit for the services you are needing, we will attempt to suggest alternate options instead of moving forward with scheduling services.
Do you have an outdoor dog/cold weather policy?
When temps are below 45 degrees, KMPETSITTING, LLC will not leave a dog outdoors unless the dog has access to the indoors through a dog door or an insulated/covered shelter from the cold. This decision is based on extensive research of dogs and outside temperatures which includes other environmental factors such as windchill, dampness, and cloud cover. A dog’s coat type, size/weight, and health also play a factor in how cold a dog can get, regardless of the numbers on a thermometer. (If the ‘feels like’ temp is below 45 degrees, dogs go back in the house!) Additional visits may be required by your pet sitter to keep your pet safe and healthy. *This will be discussed when requesting pet sitting services during cold weather season. **If the client’s temperature limits are above 45 degrees, those requests will be carried out without dispute.
Hazardous weather conditions may cause delays in scheduled visits. Rest assured, KMPETSITTING, LLC will get to your pet OR contact you promptly regarding weather/safety related issues.
Why was I notified that my services are being discontinued due to my pet posing a safety risk?
During the new client consult, clients are asked many questions to determine their pet's ability to handle a sitter coming into their home. Questions such as socialization, biting/aggression history, etc. Per line #19 of your signed contract, sitters may use discretion to end services at any time a pet poses a danger to itself, other pets/people or the sitter. The client or emergency contact will be contacted to make arrangements for the remainder of the pet(s) care and any refunds will be handled based on the signed contract.
*Clients are expected to disclose all details of their pet's personality as well as past and current interactions with other pets, guests, strangers, etc. Dogs that do not do well with new people, especially when their owner's are not present, are generally not ideal pet sitting candidates. Overly fearful and under socialized pets may not let a sitter approach to offer first aid, if ever needed. Please make sure to discuss any concerns with your sitter up front.
How do I book services?
KMPETSITTING, LLC utilizes an amazing software called Precise PetCare for booking services, invoicing, pet and home care details and client/sitter communication. Everything is in one convenient place!
New client inquiries will continue to be handled via phone/text/email in order to confirm serviceability and to determine availability for the dates needed. Once an established client, they will receive account credentials to utilize the software program.
*Facebook and NextDoor are not preferred methods of communication. They are an avenue for advertising and sharing helpful pet care articles and general updates for those without an established account with KMPETSITTING, LLC.
If my sitter becomes physically unable to perform contracted services (emergency/health issue), what happens to my pet(s)?
KMPETSITTING, LLC aims to complete contracted pet sitting services similar to the postal creed of long ago ( "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds").
Should your sitter become physically unable to perform/continue contracted pet sitting services, (we're talking jury duty or hospitilization), one of two options happen...
Option 1: KMPETSITTING, LLC replaces the original sitter with another KMPETSITTING, LLC sitter (all sharing the same qualifications/credentials).
Option 2: As an absolute last resort, should no KMPETSITITING, LLC sitter be able to take over pet care services for the original sitter that became incapacitated, you and your emergency contact will be contacted to provide alternate pet care options. (This is discussed during the consult and established clients have the ability to update this information through the Precise PetCare account). (Should a pet sitter be unable to perform services, clients will be refunded payments per their signed contract. This would be incredibly rare and no instance has ever occured).