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Q&A

How does “in your home” pet sitting work?

With “in your home” pet sitting, a pet sitter comes to your house to care for your pet. This allows your pet to stay in their own familiar environment. Your pet sitter will follow your detailed care instructions, ensuring changes to your pet’s routine are minimized.

Visits can include dog walks, feedings, litter box cleanings, playtime, or even just quiet companionship. You simply let us know what you’d like your visits to be comprised of.

You select a 15, 30, 45 or 60-minute visit in any of our 5-time blocks (7am-9pm). We also offer a mid-day dog walk service (10am-3pm, Mon-Fri) for those with busy work schedules.

We can also bring in your mail, take out your trash, adjust your TV, alternate your lights, and even water your plants.

Can you come every other day for my pet while I’m on vacation?

We do not provide every-other-day vacation service.

In order to provide proper care for your pet and your home, we require daily visits while you are away. This is an industry-standard since anything can happen when pets are left alone for extended periods. From potential lethal ailments, such as urethral blockages to potential home damage from broken pipes, not checking on a pet daily can have costly - or tragic - consequences.

Our goal is to limit as much risk as possible, ensuring the highest levels of safety of your pets and your home. It is one we take seriously.

What if my dog is leery of strangers?

Unfortunately, in-home pet sitting isn't the best option for every pet. If your dog isn't friendly toward strangers, our services may not be the best fit for them. Since we work on a multi-sitter platform to ensure you the best possible availability and a backup plan if your sitter is sick or in an accident, dogs who are leery of new people are usually better suited with a different type of service. Additionally, to ensure the safety of our sitters, we simply can't take on these requests.

Are your sitters background checked and insured?

Yes, our sitters all must pass a criminal background check through Acutraq before coming on board with us. We also conduct an employment history and reference check as well. Additionally, our pet sitters are valued employees. We do not hire subcontractors. Our sitters are also insured and bonded through Business Insurers of the Carolinas and we also carry Worker's Compensation insurance.

What qualities do your sitters possess?

Our pet care professionals are mature, trustworthy, animal enthusiasts, over the age of 25, who pride themselves on providing elite pet care. Not just anyone can be a Zoo Sitters pet sitter and most who apply, don't make the cut. We hire less than 1% of people who seek out employment with us due to our high standards. After all, it's our name and reputation on the line! Our sitters are responsible members of our community who are passionate about pet care and have an extremely strong work ethic.

Do your pet sitters go through training?

Absolutely! Our sitters go through an extensive online training program and are tested before they are allowed in the field. Next, they go through hands-on training with a Zoo Sitters trainer. During hands-on training, our new sitters shadow one of our trainers to ensure they are following all of our policies and procedures. We want to make sure they have perfected the Zoo Sitters Standard before they are ever in a client's home alone. Our pet care professionals are also certified in pet first aid and CPR through Pet Pro Hero to ensure they can handle emergencies with ease.

Will it be the same sitter for all of my visits?

Zoo Sitters provides only elite pet care professionals trained to uphold our high standards. In our opinion, a one-man operation conducting business without a backup plan, might not be the safest option for your pets. If that one pet sitter is sick, in an accident, or has an emergency, who will care for your babies?

It is because of this that we ensure all of our clients always a primary pet sitter and at least, one backup sitter.

During your Client Meeting, we will meet with you to discuss your pet care needs, evaluate your pet and ask any questions that we may have. During this meeting, you will meet with the owner of our company or one of our Field Managers, your primary pet sitter, and hopefully your backup sitter as well, if we are able to coordinate all schedules.

If your primary pet sitter is not available for your appointment when you book, your back up sitter will be assigned to cover the visits.

If your primary pet sitter and back up sitter are both unavailable when you request dates from us, another of our qualified pet sitters may be able to cover your needs. We will always make you aware if a new back up sitter will be handling your visits. If you'd like to meet that sitter before your appointment begins, please let us know and we will make every effort to work it into their schedule.

You can be assured that anytime you book with us, a highly trained pet care professional from our team will be caring for your pets, and following the same set of instructions as your primary pet sitter. Every pet sitter on our staff conducts visits according to our Zoo Sitters Standards so that you don't ever experience a difference in the level of service.

How can I be sure my sitter conducted my visit?

We have a great online program that allows our staff to send you a visit update right to your phone, shortly after your visit has been completed. This report will tell you all the details of your visit and may even include a great picture of your pet! We're pretty good at pet photography! While our visit reports get sent to your email, we also have an amazing free app for your Smartphone that will alert you, much like a text message, when your sitter has arrived at your home and when your visit report is ready.

Are there any safeguards in place to ensure my visits are done?

We know pet parents worry. The beauty of hiring a professional pet sitting company instead of a one-man hobbyist is that we take the worry out of pet sitting FOR you. Our office monitors our pet sitters from the first visit of the day through to the last. Our sitters are required to check-in and out of each visit from your home and are connected to GPS so that we know exactly where they are during visit times. We have alerts that are also automatically generated if a sitter is more than 15 minutes late to any visit. If we can't reach your sitter, we will dispatch a backup sitter to take care of your pets. With Zoo Sitters, you can go on vacation worry-free and have peace of mind that we are on top of every aspect of your pet care!

Is it ok if my friend stops over while you're sitting for us?

Unfortunately, no. We have a strict policy that we do not share pet-sitting visits with other caretakers and we do not accept jobs where other people will access your home from the time you leave, until the time you return. We are responsible for your pet and home while you're gone. When another person enters your home, any issues that arise could spill over onto our watch and impact our insurance. Our sitters are trained to notice patterns in behavior to ensure any potential issues are identified before they become a bigger problem. When additional people enter your home who are not trained in the Zoo Sitters standard, this ability to monitor the health of your pet and the safety of your home is compromised.

What if the weather is bad when you arrive?

Our pet care professionals will use their best judgment concerning your pet's well-being when dealing with inclement weather conditions. Walks may be shortened and the remainder of your visit spent indoors with your pet.

Can I email or call with my service dates and instructions?

Phoned or emailed booking requests can be misplaced, misinterpreted, or miskeyed. With this in mind, we believe the safest mode of communication is direct between our clients and our sitters, through our online system.

Can I just leave instructions for my sitter at my home?

All care instructions must be in your online account. The care listed in your contract is what we have agreed to before arriving at your home. It is also our priority to always minimize the risk that comes with caring for someone else's pets. Notes left at the home can be lost, confusing, and take time away from your pet's care. We've seen sticky notes with instructions even come off a refrigerator and fly underneath, never to be seen by the sitter! With that in mind, we cannot follow any notes left at your home. We appreciate your understanding and want you to know that safety is always our number one priority.

What if something changes with my pet care as I'm walking out the door?

While you can certainly update your contract and even leave a note online for your sitter through our App right from your Smartphone or iPad, if you have a last minute change and are not able to do so, you can call and leave your instructions on our office voicemail.

Please do not leave a note at your home as we cannot follow it.

Can I get updates while I'm away?

You sure can! We have a great app for your Smartphone that allows you to get updates straight to your phone shortly after your visit is complete. You'll know everything that went on with your pet and may even get some great pictures from your sitter! Our app has a great chat feature as well that allows you to communicate quickly with our office and our staff. You can also make pet care changes, schedule new service,s and even check your schedule. No worries, if you don't have a Smartphone. Our visit updates are also sent to your email.

Can you medicate my pet?

We are able to give most pills and liquid medications to most pets provided your pet is agreeable. If your pet is difficult to medicate or hides during visits, they may not be a good fit for our services and medications cannot be guaranteed.

We do not charge an additional fee for administering medications and we do not give needle-administered medications

Will my sitter come at the exact same time every day?

Because our company offers care for multiple clients, we are unable to confirm a specific start time. We do however guarantee our time blocks: Morning (7-9am), Late Morning (10am-12pm), Afternoon (1-3pm), Late Afternoon (4-6pm), and Evening (7-9pm). This schedule ensures that all pets in our care receive visits at regular intervals. Plus, it gives our sitters flexibility when it comes to caring for pets that may have medical issues, encountering traffic, cleaning up pet accidents, etc. We never want our sitters to rush out of your home without something being completed properly because they have a hard start time at their next sit.

My dog doesn't walk well on a leash. Can you still walk him?

Our policy to always ensure the highest safety for your pet. With this in mind, if your dog pulls excessively or lunges, we reserve the right to utilize a different collar from what you normally use. This could be a martingale, gentle leader, Halti, slip lead, EZ walker harness, or Sprenger training collar, depending on the situation.

Our sitters are trained on the proper use of all collars. This will be at the discretion of your sitter and will ensure we have control over your pet at all times, allowing us to avoid any problems that could arise.

Safety is our number one priority and we want to ensure there are never issues on our watch. If your dog doesn't walk well, we can always keep him or her close to home.

How do you access my home?

We require the use of a lock box so that your keys remain with you! Lock boxes run about $20 on Amazon or at any local hardware store. You then just attach it to a door knob or fence and supply us only with the code. We have some great links to lock boxes that we recommend on Amazon that we will supply to you once you're ready to move forward with your Client Meeting.

Can I just give you my garage code or keyless entry code?

Since garage doors won't open if there is an electrical outage and keyless entry batteries die, we would need a lockbox on the property with a key inside for emergencies. Have a unique lock system? Drop us a message as there may be something we can work out.

Can I leave the keys under the mat or outside?

To ensure the safety of your home and our sitters, we do not allow for keys to be left outside at your home. They would need to be secured in a lock box.

How do I book service?

Through your online account, you can request appointment dates, services and time blocks. You can also request service right through our App!

How am I billed?

We are a credit card only company and accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover. You will receive an invoice for scheduled services 1 week before the invoice is due. Payments are due 3 days before the start of your appointment. You can pay your invoices online right in your account. If your invoice is not paid by the due date, we will automatically charge your credit card for you.

How can I be sure that I'm scheduled?

Once your online appointment request is approved, you will receive a confirmation of services via email that will list the dates and services you selected. You can also view the status or details of your appointment in your account or through our app.

Does my sitter accept tips?

Absolutely! Tips are always appreciated. They help keep only the best pet sitters on our staff. Generally, pet sitters are tipped like any other service industry such as hairdressers, servers, cleaning staff, etc. Typically this ranges from 10-20% of the total bill.

Sitters prefer cash which can simply be left at your home during scheduled visits. At your Client Meeting, we will provide you with one of our reusable tip folders that designate the tip is for your Zoo Sitter.

You never have to break up tips between your sitters, however. If multiple sitters work on your appointment, your tip will be divided up accordingly by our office.

Additionally, you can add a tip to your credit card when you pay your invoice. Please be aware that sitters are not made aware of credit card tips until after appointments are finished.

Are there any extra charges for holiday care?

Yes. There is a Holiday Surcharge of $20 per visit on the following holidays: New Year's Eve, New Years Day, Presidents Day, Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Can I schedule a last minute visit for today or tomorrow?

Sure, can! For an additional $10 fee per visit, we are happy to schedule or change sits for you with less than a day's notice when we are able to accommodate them on our schedule.

Do you offer a service that monitors that I've arrived back home?

Yes. Our Home Safe Service can provide you with valuable peace of mind when you are away. It's a great option for clients who would like for us to ensure they have returned home before ending service. Check it out under our Services & Rates page.

Do you have COVID-19 Protocols in Place?

We sure do! Check out our dedicated COVID-19 page for details!

Client Testimonials

“

After reviewing the website testimonials, I realized I knew someone that used Zoo Sitters! I was impressed with Vanessa's knowledge and her interactions towards my new German Shepherd. I have full confidence that my Vysis is well taken care of, plus communications are quick. Vanessa answers questions and offers suggestions that have helped with training. I most highly recommend Zoo Sitters!

Jeanne Kovach

We trust Zoo Sitters more than ANYONE to care for our pets when we're away. With Zoo Sitters, I know my pets are in capable hands and they always go above and beyond the duties you would normally expect from a pet sitter. Their services are worth every penny!

Lynsie Patterson

On our recent family vacation to Cape May NJ, we contacted Zoo Sitters. Kimberly was a professional who took care of our dog while we were out sightseeing. She arrived on time, reviewed our requirements and provided feedback at the end of the sit on how it went. Our dog loved being with Kimberly and we were very pleased with her service.

Carol Negri

Vanessa and her team are very professional, incredibly responsive and detail oriented. I had a last minute request that Vanessa handled in a very proactive manner. Everything from the initial contact through the notes after each interaction with my pet were done with great care and attention to detail.

Bill Mulholland

The visit notes detailed every action and the photos assured me she was not hiding. The prompt return of anxious calls were greatly appreciated. Now, we are considering another trip because of the competence and care of Zoo Sitters

Eva Pennock

Zoo Sitters made my trip away from home so relaxing and enjoyable. I knew my cats would have the best care, plus the house too. Loved the daily pictures and updates. Highly recommend this service!

Eleanor Villano

We couldn't have chosen a better sitter for our dog. Zoo Sitters took EXCELLENT care not only of our pet but also of our house. They took care of him as if he were their own pet. They kept us updated daily of their visits. Thank you again Zoo Sitters! You're the best!!!

Tammy Chapman

Our sitter was wonderful with our pets! She was very professional, thorough, and caring. We are so happy we found Zoo Sitters, and feel very confident with them watching our pets!

Sandra Kooker

Vanessa was wonderful with our little kitty Mickey while we were away! Extremely professional yet down to earth and really cared about our little man! Thank you again!

Patty Edwardi

We continue to employ your services and sing your praises to any who will listen. Their employees are excellent. Zoo Sitters are innovative, informative, and timely. We feel so safe leaving our two cats within your care, knowing all will be done to feed and keep them safe. My house is always tidy when I return and the mail is in. Thank you for what you do and the manner in which you do it.

Nelson and Kathy Brown

Efficient, reliable, friendly and trustworthy. I highly recommend Zoo Sitters. My dogs were taken care of like they were their own pets!

Beverly Rea

During Hurricane Sandy, Zoo Sitters scheduled additional services for our cats and even moved our deck furniture and plants out of harms way. They are all so kind and understanding. Their work ethic is phenomenal! Our cats are fortunate to have such caring sitters. We love the notes covering the sits!

Linda Hurd

We could not have made it through Hurricane Sandy had it not been for you.... your patience, persistence, creativity... a sense of calm in the face of uncertainty... we knew our babies were being well cared for. Thank you!

Susan Ahern

I have used Zoo Sitters for years and recommend them highly. They always arrive on time, are completely professional, and go the extra mile when caring for my pets. The sitter's care and understanding of my pets gives me the satisfaction and ease of leaving them knowing they are in great hands.

Carole Halper

We can not speak highly enough of the quality of this service. Our sitters are very thorough about the animals’ routines and their needs. They paid special attention to the little details that we would have overlooked. Vanessa and Zoo Sitters are a great bunch of pet loving individuals. After using this service since 2008, I am more comfortable leaving my pets with them, than my own family

Pete Reiss

Zoo Sitters are angels sent to help care for and love your pet! Our pups are well-taken care of and loved each day with their daily dog walk. Before beginning, our sitter met the pups, took a thorough history, and ensured that she new their routine. With each visit we get a note which our family can't wait to read about their visit! The best part is that we know the love, attention, and excellent care they receive. Vacations are possible without worrying now. Vanessa is trustworthy and dependable along with running a well-organized business that provides professional service.

Glenn and Brenda Douglass

This is the BEST pet sitter service I've ever run across. Very professional and GREAT with all the pets!!! All the pets get so excited when Zoo Sitters arrived. This service was a real life saver too...during "Sandy" I was in Hospital and they rescued my pets getting them out of harms way. I LOVE them!!!!

Holly Reeves

Zoo Sitters - The absolute best. If you have to leave the dogs home, you can trust Vanessa and her team. True professionals and caring people.

Ray Zaccardi

My dogs mean the world to me and I am very picky about who cares. From the moment I met Vanessa, I knew my dogs would be in the very best hands. She asked all the questions I would ask if I were caring for someone's pets and then some! The Zoo Sitters crew are beyond caring and professional. They really got to know my dogs. When two of my dogs became older and ill, Vanessa and her crew went above and beyond to make them feel cared for and secure. I recommend Zoo Sitters to anyone who needs to know that their pets are in good hands!

Sharon Beres

Thanks, Vanessa, for helping me grow my business in North Carolina. You are always eager to offer suggestions. Your wisdom and experience are priceless. I am not surprised to see so many glowing reviews on Facebook praising you and your team. You are a shining example for your fellow pet sitters.

Jeanne Crockett - Crockett's Critter Care

We are so grateful to have found the Zoo Sitters. After returning from our first overnight away with Betty caring for them, we found three very relaxed and mellow kitties. We have used Zoo Sitters many times since then, and the results have been the same - happy cats. The attention to detail is outstanding. We love reading about the antics of our sweet babies in the notes too. Zoo Sitters are the best!!!

Ed and Marie LaDuca

Very professional, easy to work with, thorough and accommodating.

Tony and Marianne Adamoli

We are completely confident and pleased with the service provided. Zoo Sitters are professional, organized and genuinely concerned about your pets.

Chuck and Lynn Matthews

I was a little hesitant about hiring a pet sitter but after meeting Vanessa I felt very confident and relaxed. My dog, Bella, was very comfortable and that made me feel comfortable.

Amy Ruff

Leaving my 4 cats for a few days is always difficult but Zoo Sitters gives me the ability to travel with comfort and confidence knowing my babies are well taken care of. I like knowing that for your staff, pet sitting is their job (and their passion!).

Carol Kerewich

I can't recommend Zoo Sitters any more highly. Not only were my treasured three pets well cared for and exercised, but my house was neat and clean when I returned. My plants were watered and mail taken in. The notes on visits with photos were heartwarming and engendered such peace of mind! It was like a dear and trusted friend had taken over for me. I can't imagine considering anyone else to take care of our crew when we go away.

Jacque Weiss

Vanessa and her crew do a fabulous job! We have a new kitten in the house and I was concerned about what he and his brother would do to each other and the house! No worries as all was taken in stride! It is important to build trust with a client and Zoo Sitters earns that from the start. I am a fan!

Janet Young

Oh my, there isn't enough room for all I could say.This is an amazing way to have your pets cared for in their own home. Vanessa is very professional and truly loves your pets. She spends every minute talking and interacting with them. My 5 pups love her and I am very comfortable knowing they are truly in good hands. Please know you will be totally satisfied.

Elizabeth McIlhenney

Above and beyond the call of duty! Zoo Sitters took care of my babies and home as if they were their own. Highly recommend this service. We are fortunate to have them in our community!

Christine Galzerano

I simply can't recommend Zoo Sitters enough! The communication was absolutely outstanding. They sent me a report and a photo with every visit and offered tremendous peace of mind for me knowing that I even though I had to be away from home my best friend was in very good hands. Do not hesitate to use their service. It is the best care I've ever had for my dog.

David Hagan

Zoo Sitters have met and exceeded our expectations, and we highly recommend them to care for your furry friends. We never left our furry babies with anyone other than family; however, after meeting with Zoo Sitters, we felt confident that they would care for our fur babies with love and attention. We were right!! Actually, our babies look for them long after we return.

Isabella Kelly-Prince

It was such relief knowing our Chloe was in such wonderful care. We were able to really enjoy our daughters wedding. I would highly recommend Zoo Sitters to anyone.

Geralyn McGinty

The care our German Shepherd receives from Zoo Sitters is beyond compare. Thank you, Zoo Sitters for providing service that enables us to feel confident and secure in the care our dog has received on every visit since our first in 2007.

Rose Traficante

What a relief to find care for my pets that is as good as....or perhaps even better....than what we do. Our dogs mean the world to us and I am completely confident with Zoo Sitters.

Lynne Tarves

Zoo Sitters are both professional and knowledgeable regarding our pet. I would highly recommend them. So does my puppy. It nice to know that there is consistency with pet care giver and your pet gets to know them and love them. I am sure my puppy looks forward their visit.

Alice Bertelsen

We were in Cape May Point for a wedding and decided on Zoo Sitters to care for our pet on the wedding day. From my first interaction with Vanessa and reading the website, I felt very confident in my decision. They came twice on the day of the wedding and thanks to the great website we were able to leave detailed instructions about our puppy and our preferences. We wish Zoo Sitters could be with us in our hometown!!

Megan Moran

Zoo Sitters had exceeded my expectations in every way. my dogs love the girls and I have never worried for one moment that my boys arent getting the best care possible. the girls go above and beyond the share pictures as well as provide updates while I'm away at work. Vanessa is prompt with answering requests and accommodating last minute. so happy I've found the company

Christina Hak

If you are looking for a professional group of pet sitters who care about your pets as much as you do and never let you down, Zoo Sitters is for you. Besides taking impeccable care of your beloved pets, they also take care of your plants, mail, trash and almost anything else you want. Daily updates and photos uploaded by your sitter through the "Time To Pet" app ensure you never loose touch with your beloved pets and what's going on at home.

Robert Lindaw

Zoo Sitters is fantastic! They take such good care of my two dogs when I’m away at work. The dogs love them! Amazing service.

Matthew Noren

Zoo Sitters is an outstanding service. Everyone was competent, professional and friendly. I trust them implicitly and look forward to having them care for my treasured Bubs.

Kathleen McNicholas

We have been using them for years. Our cats are happy and content when we return from vacation, and everything is in order. Daily updates and pictures are reassuring and fun to get.

Pat McElroy

Zoo Sitters provides me with professional, dependable and trustworthy service, ensuring that my pets are lovingly cared for while I am away and making sure my home is safe and secure. I highly recommend their services. They perform over and above my expectations every time!!!!

Linda Oates

We are so grateful to have found the Zoo Sitters when we moved to Cape May County. When we come home from a trip, our cats are relaxed and happy. We always know they are in good hands.

Marie LaDuca

Everyone at Zoo Sitters is professional and experienced but most importantly they all love animals. An added bonus is the lovely text messages and photos they send.

Denise Miller

Extremely reliable and professional! Love the app. Easy to book their appointments and love the pictures they send each visit! My pups are always happy to see them.

Kristen Paulson

Zoo Sitters had exceeded my expectations in every way. My dogs love the girls and I have never worried that my boys aren't getting the best care possible. Vanessa is prompt with answering requests and accommodating last minute visits. So happy I've found this company!

Christina Cantatore
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