Can I schedule a specific time for a mid-day dog walk?
We cannot guarantee a specific walk time, though we do try to meet your preferences. All mid-day dog walks take place between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

How do I set up service with PugetPets?
First, let us know through the website homepage or by phone at 206-354-7861 that you're interested in service. Next, we'll contact you to set up a free in-home initial consult. At the consult, we'll answer your questions, gather information about your and your pet, and together review and sign the service agreement.

How do you select your staff?
PugetPets is known as a great place to work, and as a result we have 60+ applicants for every open position. Our selection proces is rigorous. Candidates respond to written and to telephone interview questions. The most promising are then invited for a two-hour, in-person interview. This session, based on behavioral interviewing techniques, covers topics that include home security, elder pet care, puppy and kitten care, medication administration, customer service and pet first aid. Top candidates are then individually invited for an "Assessment Day," where we observe the candidate care for our "assessment pets"--wonderful animals with very challenging behaviors. The few candidates who meet our standards are, as a final step, thoroughly background-checked by a professional investigative firm. All staff members are Red Cross certified in Pet First Aid and CPR, and the staff meets regularly to discuss best practices and drill on first aid.

What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks and, through our secure online payment system, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.

Are you bonded and insured?
Yes. We are bonded and insured by companies rated "Excellent" by A.M. Best.

Do you give medications and injections?
Yes. Our care providers are experienced with giving medications and injections.

Suppose my pet becomes ill while I'm away? What happens?
Before agreeing to care for any pet, we make sure we understand any potential or ongoing health issues. We also collect your vet's contact information, have you identify a preferred 24-hour animal hospital and set any care preferences or limits. If there is any problem while you are gone, we follow your directives, and alert you to the situation immediately.

I have a house alarm. Is that a problem?
No, house alarms are not a problem. We often work with clients whose homes are alarmed.

Should I tip the pet sitter?
It's entirely your choice. Any gratuity goes 100% to your pet care provider.

How far in advance do I need to reserve?
For holidays, reserve as far in advance as possible. For other dates, we suggest at least a three-day advance reservation. If we can accommodate you with less notice, we're happy to do that. Please note that we cannot provide service without the free in-home initial consult.

What areas do you service?
We service the entire greater Seattle area.

When is payment due?
For first-time and occasional services, payment is due at the time of booking; your payment holds your reservation. For on-going dog-walk and pet-sit clients, payment is due monthly at the start of service.

What is your cancellation policy?
We understand that plans change. With notice of more than 72 hours, you receive a full refund. With notice of less than 72 hours, there is no refund. See the final question in this FAQ for cancellation of services that include holidays.

Can I leave a key under the doormat for you?
No. To ensure security, we use a SafeKey system, which includes collecting two copies of your key directly from you and securing them at our offices in a way not associated with your address. We usually collect keys during the initial consult. There is a $12 fee for key pick-up at times other than the initial consult.

When and how do you return my keys to me?
Within a week of service, we can arrange to return your keys directly to you. Clients who might need our services in the future usually opt to have us keep the keys.

What are your hours of operation?
Office hours:
Weekdays    7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Weekends    10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Pet care hours: 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

What are your holiday rates and policies?
Holidays are Thanksgiving Day, December 24, December 25, December 31 and January 1.

Our holiday rates are 1.5 times our regular rates. For example, our popular 30-minute visits are $30 on holidays.

For services that include holidays, 10 days notice of cancellation is required to recieve a full refund. With less than 10 days notice, there is no refund. For example, if a service begins the morning of December 23, notice must be given by the morning of December 14.