We know just how much you adore your fur babies, and we’re here to make life easier for you! Pet parents like you often have questions about who we are, the services we offer, the areas we serve, pricing, payment options, and other key details. To simplify things, we’ve created a handy list of frequently asked questions with answers. Simply click on any question below to quickly find the information you’re looking for. If your question isn’t listed, don’t worry! You can easily reach out to us by filling out the form at the bottom of this page or giving us a call during business hours. We’re always here to help and happy to assist! 🐾

WHAT MAKES YOU STAND OUT FROM OTHER PET CARE BUSINESSES?

PAWsome Companions stands out because we are built on professionalism, reliability, and a genuine commitment to exceptional pet care—far beyond the basics of feeding, walking, or checking in. We combine industry-leading training, transparent communication, and a personalized approach to give every client complete confidence and peace of mind.


Our team is fully vetted, insured, bonded, and trained in pet CPR, first aid, behavior, safety protocols, and emergency response. We don’t send random contractors—you’ll meet and approve the sitters caring for your pets, and they follow detailed care plans tailored to your pet’s personality, routines, and needs.

 

We provide consistent communication, GPS-tracked walk reports, photos, updates, and true accountability. We maintain strict privacy and home-security standards to protect your property, and we treat your pets as if they were our own—with patience, compassion, and professional expertise.

 

Unlike hobby sitters, neighbors, or app-based gig platforms, PAWsome Companions operates as a structured, local, service-oriented business with clear policies, dependable scheduling, and a strong reputation built on trust. Our goal is to not only meet expectations, but exceed them—every visit, every walk, every time.

ARE YOU SIMILAR TO WAG! OR ROVER?

No—PAWsome Companions is very different from large app-based pet-sitting platforms like WAG! or Rover. While those services operate as marketplaces that connect clients with independent, gig-based sitters, PAWsome Companions is a professional, locally owned, fully insured pet care company with trained employees and established safety standards.

 

Our team is not made up of random app users. Every staff member is carefully vetted through background checks, interviews, reference verification, and hands-on training. We maintain strict professional policies for pet safety, home security, emergency preparedness, communication, and client privacy—standards that gig platforms do not require of their sitters.

 

We also provide consistent communication, detailed visit reports, individualized care plans, and accountability that come from working with a dedicated, structured business—not an algorithm assigning someone you’ve never met.

 

Most importantly, we build real relationships with our clients and their pets. You know exactly who is entering your home, how they are trained, and what protocols they follow. With PAWsome Companions, you are not hiring a “gig worker”—you are partnering with a professional pet care team committed to quality, reliability, and your pet’s well-being.

IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT FOR US TO CONTINUE THE TRAINING OUR DOGS ARE RECEIVING. DO YOUR WALKERS AND PET SITTERS SUPPORT THIS?

Absolutely! We prioritize supporting and respecting your pets’ training methodologies and routines. To that end, we’ll adhere to all the training protocols you outline during our walks. For instance, if you want Buster to stop at the corner before crossing, we’ll do it. Similarly, if Mollie needs to sit before receiving a treat, we’ll ensure that happens. Additionally, if you prefer to avoid other dog-on-leash interactions, we’ll make sure to do so. We’re committed to customizing your dog care to meet their individual needs. You can share this information in a few ways: by updating your pet profile on the portal, sharing it with us during our initial meet & greet, or uploading training documentation to your account. Please note that our dog sitters employ positive reinforcement methods, such as using food, treats, distractions, and clicker training.

DO I GET TO MEET MY PET SITTER OR DOG WALKER?

Yes, absolutely! You will never have someone in your home whom you haven't met beforehand. During the initial consultation, you'll meet with one of our trusted staff members who will take the time to discuss your pet's routine in detail, ensuring we fully understand their specific needs and daily care requirements.


We offer a complimentary initial phone consultation to get to know each other. If you decide to move forward, we’ll schedule an in-person client consultation for $25. This fee covers administrative costs, staff time, and travel—and the best part? It’s fully credited toward any future service you book with us, essentially making it a full refund. If meeting additional team members is important to you, we can arrange 30-minute introductory sessions at $20 per session. Assignments are scheduled based on staff availability, allowing multiple team members to share in the care of your pets. This collaborative approach ensures heightened attention to detail, benefiting both your pets and your home.

ARE MY VISIT TIMES GUARANTEED?

We strive to arrive within your preferred time window for every visit, but exact, to-the-minute arrival times cannot be guaranteed—and this is to ensure the safety, well-being, and individualized care of all pets in our schedule. Instead, PAWsome Companions uses time windows that allow flexibility without compromising the quality or attention your pet receives. There are several important reasons why guaranteed arrival times are not always possible:

• Unpredictable travel conditions

Traffic, construction, weather delays, and route changes can affect travel time between homes. Flexibility keeps visits safe and prevents rushed care.

• Pets’ needs can vary day to day

Some pets need extra time—whether for medications, assisting anxious animals, cleaning unexpected messes, or supporting seniors. We refuse to cut care short just to stay on an exact clock.

• Home privacy and security

Arriving at the exact same time every day can create predictable patterns that may compromise home security. Time windows help protect your household.

• Emergencies happen

If a sitter encounters a sick or distressed pet, they will remain with that animal until it is safe—just as we would for your pet.

 

Exceptions for pets with medical needs: 

Pets with time-sensitive medical conditions—such as insulin-dependent diabetics, pets requiring scheduled medication, post-surgery cases, or animals with strict routines—receive priority scheduling. For these pets, we do our absolute best to provide tighter arrival windows or more precise timing when medically necessary. Your pet’s safety always comes first, and we make every effort to accommodate critical timing needs when health is involved.

 

While exact arrival times cannot be guaranteed for all services, you can trust that we follow your requested time window closely, communicate transparently, and always prioritize safety, consistency, and high-quality care for every pet in our care.For these reasons, visits are scheduled within a reasonable time window, such as morning, mid-day, afternoon, or evening. This ensures every pet receives consistent, high-quality care without compromising attention, safety, or compassion.

Rest assured:

We prioritize your pet’s needs, stick closely to the agreed-upon window, and always communicate transparently if we are running behind. Our goal is dependable, thoughtful care—not rushed or robotic check-ins.

ARE YOU BONDED?

Yes, we carry 'employee dishonesty coverage,' which is synonymous with being bonded. We are completely bonded to give our clients peace of mind as we aim to be a trustworthy pet care provider. It's crucial to understand that insurance and liability coverage are the main ways to guarantee the safety and security of your pets and property.


Bonding specifically pertains to instances of theft from a client's residence and depends on the thief being found guilty, a process that can be lengthy and not a foolproof method of protecting your pets or belongings. To ensure the safety of your pets, we implement thorough procedures like comprehensive screening and background checks for all our pet sitters. It's important to note that bonding is usually unnecessary for smaller pet care businesses, like LLCs or DBAs, with less than 5 employees. At present, our team consists of 3 employees.

WILL I HAVE THE SAME PET SITTER?

Yes, our goal is to book (1) primary sitter and (1) backup sitter in the event of an emergency or unforeseen event. We understand that circumstances may require substitute sitters, and to ensure uninterrupted and seamless service, we always have a backup sitter on standby.

 

However, we believe in the importance of providing (1) consistent pet sitter throughout your pet's service, particularly for overnight visits, walks and drop-in visits. This allows your pets to establish a rapport and bond with our sitter, which may be disrupted by rotating different people multiple times throughout your service, and essentially exposing them to a stranger each time. Moreover, introducing your pets to unfamiliar people can cause unwarranted anxiety, creating an uncomfortable and potentially hazardous situation for both your pets and the sitter. Therefore, we guarantee that once a sitter is assigned to a clients pet, they will remain with them until the end of the stay. Please rest assured that your pet's comfort and safety are our top priority, along with your peace of mind.

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

Failure to provide adequate notice and canceling within the designated timeframes will result in the full charge for pet services for all scheduled visits.

 

To avoid this charge, cancellations should be made at least five (5) days in advance of non-holiday trips and eight (8) days before holiday trips, considering that our busiest periods are holidays and summer. During peak seasons, such as holidays, we may be compelled to decline new clients due to high demand. If you cancel within four (4) days of a non-holiday trip or seven (7) days of a holiday trip, you will be charged 50% of the initial service fee. Cancellations within two (2) days of your trip will incur a charge of 100%. However, one-time visit services, such as dog walks or daily activities, are exempt from this policy if our team member has not yet departed for your location. In such a case, you will only be charged 50% of the initial service cost.

WHAT IS YOUR KEY POLICY?

Physical house keys will only be accepted on an exceptional basis. To enhance the security of your home and the well-being of your pets, we kindly request that you install a lockbox if your residence lacks a coded door or garage entry. This will enable us to securely store one key set within the lockbox and another in our office, ensuring seamless access during our visits. You have the option to purchase a lockbox or borrow one from us at a nominal fee of $15.00. If we do accept house keys after prior discussion, please remember that we will require two functional copies for each visit. To streamline this process, we encourage you to designate a secure hiding place for your keys, such as a lockbox or a coded lock. Even if you possess a garage opener or a coded lock, an additional physical key copy is essential and will be securely stored in our main office for emergencies.

 

Please note that failing to provide keys during the initial meet and greet will incur a $15.00 key pick-up and drop-off fee per trip ($30.00 total round trip). Additionally, we emphasize the importance of not leaving keys under mats or in conspicuous locations, as well as ensuring that keys are not locked inside the house during your last scheduled appointment.

 

These precautions are crucial in case of unexpected delays in your return, as our utmost priority is the safety and comfort of your beloved pet(s). We appreciate your cooperation in implementing these measures, which are designed to safeguard your home and provide the best possible care for your furry companions.

HOW MUCH DO YOUR SERVICES COST? CAN YOU TELL ME PRICES?

Please see our 'prices' page for the cost on our most popular pet sitting and dog walking services.

If a price is not listed for a service you are interested in, please inform us and we will happily provide you with a price for that service or a detailed estimate free of charge. 

WHAT SAFETY MEASURES DO YOU HAVE IN PLACE?

Safety is our top priority, and prevention is a key protocol to ensure dogs' safety while out on city streets. We are certified in disaster planning and have a well-established plan in place.

 

It is highly recommended that all dogs have two pieces of walking equipment, such as a collar and a harness, for hikes or walks. This setup enables our team to use mandatory safety equipment, including locking carabiner clips that connect the two pieces of walking gear, providing a secondary attachment. This guarantees that we stay connected to your dog even if they slip out of one piece of equipment. Before taking any dogs outside, our team members always securely fasten and check the walking equipment. We do not use retractable leashes.

 

During walking and sitting services, we also provide your dogs with ByteTags in case they become loose or leave our care. These tags help us locate your pet by providing their real-time GPS location when the QR code on the tag is scanned by the person who finds them.

CAN YOUR PET SITTER STAY AT MY HOME ALL DAY OR OVERNIGHT?

Absolutely! We’re here to make sure your furry friends are well taken care of, whether you need all-day sitting or overnight services right in your home. We also offer a special live-in daytime care option, where we stay with your pet throughout the day, ensuring they get all the attention and supervision they need in the comfort of their own surroundings.

 

We understand that many pet care businesses may not provide round-the-clock care, as their sitters often have other pets to tend to or prefer the convenience of their own homes. However, we’re dedicated to offering overnight services, which means we’re there with your pets day and night, showering them with love and care for a full 24 hours.


To make things easier, we offer two pricing options for our 24-hour service. One option allows our sitters to care for other clients for up to four hours while still checking in on your pet. The other option is all about providing your pet with uninterrupted companionship and continuous care, where our sitters stay with them for the entire 24 hours without leaving your home. 

I NEED TO MAKE AN IMMEDIATE RESERVATION, BUT I MIGHT BE ON VACATION OR HAVE TO LEAVE SUDDENLY WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO BOOK OR ATTEND THE MEET & GREET. IS IT POSSIBLE TO FORGO THIS STEP AND STILL SECURE MY RESERVATION?

We will handle this scenario on a case-by-case basis. In these instances, we will opt for a phone call or a virtual meet & greet as opposed to an in-person meeting. This allows us to effectively address individual needs and tailor our approach for your pets accordingly. By utilizing these alternative methods of communication, we can ensure that each situation with your furry loved one is handled with care and attention.

DO YOU HAVE ANY BREED RESTRICTIONS?

Absolutely not! We do not discriminate against any breed. We believe all our clients’ pets are self-expressed individuals and we welcome any and all breeds!

 

It's essential for us to emphasize that our approach is rooted in inclusivity and respect for the diversity of all pets. We firmly uphold the belief that every furry companion, regardless of its breed, is a unique individual with its own characteristics and charms. Our commitment to providing a welcoming and open environment for all breeds stems from our dedication to embracing the wonderful array of pet personalities that enrich our lives. This philosophy underscores our unwavering support for the acceptance and celebration of all breeds, and mirrors our deep commitment to creating a warm and nurturing space for all pets and their dedicated owners.

DO I NEED TO SIGN A PET CARE SERVICE AGREEMENT?

Yes, you must approve and electronically sign our online pet sitting agreement before a meet & greet is scheduled and before services start.


After you log into your Walkies 
account for the first time, you will need to read over and approve/sign our pet sitting agreement to fully activate your personal account. Please read over the entire agreement as it has very important information as to how we run our professional pet sitting business.

 

You can always view your signed pet sitting agreement in your Walkies journal. You can even view the date and time you originally signed it. If you have trouble please let us know and we will be more than happy to show you or send you a copy.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A ‘MEET AND GREET?’ ARE THEY MANDATORY?

Yes, an introductory meet-and-greet is mandatory for all new clients to receive services for their pets. This $25.00 meeting takes place at the client’s residence and is scheduled at a convenient time for both the sitter and the client. During this meeting, the client and their pet will meet the sitter on the pet’s turf, allowing the sitter to assess the pet’s temperament and determine if it may be territorial or pose a threat. The sitter will also provide information on the services offered, fees, discounts, policies, and references. This information will be left with the client for future reference. If the client agrees to work with PAWsome Companions, your $25.00 meet and greet fee will be applied to any service you book and both the client and the provider (us) must sign a pet care agreement, a veterinary agreement, and, if an exception is made, a key agreement. We kindly request that a spare house key be made available for the sitter to keep. The key will be stored in a lockbox in the PAWsome Companions office and will only be taken out when needed.

 

During your client consultation, your pet’s routine and health will be discussed, including diet, restrictions (if any), allergies, medications, supplements, regular walking routes, and the location of leashes, toys, food, bowls, and other essentials. A 50% payment deposit is required 72 hours before your services commence to secure your booking in advance.


Clients are advised to schedule pet care appointments at least one week in advance, and for holiday bookings, it is recommended to schedule two months ahead. We pride ourselves on being flexible and accepting last-minute requests while being understanding of any last-minute plans that may arise. However, during peak holiday times, it may be challenging to accommodate everyone. We kindly ask for your cooperation in booking early.


To ensure the peace of mind of our clients, we have a policy of making a confirmation call before their trip. This call serves as a double-check on the booking dates. Should any discrepancies arise, please inform us promptly to avoid any disruptions to your pet’s care routine. Upon your return home, we kindly request that you “check in” with us. A brief phone call, text message to your sitter, or message on our app will suffice to inform them that your pets are back in your care. This way, we can ensure your safe return and minimize unnecessary visits for pet care. If we fail to receive your confirmation of returning home, we will proceed with services to ensure your pets are properly cared for and bill you accordingly for any extra visits completed.

DO YOU HAVE REFERRALS OR TESTIMONIALS?

Please see our Testimonials page and our Google page for reviews. We will happily provide personal references from prospective clients upon request.

DO YOU HAVE AN APP?

Yes, we do! Our app, Walkies, allows clients to manage their accounts conveniently from their smartphones. If you are a client of PAWsome Companions and have not yet downloaded our app and connected to your Walkies journal, you can do so here for iPhone & iPad users.

CAN I RECEIVE UPDATES ON MY PETS WHILE I’M AWAY?

We are completely dedicated to ensuring the well-being of your cherished pets. With great enthusiasm, we introduce our exceptional pet care app, Walkies! Picture being able to witness all the visits with your furry friends in real time, accompanied by delightful pictures, captivating mini videos, and detailed notes. You'll receive a comprehensive account of the top-notch services we provided to your pet during our visit; our walks are meticulously tracked using live GPS technology. Furthermore, you can directly message us, and we'll promptly provide you with the visit update report card, delivering the reassurance and peace of mind you deserve. During each visit, we send three or more pictures and two videos, but if you desire even more frequent updates, please don't hesitate to inform us. We firmly believe that open communication is essential, and we are committed to keeping you fully informed every step of the way. By receiving our picture message updates, you can rest assured that your pets are well cared for, and you'll always be in the loop about your sitter's timely completion of visits. Let's not overlook the fact that our cutting-edge pet care platform grants you real-time access to all the vital information you need. Lastly, should you have any questions or concerns, remember that we offer unlimited phone support while your pets are in our care. Feel free to reach out to us at any time – your peace of mind is our top priority!

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY TRIP IS DELAYED OR I AM RUNNING LATE PAST THE TIME I SAID I WOULD RETURN?

We always keep a few open slots in our schedule in the situation that your trip runs long or you would just like to add an extra day to your vacation. We understand that life isn’t always predictable. Flights get delayed, trains get missed, and drives take longer than we initially planned. If you are unable to get back home in time to give your pet the care it needs, just let us know. We’ll make sure your pet is safe, happy, and healthy whenever you’re able to make it back. There are no last-minute late or booking fees if you extend your trip.

DO YOU CHARGE EXTRA FOR HOLIDAYS OR FOR TRAVELING TO MY HOUSE?

We never add additional charges, not even for holidays! In fact, that's when our clients require our services the most, so we enjoy offering promotions during those periods. Moreover, we do not require our clients to cover travel costs based on distance. Our coverage extends to a 40-mile radius from Simi Valley, all throughout Ventura & Los Angeles County.

Please note, we are willing to accommodate areas outside this range. Should you live beyond our service area, please reach out to us to explore the possibility of us serving you, as we are flexible and willing to travel beyond our 40-mile limit.

HOW DOES YOUR BOOKING PROCESS WORK?

If you're interested in making a reservation, you can start by contacting us at (805) 206-0349 via email or text. We'd love to hear about the dates you have in mind, the services you're looking for, and get to know a bit about your beloved pet. Following that, we can schedule a quick 5-10 minute chat over the phone or through video to discuss your pet's specific needs. Should you choose to move forward after our conversation, we can plan a meet-and-greet for you to meet our team member and your pet.

To confirm your booking, we kindly ask for a 50% deposit upfront, with the remaining 50% to be paid at the start of our services.

WHY IS A DEPOSIT REQUIRED?

The 50% deposit helps us reserve your requested dates and dedicate time specifically for your pet. Because we provide individualized, time-based care, once your booking is confirmed, that time is held exclusively for you — which means we may turn away other clients for those dates. Deposits ensure fairness and reliability in our scheduling and allow us to plan our routes, staffing, and resources in advance.

IF I COME HOME EARLY, DO I GET A REFUND?

There are no refunds if you return home early from a trip and are receiving drop-in visits or overnight pet sitting services. However, if you have extenuating circumstances we are happy to discuss it.

DO YOU ACCEPT LAST MINUTE OR EMERGENCY REQUESTS?

Always!

We understand life happens. Flights get delayed, work meetings run long, family issues occur, kids have problems, plans change, etc. Many things can cause your pets to be in need unexpectedly. We will always make every effort to accommodate your emergency pet care needs. Last minute scheduling may not be available at the exact time your pet needs services, we will be there as soon as we can and are happy to clean up any messes that may have occurred as a result of their wait.

WHY DO I HAVE TO FILL OUT A FORM? WHY DO YOU ASK SO MANY QUESTIONS?

We believe that every pet is unique, with individual needs and preferences that deserve personalized attention. We also know many pets have health issues or serious allergies, and we want to ensure we take the time and care needed to accommodate these concerns. By taking a few moments to fill out our new client form, you provide us with invaluable insights into your pet’s lifestyle, habits, and any specific requirements they may have. This information allows us to customize our services in a way that ensures your beloved companions receive the highest quality of care tailored specifically for them.


You’ll be pleased to know that our new client form is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. You will only need to complete this form once, making it a hassle-free process. However, we understand that circumstances can change over time, whether it's a shift in your pet's routine, health needs, or preferences. Therefore, we’ve made it easy for you to update the information whenever necessary in our Walkies application, allowing us to stay in sync with your pet's evolving needs.


With this understanding of your pet, we’re prepared to deliver exceptional and quality care right in the comfort of your own home. Our goal is to ensure that your furry family members receive not only the basic necessities but also the love, attention, and affection they crave. Together, we can create an environment where your pets feel safe, happy, and cherished, knowing they are in capable hands that truly understand and respect their individuality.

WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PET SITTER?

As professional sitters, our primary objective is to alleviate the guilt experienced by pet owners, particularly those juggling work and home responsibilities, and provide them with a sense of tranquility. When you entrust your pets to our care, they can remain in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by familiar items such as their bed, toys, scents, and sounds. This environment allows them to maintain their regular diet and exercise routine. Furthermore, they will receive personalized attention and care that is specifically tailored to their individual needs.

ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH ANY PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS?

Yes, we are certified and affiliated with the following pet care organizations:

  • Pet Sitters International (PSI)
  • Association of Pet Professionals (AoPP)
  • Professional United Pet Sitters (PUPS)
  • Pet Professional Guild (PPG)
  • Pet Care Insurance (PCI)
  • National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS)
  • PetTech
  • Fear Free
  • ProPet Hero

ARE YOUR SITTERS AND WALKERS TRAINED IN FIRST AID OR CPR?

Definitely, all members of our team hold certifications in Pet First Aid and CPCR from reputable organizations like the Red Cross, ProPet Hero, and PetTech. Moreover, we are also certified in various aspects of pet health and behavior. This guarantees that our team is fully prepared to manage any emergencies or health concerns that your beloved pets may experience. We place utmost importance on the safety and health of all animals under our care, and our certifications underscore our dedication to enhancing our expertise and delivering quality pet care.

WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE?

Our extensive experience in animal care, both professionally and personally, covers a wide range of services. Professionally, we have a decade of expertise backed by a Bachelor's degree in Healthcare/Business Management. Additionally, we dedicate our time as volunteers at local shelters, providing individual care, training, and facilitating adoptions for dogs with various behavioral challenges. On a personal level, we have owned, nurtured, and looked after pets for 25 years, ensuring they receive love and excellent care.

 

Our passion for animals motivates us to continuously improve our skills and knowledge in animal care. We keep abreast of the latest techniques and best practices to cater to the well-being of every furry friend we encounter. Our commitment goes beyond meeting the physical needs of animals; we also prioritize their emotional and mental comfort. We believe in creating a safe, loving, and understanding environment for every animal. With years of experience, we have gained a profound understanding of different animal behaviors and personalities, enabling us to personalize our care for each unique individual. Whether it's providing a long walk for a high-energy pup or offering gentle reassurance to a shy cat, we approach every interaction with patience, empathy, and a genuine love for all animals, big and small. Our ultimate goal is to create a harmonious and loving environment where animals can thrive and feel like an essential part of our extended family.

HOW CAN I TRUST YOUR STAFF?

At PAWsome Companions, trust and safety are the foundation of everything we do. Welcoming someone into your home and entrusting them with your pets is a major decision, and we take that responsibility very seriously. Every member of our team undergoes a rigorous screening and training process to ensure your pets—and your home—are treated with the highest level of care and professionalism.

 

Our staff is thoroughly vetted through multi-layered background checks, reference verification, and in-depth interviews. We hire only experienced, compassionate caregivers who demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a genuine love for animals. Once hired, our team completes extensive training in pet safety, handling, emergency protocols, and client privacy practices.

 

We are fully insured and bonded, and we maintain strict privacy, home-security, and key-handling policies to protect your property. During services, your sitter follows detailed care instructions, provides updates, and remains accountable through documented visit reports and real-time communication.

 

Simply put—our staff earns your trust through transparency, professionalism, and consistent, high-quality care. Your peace of mind is our top priority, and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have about our hiring, training, or safety procedures.

WHAT IF YOU HAVE TO DISCIPLINE MY PET? HOW WILL YOU HANDLE THIS?

At PAWsome Companions, we believe in treating your pets with kindness and respect. We only use positive reinforcement to care for them, and we promise never to do things like hitting, yelling, leash yanking, or using shock collars. If your pet has any challenges—like potty training troubles or trying to run off—we’ll let you know right away, and we’ll work with you to find a solution that fits our gentle approach. We’ll always keep you in the loop about any behavior issues and how we’re handling them, using only positive, humane methods. Physical punishment is NEVER an option. Any training plans we suggest will always include your input and approval because we’re in this together.

 

We also respect your preferred training styles, as long as they match our values of kindness, patience, and the ‘fear-free’ philosophy. You can trust that we’ll never use harsh methods or anything that could make your pet uncomfortable. Our goal is to create a positive and stress-free environment where your pet can feel safe and happy. If any issues come up, we’ll talk them through with you to find the best path forward—always with your pet’s well-being in mind.


Want to learn more about our Fear Free practices? Click here.

HOW DO YOU HANDLE DOG FIGHTS OR CONFRONTATIONS ON WALKS?

Whenever feasible, we strive to prevent our clients' dogs from interacting with other dogs. In the event of a dog altercation, our foremost priority is to safely intervene and separate the animals. Intervening directly in a dog fight is discouraged due to the risk of injury. Therefore, we utilize objects to create distance between the dogs or divert the attention of the aggressor in situations where one dog is predominantly involved. The process of diffusing a dog fight warrants a detailed discussion in its own right. Fortunately, conflicts between dogs are rare occurrences for us. Typically, following the initial steps helps us circumvent any issues. Should a problem arise, we are well-prepared and equipped to handle it effectively. Each walker is equipped and wears a belt which contains items necessary for the dog walk such as poop bags, a training clicker, a portable water bowl, a whistle, and a citronella spray that is used to deter an aggressive dog or break up a potential dog fight. 

HOW DO YOU HANDLE EMERGENCIES WITH MY PET?

This is dependent upon the type and severity of the emergency. If an emergency occurs after normal or even extended veterinary hours, we will take your pet to the nearest 24-hour emergency vet. All emergency VCA facilities allow the immediate transport of your pet to their facility with no appointment needed.

CAN YOU GIVE MY PETS MEDICATIONS? DO YOU CHARGE EXTRA?

Certainly. We are able to give oral, topical, ophthalmic, otic, injectable medications (such as insulin for diabetics), and also subcutaneous fluids. There is no additional fee for dispensing your pet's medication; it is covered in the consultation fee. Nonetheless, it is important to bear in mind that there is a time constraint of 10-minutes (additional to your scheduled visit) for the dedication required in administering your pet's medication if they happen to resist or be uncooperative.

ARE DOG WALKS INCLUDED IN MY VISITS?

Yes! We absolutely LOVE walking dogs! It’s a great workout for both of us. However, please note that we won’t walk dogs when the temperature is below 55 degrees or exceeds 88 degrees. Many local vets recommend walking your dog in the early morning before the sidewalks have had time to warm up, or in the evenings, at dusk, when the sun has set and it’s starting to cool down. And we start our dog walks as early as 5am!

DO YOU HAVE BACKUP SITTERS?

We have a team that includes part-time staff and backup sitters. Nevertheless, it's essential to mention that we only rely on backup sitters in case of emergencies. We aim to assign one sitter to your pets to foster and strengthen the bond between them.

 

Our team is dedicated to providing the best care possible for your beloved pets. Each member, whether part-time or a backup sitter, is trained and passionate about nurturing a positive relationship with your furry friends. We understand the importance of consistency and strive to ensure that your pets have a familiar face looking after them whenever you need our services. By assigning one sitter to your pets whenever possible, we aim to create a sense of trust and comfort between your pets and our team. This approach allows us to not only meet their basic needs but also to build a strong bond based on familiarity and routine. Your pets' happiness and well-being are our top priority, and we are committed to providing them with the love and attention they deserve.

WILL YOUR DOG WALKERS TAKE MY DOG(S) OFF THEIR LEASH DURING WALKS?

No. Our policy is to always keep your furry companions on their leashes while on walks, field trips, or excursions. This rule is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of your beloved dogs. By keeping them on their leashes, we can prevent any potential accidents or incidents that may occur if they were to roam freely. Rest assured that we prioritize the safety of your pets above all else and adhere to this policy strictly. Thank you for entrusting us with your precious dogs and for understanding the importance of keeping them leashed during our outings.

WHAT OTHER SERVICES ARE INCLUDED WITH MY PET SITTING VISITS?

All the services provided during pet sitting visits include numerous home and pet care tasks designed to ensure the well-being and comfort of your beloved furry babies upon your arrival home. Our goal is for our clients to come home and have to do as little as possible, all free of charge.


These tasks include feeding, refreshing water, disposing of trash, cleaning up any pet messes, engaging in playtime, brushing their fur, administering medications as needed, providing cuddles, offering enrichment activities, taking them for walks, picking up pet waste, scooping kitty litter, litter box maintenance, tending to your indoor and outdoor plants, collecting mail, newspapers, and packages, taking out trash bins on designated days, and scrubbing pet food dishes, among other tasks that may be requested.

IS THE INFORMATION I GIVE PAWSOME COMPANIONS CONFIDENTIAL?

At PAWsome Companions, we prioritize the privacy and security of our clients and sitters. We want to assure you that any personal information you share with us, such as mailing addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Rest assured that this information will only be used for the sole purpose of ensuring the proper care of your beloved pets and homes while you are away. Your trust is important to us, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of privacy protection in all our interactions.

Got Questions? We're Here to Answer!

Got a question about our services or didn’t find what you were looking for on our FAQ page? Just fill out the form below, and our team will respond—usually within 24 hours!