Frequently Asked Questions 

At the core of everything we do is a simple yet powerful belief: your pet’s happiness and safety always come first. We know that every pet is unique, with their own personality, quirks, and needs. That’s why we take the time to understand both you and your furry companion, customizing our services to suit your specific situation. Whether you’re the proud parent of a pint-sized teacup Chihuahua or a gentle giant like a Great Dane, our experienced team is here to deliver the exceptional care your pet deserves.

We’re excited to offer something truly unique: 24-hour overnight stays at affordable rates. This means you can relax knowing your beloved pet is receiving attentive, loving care around the clock. If a full overnight stay doesn’t fit your needs, we provide "almost" overnight options. Our team can visit your home in the evening and stay until morning, offering you the flexibility to match your schedule without compromising your pet’s comfort and care.

Our commitment to your pet goes beyond basic care. As one of the few pet care providers in Ventura and Los Angeles County with "Fear Free" certification, we prioritize positive reinforcement techniques to keep your pet calm, happy, and stress-free. Our goal isn’t just to provide a service—it’s to build a trusting, loving connection between you and your pet. We’re here to help you nurture a harmonious bond that lasts a lifetime.

At PAWsome Companions we’re not just a pet care business; we’re a family who truly loves animals. Specializing in dog walking, pet sitting, and a range of pet care services, our dedicated team is made up of certified pet sitters and dog walkers who pour their hearts into what they do. This isn’t just a job for us—it’s our passion and livelihood.

We’re proud to be a fully licensed, insured, and bonded operation, ensuring that your furry friends are in safe hands. Each member of our team undergoes comprehensive background checks and training, and we have expertise in Pet First Aid & CPR, Fear Free certification, and ongoing professional development in pet care. We’ve also earned multiple certifications in safety, health, behavior, and medical care, because we believe that taking care of pets is a serious responsibility.

Unfortunately, with the rise of pet care apps, we’ve noticed that some prioritize profits over the well-being of pets. While there are certainly dedicated individuals out there, many caregivers lack the experience needed to provide the best care. We’ve heard some concerning stories from clients who have faced challenges with these services, and these experiences underline the importance of choosing a provider that values quality and accountability. We're committed to offering the love, expertise, and care that your pets truly deserve. Your pets are family, and we treat them as such.

Absolutely! We strive to support whatever training methodology and routines your pets are accustomed to. To that end, we will follow all the training protocols you outline for us on walks. Want Buster to stop at the corner before crossing? No problem. Should Mollie sit before getting a treat? A-OK. Do you need us to avoid other dog-on-leash interactions? Sure thing! We’re happy to customize your dog care to their individual needs. You can share this information a few ways: by updating your pet profile on the portal, showing/telling us at your initial meet & greet, or by uploading training documentation to your account. Please note: our dog sitters use positive reinforcement methods (food, treat, distraction, clicker training, etc.).

Every pet sitting and dog walking session booked with our team is scheduled within a flexible 2-3 hour time frame, carefully set up to accommodate a variety of potential factors that could impact our timeliness. These factors include but are not limited to traffic congestion, unexpected client requests, possible delays, pet-related issues, unforeseen emergencies, and any other unplanned events that may occur during our daily tasks.

Therefore, if your appointment with Walkies is arranged for 12pm, rest assured that our dedicated team will arrive at your location sometime between 10am and 1pm. We do not provide precise arrival times as we find it impractical and can lead to unrealistic expectations. However, it is important to note that we prioritize narrower time windows for the care of elderly pets or animals with specific medical requirements, such as diabetic pets needing timely insulin administration.

Yes, we carry 'employee dishonesty coverage', which is synonymous with being bonded. We are fully insured and bonded to offer our clients peace of mind, as we aim to be a dependable pet care provider. It's crucial to emphasize that insurance and liability coverage are the primary measures for ensuring the safety and protection of your pets and property.

Bonding specifically applies to only cases of theft from a client's home, and is contingent upon the perpetrator being convicted of the crime, a process which can take years and is not a reliable means of safeguarding your pets or your property for that matter. We take extensive measures to ensure your pet's security, including thorough screening and background checks on all our sitters. It is important to consider that bonding is often unnecessary for smaller pet sitting businesses, such as an LLC or DBA, with a staff of fewer than 5 employees. We currently employ 4.

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.

Failure to give proper notice and canceling within the specified timeframes will lead to a 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 times are holidays and summer. During peak seasons, such as holidays, we may have 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 like dog walks or daily activities are exempt from this policy if our team member has not yet left for your location. In such a case, you will only be charged 50% of the initial service cost.

If you do not have a coded door or coded garage door entry, we require a lockbox to be set up at your house. One set of keys will remain in the lockbox, and another set will be kept locked in our office.

If you prefer not to set up a lockbox, we require three sets of keys, and a Key Exchange Fee of $25.00 will be added to your invoice to of cover the time and mileage needed for our team members to pick up and drop off keys at the office.

**Benefits of Lockboxes or Coded Doors**

1. **Enhanced Security**: Adopting lockboxes or coded doors means that your home’s security is always a top priority. This method eliminates the need to duplicate keys or manage their return, ensuring that only authorized team members have access. Regular updates to access codes further secure your property, and you can change the codes whenever you wish.

2. **Flexible Scheduling**: With keyless entry, we wouldn't have to spend time going to the office to pick up and return keys, saving us labor costs and keeping our prices down. This flexibility allows for easier scheduling of last-minute visits or changes to your pet care plan, ensuring that your pet's needs are always met, even when unexpected changes arise in your schedule.

3. **Streamlined Service**: Utilizing a keyless system allows us to optimize our time, focusing more on the care and interaction with your pets rather than the logistics of key exchanges. This helps us maintain our commitment to punctuality and high-quality service during every visit.

4. **Peace of Mind**: Knowing that your home and pets are secure while you're away provides immense peace of mind. A keyless system reinforces that trust, emphasizing our commitment to the safety and well-being of both your property and your beloved pets.

Our initial meet and greet is provided at no cost to you as a gesture of goodwill, while subsequent meet and greets require a payment of $20.00, to be settled in advance. It is important to note that this sum will serve as a credit toward any future services if you choose to confirm an appointment within the next three months. However, if you decide not to proceed with our services during this timeframe, the fee will not be reimbursed.

It is essential to mention that you are exempt from this charge if you have already finalized a service and submitted payment before the initial discussion; in such cases, the fee for the initial meeting will be completely waived.

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. 

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. 

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.

We kindly request that you refrain from soliciting pet sitting or dog walking services from the sitters of PAWsome Companions outside of the established business relationship.

Please do not place the sitters in the uncomfortable position of offering them pet sitting or dog walking work apart from PAWsome Companions. You are sometimes given the private cell phone of the sitters as a means to reach them in an emergency while you are away. We ask that you do not contact them to set up future sits when you return. The sitters are prohibited from soliciting or accepting work directly from clients and they sign an agreement to this effect.

Sitters are contractually prohibited from seeking or accepting work from clients independently, as outlined in their agreement. Your adherence to this policy is greatly appreciated, and thank you for respecting this policy.

All of our walks are private, 1-on-1 walks. However, we do specialize in semi-private walks that we call “small pack” walks. If your dog is dog-friendly and has all of their shots, we might include them in a small group walk on pet the client’s request. Unless specified or requested, your dog will be walked alone or only with the other dogs you have in your household. We do not charge a “private walk” fee for puppies under 12 weeks old or who do not have all their shots yet.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. 

In order to provide personalized care for your pets, an introductory meet and greet is required of all new clients. This meeting is a free consultation, which will take place at the clients’ residence and be scheduled at a convenient time for both the sitter and the client. Please ensure that we have your undivided attention during our consultation. It is an opportunity for both the client and their pet to meet the sitter on the pet’s “turf.” This enables the sitter to determine whether a pet might be territorial or otherwise pose a threat. Additionally, during this meeting, the sitter will go over the services provided, as well as information on fees, discounts, policies, and references. Information will be left with the client for future reference.

If the client agrees to do business with PAWsome Companions, both the client and sitter are required to sign a pet care agreement, veterinary agreement, and if an exception is made, a key agreement. We request that a spare house key be made available for the sitter to keep. The key will be stored in a lockbox in PAWsome Companions office and will be taken out only when needed. The pet’s routine and health will also be discussed, including diet, restrictions (if any), allergies, medications, supplements, regular walking routes, and the location of leashes, toys, food, bowls, etc. A payment deposit of 50% is necessary to secure your booking services 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. PAWsome Companions prides itself on being flexible and understanding of 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.

For the peace of mind of our clients, we have a policy of making a confirmation call before their trip. This call serves to double-check the dates of the booking. Should there be any discrepancies, please notify us promptly to avoid any disruptions to your pet's care routine.

Upon returning home from your trip, we ask that you “check in” with us. A brief phone call to your sitter will suffice to let them know that your pets are back in your care. This way, we can ensure your safe return and prevent any unnecessary visits for pet care.

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

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.

Yes, the ‘Primary Walker’ serves as the central contact person for your dog’s walks under normal circumstances, except in cases of emergencies or health issues. Your canine companion is selectively matched with a consistent walker to foster a deep connection and address their individual requirements.

Although we prioritize the Primary Walker, our team is prepared to provide assistance as necessary. Should the Primary Walker be unavailable, the Backup Walker will seamlessly continue your dog’s routine. By restricting your dog’s interaction to only two walkers, we aim to ensure consistency and enable them to develop a comfortable rapport and special bond with our staff.

Pawsome Companions, LLC. and all its members are fully insured and bonded through Pet Care Insurance (PCI), administered by Veracity Insurance Solutions, UT, and underwritten by Lloyd's of London. Our insurance is specific to pet sitting, dog walking, daycare, and your property (broadened property coverage) while pet sitting. We also have veterinary reimbursement coverage up to $2,000 (so we don’t have to wait for you to pay the bill in the event of an emergency) and lost key coverage in the event your key is misplaced or we are locked out (although we’ve never used it). You should always select a pet sitter who is insured. It is important that their coverage includes care, custody, and control of your pet.

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!

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.

Giving sufficient advance notice for planned visits is essential to guarantee that we are completely ready to provide top-notch service. Despite our standard policy of needing 48-72 hours notice for visits, we acknowledge that unexpected events can happen, leading to last-minute appointments that are unavoidable. We will handle last-minute appointments in the order they are received. If we can fit you in, we absolutely will. We acknowledge that unforeseen circumstances can occur, and we are always open to collaborating with you to find the most suitable resolution. Our aim is to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience for every pet parent!

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.

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.

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.

We prioritize security as our utmost concern, which is why we maintain comprehensive insurance coverage to protect against any potential damages that may occur during our services. Our property coverage not only safeguards your property, but also extends to covering your pets while they are in our care, custody and control. In case your pet needs veterinary attention, rest assured that our veterinary reimbursement coverage can cover costs up to $2,000 while you're away. Our staff members take pride in their exceptional caliber, undergoing thorough screening and background checks prior to joining our team. We guarantee the confidentiality of your personal information, and your keys will never be labeled with your name or address. Our sitters consistently ensure the security of your home by carefully locking up and double-checking all security measures before they leave. They are proficient in handling alarm systems and will ensure that your house alarm is activated. Furthermore, we implement crime-deterring measures such as rotating lights, turning on porch lights, bringing in your newspaper or packages, and adjusting blinds to further enhance the safety and security of your home.

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.

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.

We require a minimum of two daily visits for dogs. For puppies under 1 year of age, we require three visits per day.

A half hour (30-minutes) is the shortest duration possible for a dog-sitting visit. With this time frame, your sitter can adequately care for your pet by preparing a meal and taking a brief break for them to relieve themselves. A 30-minute visit is typically most suitable for morning appointments. We always suggest arranging at least one or two visits lasting 45 to 60 minutes later in the day in addition to the initial 30-minute visit. If you have multiple pets or different kinds of animals, you must also allocate time for their individual requirements. Depending on the number of pets you have and the range of tasks your pet sitter will undertake, you may need to extend the visit by an extra 15 to 30 minutes. You are the best judge of this. Just ensure that you schedule an adequate amount of time initially to prevent any additional charges in case the sitter exceeds the allotted time.

A minimum of one daily visit is necessary for cats. For a swift check-in, the 20-minute option is ideal. During this time, we can attend to tasks like cleaning the litter box, preparing meals, and providing you with an update. This duration is suitable for cats who may feel uncomfortable around strangers or exhibit aggressive behavior. To minimize stress for such cats, shorter visits of 15-20 minutes are advised. We aim to align the visit frequency with the cat's meal times or medication schedule.

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.

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

Naturally, we are very excited to provide our help! We are extremely proud to recruit outstanding candidates who have a profound knowledge and affection for all kinds of animals, particularly elderly ones. Our main focus is to care for dogs with medical issues with great care and compassion, honoring their individual needs. We are diligent in keeping track of any alterations in a pet’s well-being, and you can trust that we will quickly notify you of any worrying developments.

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.

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.

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.

Absolutely they are! We LOVE to walk dogs! It gives us and them a really good workout. However, please note that we will not walk dogs when temperatures are below 50 degrees or exeed 88 degrees. Many local vets will counsel you to walk your beloved in the early morning before the sidewalks have had time to heat 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!

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.

Regrettably, we are unable to allow outdoor access for your cats for safety reasons. During our visits, all cats are kept indoors to ensure their well-being. If there is a strong preference for your cat to have access both indoors and outdoors while we are not present, we cannot assure the cat's safe return. In such cases, we will not be responsible if the cat does not come back or returns with any injuries or health concerns.

Yes, we do. In fact, we are very sensitive about the topic of overheating. We never take dogs for long walks if the temperature rises above 85 degrees, only very short 5-15 minute walks/potty breaks. If it is above 88 degrees, we don't take dogs at all, rather we stay inside and provide enrichment activities or lots of companionship. 

Dogs, especially small breed and short-muzzled ones, are prone to overheating and heat stroke in a very short period of time being outside. Heat stroke can be fatal. The only way for a dog to sweat is through panting with an open mouth, however on very hot days, just panting is not enough to cool sufficiently.

Additionally, the dog's fur coat makes it much more difficult to cool through panting on hot days. We care greatly about our furry clients and want them to be healthy, safe, and live long lives. We try to find the best alternative to entertain and exercise the dogs on extreme weather days. Car rides and playtimes inside the house are great temporary substitutions for hot days.

Our pet sitters use our Walkies app on their smartphones that GPS timestamps their arrival and departure time. Our clients also have access to our app directly. If you request a dog walk you can see where your dog has walked as well. All this information will be updated automatically once the visit is complete. The digital report card will also include what potty business was done, a checklist of requests, photos of your pet and a personal note from the sitter. We are committed to that promise and this leaves you with no mystery as to what your furry friend received at each visit.

A 50% deposit must be paid before each service, no later than 72 hours prior. This means that we need half of the payment at least three days before the service starts (your departure date), and the remaining balance is to be settled either on the first day of service or upon your return, based on the specific service booked. Failure to provide the 50% deposit will result in your pet sitting service being deemed unconfirmed.

For overnight stays and drop-in visits exceeding a week, full payment is required. There is a 24-hour window for settling the remaining balance after your services begin. However, the outstanding amount must be paid within 24 hours after the service has commenced, or else a late fee of $15.00 per day may be applied depending on the circumstances.

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.

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.

We have been operating since 2017, and became an official LLC in 2023.

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.

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.

PLEASE let us know!

We kindly request that you inform us of your preferences. You are encouraged to contact us in order to inquire about the well-being of your pets and to request additional photos or videos, all of which will be provided to you at no additional cost. Communication is highly valued by our team, and we are committed to offering updates in accordance with your preferences. Moreover, please be reminded that clients utilizing our pet care platform, Walkies, have the convenience of accessing drop-in visit or walk information through the corresponding mobile application. While text message updates may be sporadic due to busy schedules, rest assured that consistent updates will be available to you through the Walkies platform.

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. 

As of January 1, 2025, we will no longer be accepting conventional house keys routinely. Clients are now required to either purchase a lockbox or borrow one from us. In cases where we do allow the use of house keys, we will need two working copies for each sitting. If you are unable to provide us with the keys during the initial meeting, we suggest finding a secure hiding spot for your key before and after our visits – ideally, a key box or a coded lock. Even if you have a garage opener or coded lock, a physical copy of the key is still necessary and will be securely kept at our main office for any unexpected emergencies.

In the event that we do not receive the keys during the initial meeting, we can arrange for key pick-up and drop-off for an additional fee of $15.00 each way.

It is important to remember that we will not leave keys under mats or in plain sight, nor will we lock keys inside the house on the final scheduled visit. This precaution is taken in case of unexpected delays in your return, as our priority is keeping your pet(s) safe and well.