FAQs

We’ve put together a list of many of the questions we’re asked about our Kansas City pet care services. If you don’t see an answer to your questions, please let us know! We’re happy to talk with you and answer any questions you may have.

Felix, a cat in Kansas City

What is Fear Free and why is it important?

Fear Free is a manner of interacting with the pet which helps to alleviate fear, anxiety and stress for the pet’s emotional wellbeing and enrichment. TEAM members of Just Fur-Babies are Fear Free Certified. Fear Free provides online and in-person education to veterinary professionals, the pet professional community and pet owners. Visit Fear Free and learn more. Also check out Fear Free Happy Homes for fear free solutions to common problems.

What is in-home pet care?

In home pet care is when a pet care provider comes to your home for scheduled visits and cares for your pets in their own environment, where they’re most comfortable. Visits are customized to meet the needs and routines of your pet, and are scheduled per your preferences. A Just Fur-Babies TEAM member provides exercise, companionship and mental stimulation while tending to the needs of your pets, such as feeding, letting out to potty and love and enrichment, while also taking care of other things, such as bringing in the mail and newspaper, packages, flyers, adjusting blinds and lighting, or adjusting the TV or radio. Having pet care in your home gives your home a “lived in feel” which deters burglars, while allowing your pets to remain comfortable staying where they’re most at home … at home. Learn more about our pet sitting services

What is included with a dog walk or let-out?

Dog walking is a form of pet sitting, coming into the pet’s home to provide exercise, companionship and mental stimulation. Leash skills, socialization and exercise are just a few of the benefits of regular dog walks. If you have a fenced yard, Just Fur-Babies’ Let Our Service lasts for about 15 minutes, providing a potty break and quick visit. Learn more about our dog walking & let-out services

Why should I hire a professional pet sitter instead of boarding my pets?

We feel that your pets’ routine should be as close to “normal” as possible, and caring for them in their home, where they’re most comfortable, is better for their comfort, health and social/mental well-being. We utilize our Fear Free training to identify the Fear, Anxiety and Stress your pet may experience. When boarding your pet, sometimes just the ride to the boarding facility alone can induce stress, both for you and your pet. The Just Fur-Babies TEAM coming into your home is the next best thing to you being there. Learn more about our team of professional pet care providers.

I already have a pet sitter – why should I switch to Just Fur-Babies?

Just Fur-Babies is a Professional Pet Care Organization and member of Pet Sitters International. Professional Pet Sitters understand your need for peace of mind, especially when trusting someone with keys to your home and the well-being of your beloved pets for the first time. Our sitters are trained and provided with the support and tools to give you the best, most reliable service available anywhere. Honesty and integrity are vital ingredients of everything we stand for and all of our TEAM members are background checked, insured and bonded. While hobby or contract pet sitters, friends and family can be capable and responsible, they often cannot offer 24-hour a day, 365 days a year service. By hiring Just Fur-Babies, you can rest assured knowing that the professional and compassionate care of your pets is our TOP priority. It’s our job, after all.

Are you bonded and insured?

Yes. Just Fur-Babies’ policies are underwritten by Evanston Insurance Company. Coverage includes general liability, property damage and bond, as well as care, custody and control coverage for client and business protection. Worker’s Compensation is also provided to our employees. Proof of insurance will be provided at the initial consultation.

What type of animals do you pet sit?

We care for dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, squirrels, chickens, turtles, frogs, hedgehogs …you name it, we will care for it!

How many times a day will you visit?

All services are customizable to meet the needs of your home and fur family. We will be happy to discuss your requirements and recommend a schedule that is best suited for your situation. We offer a minimum of one daily visit and can combine any services that will meet and exceed your expectations. Cat visits are required to be at least one visit per day, every day, no exceptions.

Can you give my pet medication?

Yes, we are trained for medication administration – pills, liquids and topical medications with most pets. We will partner with you or your veterinarian for specific instructions. We do not give injectable medications.

What happens if my pet becomes sick or injured?

Our priority is the well-being of your pet and medical emergencies are discussed during the initial consultation, including contacting your vet clinic to notify them that we have been selected to care for your pets in your absence. Should your pet become sick or injured, we will follow the necessary First Aid and/or CPR procedures to stabilize your pet, and we will notify you and your vet and/or emergency facility.

Can I have someone share pet sitting duties with Just Fur-Babies?

Consistency is vital to providing the best possible care and the best interest of your pet(s) and home are our top concern. Please discuss any job sharing options during the initial consultation and reference the Service Agreement. “Job Sharing” services void our insurance coverage, so please discuss prior to making reservations.

What if I need last minute service?

Life happens and when it does, you can rely on us to be there for your and your pet(s). Once an established client, we can sometimes provide service the same day if needed. Keeping your keys on file with our service is one less detail to worry about.

Can you provide transportation to the vet and/or groomer?

Yes! We offer a pet taxi service to take them wherever they need to go. While 24-hour notice is ideal, in the case of an emergency, we will make every effort to accommodate your needs. If you need someone to stay with the pet(s) and get instructions, your professional pet sitter can meet with the doctor, obtain a written diagnosis and pick up any required medications. Learn more about our private transportation services.

Is a leash required if my dog is off-leash trained?

ABSOLUTELY! While your dog may be off-leash trained, it is our strict policy to always keep your pet(s) on a leash while in our care outside of your home or yard. This ensures that we have control over any unforeseen problems that may arise. In addition, a leash law is mandatory in most areas.

What is your policy in extreme weather?

During high temperatures in the summer or cold temperatures in the winter, our walks will be brief. We do not want your pet(s) or our sitters to become overexposed to extreme temperatures or suffer from heat exhaustion or frostbite. During severe thunderstorms, or if walking conditions become dangerous, we will do all we can to ensure that your pet(s) get out for a potty break and resume regular walking schedules once the severe weather has passed.

Will you pick up after my pet(s)?

Your sitter will pick up after your pet(s) when they are on a walk or in your yard while under our care. Litter boxes are taken care of as well. If your pet(s) get sick in your home, we will clean up after them (if special cleaning may be required, we will contact you for further instructions). If the cleaning time extends past your visit time, there may be an additional charge.

Do my pet(s)’ shots need to be up-do-date?

At minimum, we require a copy of an up-to-date Rabies vaccination for our services, for the safety of your pet and the safety of our team.

Will my sitter have their own supplies to clean up after my pet(s)?

You are responsible for providing your pet sitter with all cleaning supplies, including bags for picking up or scooping waste, paper towels, carpet cleaners, etc. Please go over any specific details with your sitter for anything requiring special care, such as delicate or expensive carpets and rugs

How do you handle my keys and access to my home?

We require two points of entry. At least one key will be kept in our office. If you choose to have a lock box, it can be provided at the initial consultation and access instructions will be discussed (a lock box fee will be charged on your first service). Keeping your keys on file ensures that we are ready for any future service at a moment’s notice or if you forget to set your lockbox out in advance. If you prefer that we enter through a garage door, you must provide a code and the key on file will serve as backup in the case of power outage, battery power loss, etc. If you live in a gated community, you will also be required to provide your sitter with a gate code or access device prior to the start of service. Concierges and/or leasing office personnel are often not available, taking away access availability and from the time we have committed to spending with your pet, which could result in an additional charge. We are happy to help you work out the details. PLEASE TEST ALL NEWLY MADE KEYS TO ENSURE THEY WORK PROPERLY.

What do I do if I'm ready to book service?

If you are a new client, we need to schedule what we call an “Initial Consultation” so we can meet with you and your fur-babies, go over policies, answer any questions you may have, etc. To schedule your “Meet & Greet” today call (913) 444-3152 or you can email us. For more information on the process of becoming a new client you can also check out our Getting Started page. If you are an existing client, and thus have already been set up with an account in our online scheduling system, click here and follow the online instructions to schedule your service.

How and when is payment made?

Payment is due at the start of service. We accept MC/Visa, AMEX, Discover, cash or check. If you are paying by credit card, you can pay your invoice from your client portal in our online scheduling system. If you are paying by cash or check, please leave your payment in a central area for your sitter to pickup, like the kitchen counter or a common area that your sitter will be accessing. New clients will be required to pay in advance for their first service and the sitter will take payment during the initial Meet & Greet.

Holiday charges – Holidays must be paid in advance. An additional $15 charge per day for the following holidays: Easter, Memorial Day 3 day weekend, Independence Day, Labor Day 3 day weekend. If these holidays fall on a weekend, the weekend is included. Thanksgiving through the following Sunday; December 24th – January 2nd. Holiday cancellations will not get a refund or credit of fees. All holiday visits will require a 50% non-refundable, no account credit deposit.

Can I tip my sitter?

Yes. Tips are not required, but always appreciated for a job well done! You may include them in your check, leave cash or have a tip put on your credit card. To use your credit card for tipping, you can include your tip with your invoice payment through Time to Pet. 100% of all tips go to your sitter.

What is your cancellation policy?

Emergencies or illness may arise, the client may need to cancel and each will be reviewed on an individual basis. Cancellations made 48 hours or less prior to the visit will be charged a 50% cancellation fee. Should any assignment end early for any reason, all scheduled visits will be charged. No refunds will be given, but rather credited to the client’s account, remaining on account for up to two years to be applied toward future service. See Service Agreement for complete cancellation policy for each service. Cancellations for holiday bookings require a minimum 7-day notification. Holiday cancellations made less then 7 days, will be charged the 50% cancellation fee.

What if I am unsatisfied with my sitter or my service?

We encourage you to contact the office as soon as possible, if you are not satisfied in any way with your sitter or your service. We will address any issues, and hopefully rectify whatever problems you may have had.

Do you have a referral program?

Yes! Our best advertising is a happy client! Refer our service to a friend, family member or co-worker and we will give you a free visit on your next service. Simply have them mention your name when they book their service.

Ready to get started?

We look forward to hearing from you!