Frequently Asked Questions

 

What kind of pets do you care for?
Primarily we care for domestic cats and dogs. We also care for birds, fish and small mammals. Sorry we do not care for equine or livestock.
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What types of pets are more comfortable with in-home pet care opposed boarding?
Daycare and kennels can be ideal solutions for some pets. Step In Pet Care visits pets that are not comfortable in those environments. We specialize in caring for the following types of pets:

  • pets that do not enjoy the company of unfamiliar pets
  • nervous or fearful pets
  • pets that may exhibit anxious or aggressive behavior towards unfamiliar people or pets
  • older pets
  • pets with medical conditions or concerns
  • pets in a multiple pet household, enjoying each other's company
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How many times would you visit my pet(s) in a day while I am away?
We visit pets from 1 to 3 times a day while clients travel. back to top

What is the earliest time in the morning and the latest time in the evening you would visit my pet(s) while I am away?
We start our pet visits at 6:00am. Our last visit of the day is approximately 9:00pm. We ask that you provide both an ideal time for each visit and an acceptable time range to begin each visit. This helps us to schedule each sitter’s visits for any particular day and allows additional time if delayed at a previous visit. Pets with medical or special needs are always a priority.
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How much time would you spend with my pet during each visit?
We spend a minimum of 20 minutes during each travel visit and up to 60 minutes if requested. We have been able to spend up to 2 hours at a home under special circumstances. back to top

Do you provide house sitting or overnight pet services?
At this time we do not offer house sitting or overnight pet services. back to top

Can a pet sitter stay with our pets 24 hours a day?
At this time we do not offer 24 hour pet care.
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Can my pet stay at a pet sitter’s home?
No. Client’s pets do not stay at a pet sitter’s home.
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How much do you charge for pet sitting?
Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 303-589-0108 for more information and rates.
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Do you charge extra for more than one pet?
We do not charge extra for additional pets, however, additional time may be required to care for multiple pets to ensure that individual affection and attention is provided.
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Can you bring in my mail and take care of my trash while we are on vacation?
Yes. We do additional household tasks such as bringing in mail, taking trash to the curb, watering plants and alternating lights and curtains at no additional charge though more time may be needed to care for your pet/s and accomplish these tasks. These tasks continue to make your home look occupied while you are away, which ultimately keeps your pet(s), your home, and our sitters safer.
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How much do you charge for dog walks?
Please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 303-589-0108 for more information on our dog walking services and rates.
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Would my dog be walking with other client’s dogs?
We only walk up to three dogs from one household at any time. We would never walk your dog with an unfamiliar dog. If you and a neighbor both require dog walks, and your dogs get along well, we could discuss walking them at the same time for a discounted rate.
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What services do you provide during the week while I am working?
We offer dog walks, bio breaks, feedings, and medication administration for working clients. We can also help with puppy housebreaking. In addition to dog walks, we can provide indoor and outdoor playtime to release your pet’s energy and minimize household destruction. We are very flexible about what tasks are done or how you would like time spent with your pet.
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What time would you visit my pet(s) if I need help while I am working?
We typically visit pets from 10:00am to 3:00pm on weekdays for our clients who need help while they work. We will ask what your ideal visit time is, along with an acceptable time window to begin the pet visit.
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Can I meet the actual pet sitter before he or she cares for my pet(s)?
Step In Pet Care requires that each pet sitter is introduced to your pet prior to service commencement. We can arrange for you to meet the pet sitter that would be caring for your pet(s). Sometimes a client will allow a pet sitter that is familiar with their pet(s) to introduce the pet(s) to a new sitter that will be sharing vacation visits.
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There are many pet sitters out there. What sets Step In Pet Care apart from the rest?

  • We take a personal, custom approach to every pet and every visit.
  • We ask each client to complete a Pet Profile for each pet. We want to know the personality and preferences of your pet(s) prior to the first visit.
  • As we get to know your pet(s), we build on their Pet Profile so that each subsequent visit is even more enjoyable for your pet(s).
  • We interact with each pet differently according to their personality.
  • We structure our visits as closely as possible to your pet(s) routine.
  • The preferences of your pet(s) is our focus. We will play fetch with your dog, cuddle with your cat... whatever your pet(s) prefers.
  • We communicate with clients about the visits we have made with each pet. Clients can expect a detailed note after we have finished each daily visit or a set of weekend away or vacation visits. We will happily send a quick text or e-mail after each visit if requested.

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What if my pet becomes sick or hurt while we are away?
We require that you complete a veterinarian authorization form prior to service beginning so that we can take a sick or hurt pet for immediate veterinarian care if necessary. In most situations we will contact you first. We will also contact you during the veterinarian evaluation or before any care is performed.
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How do you prefer to get in our home? Would you need our key?
We prefer to obtain 2 house keys and/or a garage code. It is beneficial to have two ways to enter each home in case of emergencies. Sometimes garage doors malfunction. Also, if the pet sitter is delayed with another client or because of a weather emergency we can send a back-up sitter to care for your pet(s).
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Would the key I give you have my name or address on it?
No. We mark each key or garage code using a coded numbering system. Keys remain with the pet sitter at all times (in a pocket or in a backpack) during service. Most clients prefer that we hold onto their keys for convenient or last minute scheduling. When not actively caring for your pet(s) all keys and codes are secured separately from your name and address.
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I would prefer to have my key back after service. Do you charge extra for key pick-up or drop-off?
No. We do not charge extra for key pick-up or drop-off. However, We will coordinate a time when we will already be scheduled to be in your neighborhood.
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Do you care for horses or livestock?
We do not provide equine or livestock services.
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