Frequently Asked Questions
Are you insured and bonded?
YES! We do carry the maximum limits of general liability insurance, so you and your pets are protected. Don't be fooled by those that claim to be insured and bonded, but carry minimum amounts or have expired policies. We will gladly show you proof of our policy upon request.
*NOTE: Being bonded or having insurance does not guarantee the quality of service. Our own reputation is the best guarantee. We have many happy clients and lots of great reviews online.
Do you provide service in my area?
You can view our service area map here. Type in your address to see if we cover your area.
Do you offer pet boarding?
We don't board pets. Instead, we keep pets happy in their homes. Having a pet sitter come to your home reduces your pet's stress levels. It also helps to avoid outside illness, such as kennel cough, which is very contagious even if your pet has been vaccinated against it, they can get it as there are so many different strains. It is basically like a flu for dogs.
Who uses a dog walker/pet sitter?
There are so many different reasons one might choose to use a professional pet sitting service. We've identified some of our top client profiles. See which one best describes your situation. If you don't see your profile on our list, no worries, we're still here to help!
Travel Tom - If you have a job that requires you to spend nights or weeks out of town, or are filled with wanderlust, we're here happy to help! Easily book pet sitting visits via your very own Client Portal. Real-time visit notes are emailed to you after each visit so you're always kept in the loop about how your precious pet is doing.
Vacation Vanessa - Planning a vacation or weekend getaway and can't take your pets with you? Allow us to care for your pets while you get some much needed relaxation time! Easily book pet sitting visits via your very own Client Portal.
Working Wendy - If you have a long commute, work long hours, or have social events after work, sometimes it's difficult to make it home in time to walk your dog and/or feed your dog/cat dinner, or a dog potty break before bed. We try to accommodate last minute requests as much as possible and we're happy to do dinner walks/feedings and dog potty breaks before bed.
Projects Pete - Ensuring that your dog gets enough exercise each day can sometimes take at least one to two hours per day. If you have multiple competing priorities and want to free up your schedule, allow us to do some of the walks/feedings for you.
Sick Sally - Recovering from an illness or ailment that prevents you from ensuring that your dog gets enough exercise or your cat's litter box is scooped? When you need our assistance to ensure that all of your pet's needs are met, we can help.
What does a Professional Pet Sitter do?
A loving pet owner knows that pets are HAPPIEST in their own homes. When you go on vacation or take a business trip, why not keep them at home where they are HAPPY? They will have their own personal attendant taking care of them like they were their own pet(s), keeping them on their normal routine, feeding schedule and eating their own food and treats. Walking on their same routes and sleeping in their normal familiar spots.
We will make sure your pet(s) are safe, comfortable, and HAPPY. We at Raleigh Pawz love what we do, and our clients often tell us they can tell a difference in their pet's happy and relaxed behavior when they return home, it's like they were never gone. Once you use a professional pet sitting service you won't board again. You can read all about what our pet sitting service does entail right here.
We bring in your mail, get the paper, retrieve any packages you may get, clean up any pet accidents that may occur, rotate lights, adjust curtains and/or blinds, put trash/recycle at the road and bring it back up, water any plants that need attention, and give your home that "lived in look" while you are away. Your Pet(s) and Home are in good reliable care while using our services.
How do I check in with my pet sitter while you're providing service?
As a Raleigh Pawz client, you will have access to your very own Client Portal to communicate with us, keep us updated on how you want us to care for your pet(s) and home. After each visit, you will receive real-time updates from your pet sitter. They will leave you notes in your portal and they will be emailed to you.
Can you pet sit for my pets without doing a consultation?
A consultation is required before services begin so that we can meet with you and your pet(s). We must meet with you and your pet(s) to review their routine, answer any questions, and finalize access to your home.
What types of pets do you sit?
Our sitters have cared for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, chinchillas, fish, hermit crabs, and birds (including backyard chickens and ducks). We've even cared for a pig! If you have another pet not listed above, go ahead and reach out! We are always excited to meet new friends!
Are there any pets you won't care for?
We don't refuse service based on your pet's species or breed. If your pet is friendly and non-aggressive, we’re happy to help! If your pet is aggressive, has a bite history, or is anxious to the point we can’t safely care for them, unfortunately, we won’t be able to help.
Can you administer medication to my pet?
Our sitters are happy to administer your pet's medication as directed in liquid, pill, or transdermal form. We are unable to care for pets that require injections or IV medications.
What times do you come to my home?
You’re welcome to schedule visits in the time blocks below. We can’t guarantee a specific visit time within a time block. However, if you let us know a preferred time we will do our best to accommodate your request. For puppy clients, we can offer a one-hour arrival time window.
- Morning - 7 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
- Mid-day - 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Late Afternoon - 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Evening - 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Will I always have the same sitter?
We work as a team! All our sitters are employees and have completed a background check and our multi-step onboarding process. You will receive the same excellent service no matter which sitter is assigned! While we try to limit the number of sitters assigned to your pet(s), by working as a team we can ensure availability when you need us and in case of emergencies.
Additional FAQs for Current Clients
How do I pay for service?
Our preferred method of client payment is the secure ACH Transfer (e-check), but there is also an option for you to add a debit or credit card. For future pet sitting visits, we will draft payment from the payment method that you have on file. Please note, any tips are still preferred to be left in cash.
How do I schedule service?
The fastest way to add your request to our pet sitter's schedule is by making the request in your Client Portal. In the Schedule tab of your Client Portal, you can request pet sitting visits and/or make changes to already scheduled pet sitting visits.
I'm having trouble accessing my Client Portal. Please help.
Please contact us by email and we'll be happy to help troubleshoot any login issues.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please review the Cancellations section on our Policies page.
If I leave later than expected or return early, will I receive a refund or credit?
We are holding room in our schedule to care for your pet(s). We approve requests on a first-come, first-served basis and do not overbook. We completely understand that plans can change. However, due to the heavy volume of vacation pet sitting requests and the fact that we’re holding room in your pet sitter’s schedule, once service begins, payment is due for all visits you have scheduled with us.