FAQs

(Frequently Asked Questions)

For Services Offered and Prices, Please Navigate to the Services Offered and Fees Page.

Question:

“I just have to know: what’s up with the name of your business, PetFairy?”

Answer:

To be honest, it’s sort of a double entendre. The primary purpose is to make a strong statement that I love animals and will take care of yours as if they were my own. In traditional cultural mythology, fairies are beneficent magical individuals that have the power to uplift the less fortunate, provide help to those in need and watch over vulnerable individuals who need care and protection. So what better image for someone who provides care for pets? Secondly, I’m taking ownership of the negative term historically applied to gay men and making it a positive thing, of which to be proud. Only ignorant people believe that fairies are always feminine figures. Like any group, real or fictional, they are diverse. There are many examples of masculine, powerful fairies. In the creation of my logo, I have tried to show a guy-next-door, masculine, but compassionate fairy, to whom animals naturally respond with trust, knowing that they are in good hands.

Question:

“Are you insured and bonded?”

Answer:

I am, of course, insured. I’m not bonded. Bonding is intended to take care of things like the suspicious disappearance of your platinum Rolex watch, or some of your pain medication, while a worker or employee is in your house. I don’t have any employees making home visits to worry about, and I’m as scrupulously honest of a nerd as it gets. I don’t think the kind of high-caliber pet lovers that would hire me are going to steal from themselves and then frame me for it. So I’m not worried. We might have to take special precautions if you have anyone else working in your house at the same time I’m providing service for you, but we can cross that bridge if and when we happen to get to it.

Question:

“Why don’t you have a pet sitting license or certificate?”

Answer:

There are two answers, because licenses and certificates are very different things. If you’ll bear with me, I’ll explain about what they are and why they aren’t necessary for pet sitting.

Let’s take the license first. A license is granted by an official governmental agency, typically the state, after a person gets a degree or some sort of education, takes a test and/or otherwise demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in a particular area. For example, California grants you a driver’s license after you take a driver’s education course and pass both written and behind-the-wheel tests. Licenses are for very specific things. Regarding animals, they usually deal with major business or environmental/endangered species issues. For example, birds of prey (raptors) are protected species. If you want to keep and work with raptors, you must have a falconry license. To get one, you need an apprenticeship with an experienced falconer and must pass tests to prove that you know all about raptors, how to care for them, how to exercise them, the rules for obtaining them, etc., and you have to show that you have the very specific kind of facilities for housing them. Another example – You must have a license to operate a dog breeding business of a certain size. To get one, you have to prove that you have the knowledge and the appropriate facilities to provide good care. There are mandated state inspections to ensure that you do. You get the idea. Most small, loosely-defined and multi-faceted professions aren’t licensable. California has no pet sitting licensing program. If someone ever figures out all the details of creating such a complex license, I’ll be the first to apply. But, for now, if anyone tells you they have a pet sitting license, they are either ignorant or trying to con you.

Now, as to the certificate. Certificates are issued by private organizations, usually to their members, or persons interested in the organizational profession. There are no official governmental guidelines regarding any requirements for getting a certificate. The organizations decide what their requirements will be. Sometimes, this can be a good thing, as some professional organizations are better than others. But sometimes, it’s just a way for the organization to make money, while providing the illusion of professional competence. A certificate doesn’t guarantee the officially tested and approved kind of quality that a license does. There are pet sitter organizations that issue certificates. I don’t know all that much about them, but they seem to be genuinely dedicated to helping would-be pet sitters. For people who are newer to working with animals and haven’t had much experience (they simply love animals), getting a certificate will probably help them be better pet sitters. But it’s not a requirement for becoming a pet sitter, it really doesn’t tell you anything about how qualified the person you hire actually is and there are no legally actionable guarantees. It costs money to get a certificate, which I don’t care to spend, and I’ve already been in too many organizations in my life. I just don’t want to be in another one that’s not going to do me any good, simply to have a piece of paper that will somehow magically make people trust me, regardless of any other considerations. I can easily prove my extensive knowledge, competency, skill, reliability and devotion to animals. My history demonstrates it and I have plenty of people who will be happy to give you a glowing recommendation. Some are on my Testimonials page. You’ll know. You’ll definitely know.

Question:

“Why do you have so many requirements just to do pet sitting for me?”

Answer:

I think people, in general, take pet sitting and other pet services far too lightly. For many people, their pets are like their children. I’m one of them. You need to feel confidence in anyone with whom you’re going to leave your children. I know my extensive information, policies, forms, etc. may seem a bit persnickety, possibly even neurotic. All I can say, as I have throughout this site, is that your pet’s safety, comfort and happiness is my overriding concern. When I make a commitment to you to provide a service to your pet, I want there to be no doubt in your mind that I am serious about providing the very best experience possible for your pet and for you. When I am with your pet, its welfare comes first, above both mine and yours. If you have to fill out a couple forms, read a little information and do a little due diligence, isn’t it worth it for your cherished pet? Once you’ve done this, you can relax – head out to run your errands, go to work or class, or take off on that fabulous vacation or important business trip, and be completely carefree.

Question:

“What forms of payment do you take?”

Answer:

I take cash, Square, PayPal and Zelle. Most people will be happy with at least one of these options. My service fees take into account the percentages I have to pay for the use of Square, PayPal and Zelle. Therefore, cash clients will receive a 5% discount on all service fees, since I don’t have to pay the fees associated with the other forms of payment. I don’t take payments online through the website. The website is for arranging for services and information only. I take payment in person, at the time of service. I don’t take Apple Pay or Google pay. I don’t take personal checks. And if you ask me to take Bitcoin, I’ll politely show you to the door and that will be that.

Question:

“You offer services for a lot of different kinds of animals. How can I be sure that you know how to care for my pet?”

Answer:

I refer you to the About Me page, the pages on various kinds of animals and the Testimonials page. Look for information on your specific kind of pet, or similar ones. Yeah, it’s a lot of reading, but if you really want your question thoroughly answered, that should do it. Plus, you can feel free to question me about anything you wish. I have had extensive experience with all kinds of animals for my entire life. I have worked with and learned from many of the most respected people in regard to many species. My experience with animals is not just superficial; it’s personal and deep. My friends will tell you that I am not a boastful person. Quite the opposite. However, knowledge of animals and plants is the one area where I am willing to put my skills up against anyone else’s. I am, quite frankly, the most competent person you will ever find to care for your pet. That is, unless you can talk someone like your vet, Cesar Millan, Jackson Galaxy, a professional herpetologist or ornithologist, or a zookeeper into pet sitting for you. They’d certainly be better, but I suspect it would cost you a lot more.

Question:

“Why must my pets be vaccinated just for you to pet sit them?”

Answer:

If I only worked with your pets, it wouldn’t matter. But I work with lots of pets, often several in the same day. I can’t risk spreading any possible infection from one person’s pet to another person’s pet. It’s a matter of safety for all of my clients’ pets. Plus, I care about your pet. Vaccinations will protect your pet from possibly fatal diseases. Think about how you’ll feel if your pet dies prematurely and it turns out there is a simple thing you could have done that would have prevented it. I understand that some people today are anti-vaccination, for themselves and their pets. I don’t judge people for their beliefs, even if I know they are in error. I can only say that the science is very clear and has been well-demonstrated for over 200 years now. Vaccines prevent disease and save lives. I’m not a preacher and won’t debate the issue. I have no time or interest for that. I am simply unable to provide service to you if your pets do not have the proper vaccinations. Your understanding is appreciated.

Question:

“Why does my dog have to be licensed for you to dog sit with him?”

Answer:

Because it’s the law. I’m not a narc and it’s not my place to tell on people, so it’s your own business if you don’t have your dog licensed. However, I am unable to provide service for an unlicensed dog. A dog without a license can’t be walked or taken out into public for anything it might need. I know there are people who resent, or have a hard time affording, the cost of a license. But it’s for your dog’s good and yours. There are agencies and organizations that assist limited-income pet lovers with the costs of licenses, vaccinations, spaying/neutering and other such needs. These can be found online, and I try to maintain a currant list on this site as well. Check the Special Services page. There are lots of good people out there who want to help you, so please take advantage of it.

Question:

“Why won’t you give shots?”

Answer:

I’m experienced in many aspects of animal care, and have, when necessary, given injections to my own animals. However, an injection is an intrusion into the body tissues. While the risks are very small and problems are rare, they do exist. That’s why, in every commercial for an injectable treatment that you have ever seen, like those Botox TV ads, the commercial narration always includes a list of everything that could possibly happen. In providing service to your pets, I try to eliminate anything that might pose even the smallest risk to their safety and comfort. I am uncomfortable giving an injection in a home environment. I prefer a medical professional to do it in a clinical setting. That way, if there should be any sort of complication, it can be immediately and effectively addressed. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience, but again, as in everything I do and every policy I have, this is for your pet’s welfare.

Question:

“Why do you ask if my female dog is in estrus? What difference does it make?”

Answer:

First of all, as your vet will tell you, spayed and neutered dogs are more healthy and live longer. According to studies I’ve seen, spayed dogs live, on average, about 26% longer than non-spayed dogs. So, now that I’ve made that little point…

I ask that question on the Intake form for two reasons. First, being in heat results in certain physical and behavioral changes in your little girl doggy. She can be uncomfortable and moody. So if I know, I can make additional arrangements prior to the service, and take special steps during service, to help relieve her stress and discomfort, to make her more physically and mentally comfortable. She’ll be happier and have a better experience during our time together. Secondly, if she is part of a group of dogs I’m sitting for, depending on the makeup of the group, her condition could create behavioral problems, or even conflict, within the group. If I judge the possible negative consequences, for both her and the other dogs, to be unacceptable, I may not be able to provide service for her until she comes out of estrus. This is simply an effort, as are all my other policies, to protect the welfare of all the pets I serve and make sure the experience is positive for both the pet and the client.

Question:

“Why can’t you pet sit for just my pet alone in my home?”

Answer:

Because it’s just impractical. If I were to stay in a client’s home and sit just for that pet, for an extended period (which basically amounts to house sitting), I could not provide other services to other clients. This would deprive other clients of the opportunity for service, which would be inconvenient for them and might cause them not to contact me for service in the future. It would also deprive me of the usual income sources I would normally have for that time period. So, unfortunately, I would have to charge an impractically large fee. I understand that there are sometimes circumstances that make it desirable or necessary for a client to require such an exclusive service, as when a dog is recovering from an injury or illness, or has some sort of issue that precludes group sitting, etc. I sympathize, but I am not set up for this type of service. I would suggest that you hire a qualified house sitter, who can also care for your pet. As time goes on, I am attempting to develop a contact list of such service providers, who I feel are qualified and competent, so that I can make recommendations when necessary. However, I am very particular about who I recommend, as my reputation will be on the line.

Question:

“Why do you charge mileage and what do you mean by a ‘starting location’?”

Answer:

I love animals. If you’ve read the About Me page, you know this. I love my job, working with animals. But it is a job. I try to keep my fees for services as low as possible. I’m not in this to get rich, but I need to make a living. I’m just a working guy. As anyone else who does a lot of driving for their job knows, the cost of gas and wear & tear on your car is significant. When those maintenance and repair bills come in, it can be expensive and painful. The mileage charge helps to mitigate that. I use the IRS-established mileage rate. And I only charge for the miles between the starting location and your home. The starting location is wherever I am when I head out directly to your home. It may be the previous client’s home, my home, the restaurant where I had lunch, or whatever. I try to organize my schedule each day so that I travel the shortest, most direct route and number of miles possible, for both your benefit and mine.

Question:

“You mention problems you look for when you do a care visit. Can you tell me if my pet has an illness or disease?”

Answer:

No, I cannot. I am not a veterinarian or any other type of animal medical professional. It’s simply that, over my many years of experience with animals, working with many professionals and seeing various symptoms that indicated various problems, I have come to recognize many conditions that could indicate some sort of medical problem. I mention this in order to let you know that, when I am with your animal, I’ll be aware of anything that doesn’t seem quite right. If I see something that concerns me, I’ll report it to you. This is not any sort of diagnosis. It is only meant to suggest that you might wish to have the pet seen by a veterinarian or other expert who can tell if there is a medical problem. Often, when we see our pets every day, we don’t notice conditions that may change slowly or subtly over time. Another person, like me, may notice something you didn’t. Perhaps, as I’m petting your cat, I feel a little bump under her skin that you didn’t notice. Perhaps, as I’m feeding your dog, I notice that his gums seem awfully white, and maybe he also seems sort of tired. Perhaps I notice during a visit/sit that your parrot has “sneezed” a couple times and there’s just a tiny bit of moisture around his nostrils. I’ll include the observation in my visit notes and tell you about it, just to alert you that you might want to check into it.

Question:

“You say that you keep a log of your pet care visits in my home. Why? And who is going to see it?”

Answer:

It’s for everybody’s benefit. To answer the last part of your question first, you and I are the only ones who are going to see the log, unless you specifically want someone else to see it, like your vet. I like to keep a record of what I did and if it seemed the pet reacted to it as expected, if it was happy or seemed somehow unhappy, how its eating and water intake seems, etc. I need to know if I’m doing things right or need to change something. When you look over your copy, you might notice something that you want me to change. As I’ve noted, one of the things I do is to be alert for any sign of any sort of medical/physical problem. The log will help you to see if there’s anything you think you should have checked. The log is an efficient way to make sure everybody knows what is going on, if it’s appropriate, if anything needs to be changed, if your pet seems happy and if your pet is exhibiting any signs of possible problems, so they can be addressed in a timely manner.

Question:

“Are there any animals for which you can’t provide services?”

Answer:

Unfortunately, yes. There are two reasons I may not be able to provide services to you.

1.) I am not qualified to do so, either because I’m not knowledgeable or physically able, or because I don’t have the proper facilities or materials to do so. One must recognize one’s limitations. For example, as I mentioned on the About Me page, I am not able to provide service for horses, for reasons that should be obvious. That goes for any other large livestock. I also cannot provide service to any animal with a serious, potentially life-threatening medical condition, which requires professional supervision by a medical or other specialty professional. You get the idea.

2.) It is too dangerous, posing a risk to the animal, other animals or me. I cannot provide service to a dog with a history of significantly dangerous behavior, such as biting, fighting or attacking. The same goes for any animal with a similar history of dangerous behavior. I can’t provide service for potentially dangerous wild/exotic animals such as large cats (ocelots, tigers, etc.), wolves or wolf hybrids, extremely large (over about eight-ten feet or 100+ pounds) constrictor snakes, etc. I can’t provide service for venomous snakes/animals (except for small invertebrates in secure enclosures). Again, you get the idea. There are partial lists of animals for which I cannot provide services on the Requirements for Arranging Services page and the Wild and Exotic Pets page. It is my hope to develop a list, for the Special Services page, of highly trained and qualified individuals/institutions, who can assist animal owners with modifying undesirable behaviors in pets and providing assistance for owners of problematic wild/exotic animals.