See below for FAQ's:
Alarm systems
Fuel surcharge
Holiday fees
Keys
How does Carolinas' Critter Sitters handle alarm systems?
We require clients to program our special code and password into their security system.
If a client doesn’t know how to add a number, no problem! Your security company wil help. Anytime you give a person access to your home, you should notify your security company anyway. This call takes about 2 minutes. The customer service team can walk you through adding a new code. By using our code, we don’t have to record your code ANYWHERE which is the safest and most secure way to do things.
Why are you charging a fuel surcharge? Isn't that cost built into the visit rate?
With the price of gas above $3.10 per gallon for regular unleaded, I regret that it has become necessary for us to charge a fuel surcharge of $0.50 per visit. The surcharge will be passed along directly to our pet sitters to help them with the burden of high fuel costs. I devised our rates with the following costs in mind:
• General Liability insurance
• Bond insurance
• Workers’ Compensation insurance
• Credit card processing fees
• Web site fees
• Other miscellaneous costs
• Pet sitter salaries
Our pet sitters are paid with travel costs in mind. This sudden and high increase in gas directly affects their ability to afford to put fuel in their vehicles.
Why do holiday fees apply to days other than the actual holidays?
Dates in which Carolinas' Critter Sitters Holiday Rates applyare derived from Federal Holidays plus Valentines’ Day. Rates are increased during these times due to the significant increase in the need for pet sitting. The holiday rates do not apply just to the individual day only. Several days before or after the actual holiday may also fall under our Holiday Policy. This policy is in place to compensate the pet sitters for the difficult schedules they take on as well as 'giving up' having a holiday of their own. Rate information is located in 3 places on the web site: 1. When you create your profile, the policies and procedures section that you scroll through in order for the check box to activate. 2. The blue box on the right of the page where you create an appointment. 3. This web site. Click on Fees and Services and scroll down to holidays.
Why does Carolinas' Critter Sitters require 2 keys? May I give you the code to my garage instead?
We require 2 copies of your house key during the initial consultation. A $3 charge will be applied if we have to make a copy for you. 2 keys are required in case of an emergency. For example, if your usual pet sitter gets into a car accident, the 2nd key is available for another pet sitter to care your critters.
We do not accept electronic entry options only. Should your home have a power failure, we will be unable to access it, therefore leaving your critters to fend for themselves.
Will my keys be returned after you care for our critters?
Absolutely! However, we do recommend that your key remain for the convenience of future pet sitting services and to enable online/telephone reservations, thus avoiding future key pick up appointments. Should you choose to have your key returned, a $10 key pick up/drop off charge will be applied to future visits.
