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| FAQ We cater to the timid rescues. We are comfortable with the bully breeds (or the hyper- active) and don't shy from anything. However, Safety is #1 for everyone involved. Q. What kinds of animals do you take care of? A. All animals, regardless of breed, species or age, provided that doing so would not compromise federal, state or local laws. I have bred fish, raised reefs, rehabilitated Iguanas, worked at Fairfax County Animal Shelter and know most exotic pets' needs, as well as Avian care, handling and training.
Q. Can you handle strong animals, and prevent a pet from getting free. A. We can do our Absolute Best! The stronger, the more difficult = the more interesting a client... is how we see it. For these, retractable leashes are not ok! Q. What services do you perform as a company? A. Whatever a Veterinarian tells you the owner to do at home, we can do for you, per the Virginia State Veterinary License Board's response to this inquiry.
Q. What about animals who are being "bad"? A. We do not believe in "bad" animals. We understand that each animal is speaking in it's own way and we aim to listen and work with these clues to better help them, not ourselves have an easier visit. That is not the point.
Q. What about 'jerking the leash' ? A. That is not ok for any animal for a variety of reasons. If you would like to take an anatomy course and find out why the neck is crucial to the body you can get the same information available to everyone. NO TRAINING SHOULD BE DONE BY COMPROMISING THE FRAGILE STRUCTURES OF THE NECK!!! If someone says, "this might look bad..." it probably is and you should never hear these words from any of us. If you do, call me @ 703-863-2067 and I'll have the person fired from our company that second.
Q. What are your hours? A. Pretty much 24 hours a day we will answer the phone. Mobile PDA's used. After hours visits are not the $10 charge. We charge double for evenings, weekends, and holidays as to keep our staff as free as possible to attend to clients already scheduled.
Q. Are you Licensed, "Bonded" and Insured? A. Yes, by the State of Virginia, and Fairfax County and State Farm Insurance, . We carry a million dollars insurance policy, x2, plus a Ryder policy for accidents. Dishonesty bonds are actually a bond that an insurance company gives the owners in case the employee plays in the companies' cookie jar, not the clients.
Q. Are there Oaths that you take? A. Absolutely, as the Owner/President of Veterinary Students, LLC, I personally have taken a oath to do my part for animals professionally and ethically and joined organizations below and - The Society Of Veterinary Behavior Technicians www.SVBT.org.
- Q. What about Employees?
- A. Every one under my company structure must take an in-house oath to be 100% honest, loyal, and dedicated to their clients. They have to prove their qualifications in order to join us, plus learn what we know, and then take a test!
- I'm not easy to convince. If they can't stand the sight of blood, they do not get the job. We are serious about everyone being on the ball and being prepared for everything: )
Standards of Business and Care: We are members of Veterinary Learning Systems, SVBT.org, Penn Foster University, and probably more, We adhere to all NAPPS and PSI standards which state: Conduct
To respect my fellow professional pet sitters and to treat employees, customers, and competitors with honesty and integrity;
To refrain from saying, writing, or doing anything which would defame my competitors or bring embarrassment or dishonor to the pet sitting industry;
To operate my pet sitting business in a professional manner and to enhance the pet sitting industry within the community.
Service
To deliver skillful, safe, compassionate care to all pets entrusted to my supervision;
To keep all client information confidential;
To safeguard the client's residence by taking all reasonable precautions.
Education
To learn as much as possible about my career as a professional pet sitter so that I can provide superior service to each client;
To support and encourage responsible pet ownership with my customers as well as my community;
To continually improve my knowledge of the pet sitting profession by participating in educational opportunities.
Legal
To comply with all local ordinances relating to the care and keeping of animals; and to obey all regulations, Federal, State, and local, which pertain to pet sitting businesses;
Not to promote a product or service in connection with NAPPS without the written consent of the Board of Directors of the Association. 
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Pet Sitters International (P.S.I.) states a professional pet sitter:
Is bonded and insured. Provides references.
Visits the client's home before the first pet-sitting assignment to meet the pets and get detailed information about their care. Shows a positive attitude during the initial meeting and seems comfortable and competent in dealing with animals.
Provides written literature describing services and stating fees. Is courteous, interested and well-informed.
Wants to learn as much as possible about the animals in his or her care. Has experience in caring for pets and is clearly mindful of their safety and well-being.
Exhibits courtesy and professionalism in all dealings with staff, customers and industry colleagues, so as to present the pet sitter and the pet-sitting industry positively. Keeps regular office hours and answers client inquiries and complaints promptly.
Has a veterinarian on-call for emergency service. Has a contingency plan for pet care in case of inclement weather or personal illness.
Conducts business with honesty and integrity and observes all federal, state and local laws pertaining to business operations and animal care. Takes precautions to make sure a client's absence from home is not detected because of any careless actions or disclosures by the sitter.
Calls to confirm or has the client call to confirm that the client has returned home. Provides initial and on-going training for its pet sitters.
Refrains from criticizing competitors. Provides a service-rating form for clients.
Carefully screens applicants for employment.
Again, we do not yet belong to NAPPS but are members of PSI and we do agree completely with their standards!
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