Below, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions.  Have other questions?  Please contact us and we'll gladly answer any questions you may still have.

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." - Anatole France

About Your Pet at Home

Does Your Pet at Home check their pet sitter's criminal background?

Yes! All of our professional pet sitters' criminal backgrounds are screened by Sterling Infosystems, a leading private provider of background screening services.  A clear background is mandatory!  This service is offered to Your Pet at Home as a member of Pet Sitters International (PSI).  Click here to see how the criminal background checks are conducted and what the results mean.

We do not post background checks due to the sensitive information that they contain, but we provide proof during our Meet and Greet Consultations and can also email the summary report to you.

Does Your Pet at Home possess liability insurance and dishonesty bonding?

Of course, we're professionals! We have coverage through Pet Sitters Associates that includes the broadened property damage coverage and bond to cover any damage to personal property of the pet owner.  You can review our coverage on their website.

How do I know Your Pet at Home is a reputable service?

This is a very good question and we wouldn't ask you to take our word for it.  We have many satisfied clients who are happy to provide us a personal reference.  We're reliable and passionate pet lovers, and our clients are our best promoters.  Should you like to speak with some, please don't hesitate to ask us.  We're delighted to have such complimentary words spoken on our behalf, as that means a job well done to us.  Out of respect for our clients, we do not post their information online, but can easily provide it to you via email or over the phone.

In addition to our references, we're starting to grow our online presence and have received some online reviews on Facebook and Yelp!  Please be sure to read what other pet owners in the St. Petersburg area have to say about Your Pet at Home!

How long has Your Pet at Home been in business?

Your Pet at Home was originally established in 2014 as a full time operation and local Florida LLC business (YPAH, LLC) here in St. Petersburg, FL.  It was founded by Shawn.  Prior to the birth of Your Pet at Home, Shawn had been performing his pet sitting services part-time to friends and acquaintances since relocating to the area in 2012.  But Shawn has been providing his pet sitting services since 1995 when he launched his first full-time in-home pet care business in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland.  With almost 20 years of experience, Shawn has a wealth of pet care knowledge! Stemming from volunteering at the Baltimore Zoo, serving as an Animal Handler providing care and adoption services for the shelter animals operated by Howard County Police Department's Animal Control division, and rescuing his own furry family from area shelters. All the while, also providing personal and reliable care for countless clients over the years.

In 2015, Who Let My Dogs Out?, LLC purchased YPAH, LLC to create Your Pet at Home by Who Let My Dogs Out?, LLC. Shawn remains part of the pet sitting team, but Who Let My Dogs Out?, LLC also added its team of pet sitters, who have numerous combined years of experience working with animals.

Is Your Pet at Home by Who Let My Dogs Out?, LLC a franchise?

Absolutely not! We are a local St. Petersburg, FL business based and operating here amongst the eclectic neighborhoods that our pet sitters call home. Your Pet at Home was born here in St. Petersburg, FL and it continues to be the community where we thrive and focus our operations.

Billing

How do I pay an invoice online?

You are able to pay your invoices online conveniently using the Your Pet At Home Pet Sitting payment page.

  • You can pay your invoices directly from the invoice. Use the  button at the bottom of your printable invoices that will bring you to the Payments page. You must login to access this page. From the Payments page, you can pay multiple options at once, make partial payments, and add gratuity to payments.  All payments are final.

How do I provide payment for your services?

Ivoices are created on the 1st and the 15th of every month, and they are sent to your email address.  You may pay for the service via a check or cash, or via your online account via Visa, MasterCard and Discover.  All payments are final.

What methods of payment do you accept?

We currently accept payment in the forms of cash, check and credit card.  We do prefer that you pay with credit card, but will accept whichever is preferred and convenient for you. You can pay your invoices with Visa, MasterCard or Discover through your online account.  All payments are final.  We do reserve the right to impose a $35 service charge on any returned checks.

Online Account

Do you have any documentation to assist me with my online account?

Absolutely!  You can visit our client manual for assistance with common features in your account.

What is Your Pet at Home's PRIVACY POLICY?

We do not solicit our client information to any third parties, with the exception of any credit card transactions processed through our website.  Credit card information is stored on our secured server only if the client explicitly agrees to save their card on file for payment of future services.

Why do I need an online account?

By creating your online account, you are securely sharing very important information with us that will help us provide you and your pet the best care. We strive to be as paperless as possible, so by creating your online account and pet profiles, it allows us to efficiently provide our services to you. In addition, you can access pet journals from our visits, book your service needs through our online scheduler and also pay your invoices using Visa, Mastercard or DIscover. It's a very convenient way to connect with Your Pet at Home!

Pet Care

Is my pet ready for a pet sitter?

Most pets prefer their own surroundings and routines.  But while some pets don't fare well in a kennel environment, some pets don't do well with pet sitting during the idle time between visits.  If your pet is prone to destructive behavior or separation anxiety, pet sitting may not be the right choice for you, but certainly feel free to call us and discuss your options.

What if my pet gets sick while I am away?

Not to worry, we will immediately take your pet to your vet or any available pet ER.  We will also be in touch to inform you of the situation and provide updates.  Your pet’s care is of upmost importance, but please be aware that this is an additional service that we provide to you and your pet.

What time do you conduct your visits?

We generally group our visits into three time blocks based on your location and your pet's needs:

  • Morning visits are from 7am – 10am
  • Mid-day visits are from 10am – 2pm
  • Evening visits are from 4pm – 8pm

Depending upon the service(s) that you book and your normal pet care routine, we will strive to visit your pet each day during one of these time slots.  We also provide two overnight stay options:

  • Arrive around 7pm, leave around 7am
  • Arrive around 9pm, leave around 7am

For our overnight stay clients, should your pet benefit from it, we can also return for a mid-day dog walk.

What types of animals do you care for?

Generally we care for well behaved dogs, cats, caged pets, small birds, and a few exotics. Sadly reptiles are not our forte and we'd never accept a booking for an animal we are not comfortable providing care. Between your first call to us or during our initial consultation, we'll let you know based on pet behavior or routine if the opportunity to care for your pet is not a mutual good fit.

Will my pet get the same pet sitter each visit?

You'll be assigned a primary pet sitter to ensure consistency; however at the same time, a backup pet sitter is always available to step in should your primary pet sitter become unavailable due to illness and emergencies.  With your online account and pet profile, we have access to your information and can easily become acquainted with your pet and ensure we always provide consistent service to you and your pet.

Policies & Procedures

Do you require a minimum number of visits per day?

Dogs require at least two visits per day.  However, three visits are recommended.  While we strive to see your pet on an exact schedule each day, we cannot guarantee it.  Cats and other small pets require a visit at least once in a 48 hour period, but we're more comfortable with seeing your pet and inspecting your home at least once a day.  We will not accept visit requests that span longer than 48 hours.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans change. In the event that you need to cancel your service with Your Pet at Home, we ask for the following consideration due to the scheduling commitment made for you and your pet:

  • Less than 24 hours, 100% due of visits scheduled for next 48 hours
  • Within 48 hours, 50% due of visits scheduled for next 48 hours
  • Over 48 hours, 25% due of visits scheduled for initial 24 hours

What is Your Pet at Home's PRIVACY POLICY?

We do not share our client information with any third parties, with the exception of any credit card transactions processed through our website.  Credit card information is stored on our secured server only if the client explicitly agrees to save their card on file for payment of future services.  If the client does not agree to this, then the card details are passed through to our credit card processor, Authorize.net, and then discarded. 

Why do we need a complimentary Meet and Greet consultation?

This is our opportunity to meet and learn all about how we can care for your pet.  This visit is complimentary, and is our pleasure to ensure you that your furry loved one will be in caring and capable hands.  During this visit, we'll want to learn all about the care you provide for your pet so we can be sure to maintain the consistency.  Please be ready to show us around your home while we note your routine and location of items.  Also, let us know how we can provide security to your home in regards to alternating lighting, changing the blinds as well as collecting papers and mail.  We're also happy to water interior and exterior plants while we visit.  Please just let us know!

Why do you request two keys and are they kept secure?

We like to be prepared! At all times, one key is locked in our safe as an absolute back-up. The other key is what we use for our regular visits. Mistakes can happen and a lockout could occur, but in that event, we don’t want that to impact your pet. Your keys are kept independently secure in two safes, and the only identifying mark is our unique numeric coding system. We never label your key with your name or address and will remove any labeling if it appears on your provided key ring.

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