BARKSIDE BAY
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Common Inquiries
Q. WHAT IS A DROP IN VISIT?
A. A drop in visit is an alternative for traditional dog daycare centers or boarding kennels. We will come to your home to visit your pet, where they are most comfortable; while you are at work, on vacation, or busy with other life events. Drop in visits are structured on the specific needs and preferences of your pet making them the desired choice for you and your pet.
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Customized drop-in visits will include: potty breaks, replenishing water, scooping of the litter box, and lots of snuggles and playtime! We also can include feeding and medication administration at no additional cost. A short walk may be included during the visit depending on your pet.
Q. WHY SHOULD I USE A PET SITTER?
A. Your pet gets to remain in their familiar, secure environment, following their daily routine. They are not exposed to illness or risk being injured by another animal. Most importantly, your pet receives lots of love and personal attention while you are away. We are also certified in Pet CPR and First Aid.
Q. HOW MANY TIMES A DAY SHOULD I SCHEDULE A DROP IN VISIT WHILE I AM ON VACATION?
A. This is completely up to you and your pet's needs! Feel free to discuss this with us to customize the right schedule for your pet.
Q. CAN I HIRE YOU TO STAY AT MY HOME ALL DAY OR OVERNIGHT?
A. No. At this time, Barkside Bay does not offer a service where we stay overnight in your home or during the day.
Q. HOW OFTEN WILL I GET AN UPDATE ON MY DOG WHILE I AM AWAY?
A. After each visit, you will receive AT LEAST one photo and an update on each of your pets. This applies to not only drop-in visits, but to all of our services!
Q. IF MY PET BECOMES ILL WHILE I AM AWAY, CAN YOU TAKE THEM TO THE VET?
A. Yes! Your pet's health and safety is our priority. After you schedule a Meet and Greet, we will send you our Emergency Authorization Form.
Q. CAN YOU BRING IN PACKAGES AND MAIL?
A. Of course! We can also rotate the blinds and lights and water any plants at no additional charge.
Q. WHAT IF MY TRIP RUNS LONG OR MY FLIGHT IS DELAYED?
A. We always keep a few open slots in our schedule in the situation that your trip runs long or you would like to add an extra day to your vacation. Please keep in contact with us and we will make sure your pets are covered.
Q. DO I GET TO MEET YOU BEOFRE ANY SERVICE?
A. Yes! All services require a Meet and Greet beforehand.
Q. WHAT HAPPENS AT THE MEET AND GREET?
A. Most importantly, we meet you and your pets. We go through a checklist that can includes items such as: food & water dish location, meal instructions, medical concerns and medication instructions, your pet's favorite things, plant watering instructions, going over your pet's usual routine, leash and collar location, and any other details concerning your bookings. We will also confirm that you have filled out our Service Contract and Emergency Authorization Form.
Q. CAN YOU COME AT THE EXACT TIME I SPECIFY?
A. We wish animals were that predictable! We offer flexible windows instead of specific times. We will arrive somewhere during that window to complete the service.
Q. MAY I GIVE MY PET SITTER/DOG WALKER A GRATUITY?
A. Although not necessary, we appreciate it!
Q. HOW WILL MY KEY BE STORED OR RETURNED?
A. Your keys will be stored with safety in mind. Keys will be labeled with non-identifiable information.
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Although we can keep your keys safely, we highly recommend utilizing a lock box or supplying us with your garage door/keypad code instead.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?
A. In order to best serve our clients, the strict cancellation policy is as follows:
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Drop-In Visits:
Multi-Day Drop-in Visits must be cancelled within 4 days of the start date. If they are cancelled after that window, 100% of the total service price is charged. Single Day Drop-In Visits must be cancelled within 48 hours of the start time. If it is cancelled after that window, 100% of the total service price is charged.
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Walks/Trail Explorations:
Walks and Trail Explorations must be cancelled within 48 hours of the start time. If either is cancelled after that window, 100% of the total service price is charged.
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All other services:
All other services must be cancelled within 24 hours of the start time. If either is cancelled after that window, 100% of the total service price is charged.
Q. WHAT KIND OF ANIMALS DO YOU CARE FOR?
A. Although our focus is with dogs and cats, we also care for most other animals as long as they do not pose a safety risk.
Q. WHAT HAPPENS IN SEVERE WEATHER?
A. Barkside Bay requests an emergency contact, preferably a neighbor or someone who lives close. If we are not physically able to reach your home due to impassable roads, we will contact both you and your emergency contact. Your pet's health and well-being is our upmost concern and we will contact you as soon as possible to keep you informed of these events.
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As for Walks and Trail Explorations, we walk and hike in all weather conditions as long as we can safely do so! Barkside Bay does reserve the right to cancel due to severe weather.
Q. DO YOU OFFER A NEWSLETTER OR SOICAL MEDIA SO I CAN STAY UP TO DATE ON YOUR SERVCIES AND AVAILABILITY?
A. Yes! We would love to stay connected. Feel free to "like" us on Facebook and "follow" us on Instagram. You will be the first to hear of new offerings, see photos of pets having fun, and maybe even find a coupon or two!
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