FAQS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: My dog is crated, but he just needs to be let out and fed twice a day. Is this something you can do?
A: NO. We require a minimum of 4 visits per day for dogs that are crated. The reason for this is that dogs that are crated for extended periods of time may become anxious, potentially destructive and risk developing bladder infections from having to "hold it" too long. Would you want to be in a box with just enough room to stand up and turn around for extended periods of time, potentially several days in a row?
Q: We have a keyless entry, why do you need keys?
A: We ask for 2 keys even with keyless entry systems. Keyless entry systems have failed and without an actual key, we would not have been able to enter the home to care for the pets. One of the keys is with the primary sitter assigned to your pet(s). The other key is kept in a secure location to be used in the event of an emergency in which the primary sitter is unable to make a scheduled visit. If you only have one key, we can have another key made at your expense. If you do not want to have a key kept on file, you can purchase a keybox and provide us with the code to retrieve the key.
Q: My cat is very self sufficient. Can you visit every other day to scoop the litterbox and give her fresh water and food?
A: NO. Cats can get into trouble quickly. If a cat turns over a water dish, he or she can become dehydrated quickly leading to a health emergency. Auto feeders can malfunction and a hungry cat may eat something that can make him or her sick. If a litterbox is too dirty, a cat may take to using the bathroom in other places - like your bed! Daily visits also give the sitter a chance to make sure nothing in the home has malfunctioned (heater, a/c, refrigerator, freezer, etc.).
Q: Will you leave my keys under the doormat at your last visit?
A: NO. For security reasons, keys will not be left under a doormat, in a potted plant, with a neighbor, etc. If you would like keys returned, a time will be scheduled to hand them off in person (to the client) for a fee. If you would like to avoid fees, you can pick up your keys from a locked keybox at our home office. If you do not want keys kept on file, you can purchase a keybox and provide us with the code to retrieve the key.
Q: I only need you to come in once a day while we are on vacation. My neighbor will be checking in throughout the day. Will you let her know what time you will be here?
A: NO. We do not share jobs with anyone not employed by Ruff Life Pet Sitting due to issues of liability. If anything were to happen to your pet or your home, it could turn into a "he said / she said" situation. All of our pet sitters have been trained, have passed background checks and are covered by insurance - is your neighbor? If we do notice someone else is entering the home and/or caring for the pets between our visits, service will be terminated immediately.
Q: I just need you to come let my dogs out in the morning and put them in the house at night. They stay outside during the day.
A: We will NOT leave dogs outside unattended. There are many reasons we do not leave dogs outside - here are a few. Texas heat, pop up storms, snakes, thieves, dogs dig out, dogs get stuck, dogs get bored and may find themselves in a potentially deadly situation - did I mention heat and snakes???
Q: Would you mind putting out our trash bins and bringing them back inside the garage (or in the side / back yard) after pick up?
A: NO PROBLEM! We will be happy to take care of the trash bins. If there will be cars in the driveway or garage that are parked too close together or too close to where the bins need to be placed, we will not risk damaging a vehicle to put the bins away. We will get them away from the street, but will not risk damage to vehicles. If you lock the gate to your backyard, please make sure that it is unlocked for us to put away the bins.
Q: I live in an apartment. Do you do apartment visits?
A: YES! We are happy to visit pets who live in apartment complexes. We do require 2 keys (even if electronic type keys) and will need at least one gate fob if one is needed to access the property. We WILL NOT "wait and follow someone through" and we WILL NOT rely on a phone to be dialed so that we can be buzzed in. This is subject to fail and cause delays for other pets on the schedule.
Q: I noticed you only visit homes where no one smokes inside. I smoke on my patio - will you make an exception?
A: If you smoke in your garage or on a patio with the door to your home open, we will not make an exception. We will be happy to recommend another service for you (many pet sitters will visit homes of smokers). We have clients who smoke outside and keep the doors to the homes closed, therefore the residual odor does not have the same negative effect on staff. We are not judging anyone as we all have vices, we are just protective of the health of our employees.