Pet Sitting and Pet Services FAQs

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ page). Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions visitors to this our Web site may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please E-mail us using our contact page or call us at 608.316.2021.

Q: Why do you require an initial consultation?

A: To allow the pet sitter and your pets to meet and to allow us to review the details involved in caring for your pet(s).  During the initial visit, we will ask you to show us where your pet supplies are stored and where your pet(s) sleep and eat.  We will also request at that time 2 access keys to your home and for emergency contact information.  You will also be asked to sign instruction and consent forms.

Q: I'm very nervous giving my key out and having an outsider take care of my pet(s).  Can you provide references?

A: We will always provide references to you at the initial consultation.  If you wish to contact our references prior to your initial consultation, just ask. We will be happy to e-mail you our list of references so that you may do so.

Q: My dog does not like walking on a leash. Do you walk dogs off-leash?

A: We will only allow a dog to be off-leash outside in a fenced yard while supervised or in a Madison area off-leash dog park. We cannot allow dogs off-leash under any other circumstances.  This is to insure the safety of the pet sitter and your dog.  If you choose to have your dog taken to Madison area dog parks, the dog must have a current dog park permit tag attached to his/her collar.

Q: What about overnight visits?

A:   Gotta Go Out does not provide overnight service at this time due to the lack of availability of pet sitters. Most clients find that 3 - 4 visits per day keeps their pets happy, well-fed, and healthy while they are away. The average overnight fee most bonded and insured pet sitters charge is $65 per night and still requires an additional daytime visit for dogs to go out. Therefore 3 - 4 visits assures that your dog gets enough potty breaks and attention at a reasonable rate.

Q: Is Gotta Go Out bonded and insured?

A: Yes. We are bonded and insured through the Business Insurers of the Carolinas.

Q: What type of payments do you take?

A: We accept cash, checks, and credit card payments using Paypal invoices.  You do not need to have a paypal account, but we do add 2% to your invoice for credit card payments to offset the processing charges.

Q: Why do you need two sets of keys to my house?

A: Our Key Policy, which you will be asked to sign at the initial consultation, details how your keys are to be kept by Gotta Go Out.  In short, the second key is a backup copy.  Your key are never identified by your address, name, pet's name, etc.  All client files are kept separate from keys. Our liability insurance covers lock replacement in the case of a lost key - but we hope to never need it!

Q: What if my flight home is delayed? How will you know I have returned home?

A: Gotta Go Out requests that all of our clients call our office when they return home, regardless of the time of day. If we do not get a message from you telling us that you have returned home, we will continue to care for your pet(s) as needed and additional charges will apply.  We do this to assure that your pet(s) are taken care of until you return.

Q: Do you discipline pets?

A: We only use positive reinforcement for pets. Your pet will never be hit, grabbed, yelled at, or spanked by Gotta Go Out pet sitters. We will ask questions at the initial visit regarding words your pet knows and implement only your suggested disciplinary actions.

Q: Is Gotta Go Out well versed in the care of my exotic animal?

A: Gotta Go Out pet sitters are accredited by Pet Sitters International in the care of all companion animals including exotics. Tami has owned and cared for many exotic animals herself including turtles, lizards, parrots, and rabbits. We reserve the right to refuse services to any pet that we do not have experience with or feel that we cannot care for properly.

Q: My pet is older and has health issues. Is Gotta Go Out available to administer my pets medications and deal with my pets needs?

A: Gotta Go Out is experienced when it comes to dealing with geriatric pets, diabetic pets, medicating pets, and even pet hospice.  We can administer injected or oral medications. We will review your pet's needs at our initial visit and will make sure your pet receives his/her medication on schedule.