FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between boarding and pet sitting?
A: Boarding is when you take your pet to a kennel or other facility and they stay with a bunch of other animals. With pet sitting, a sitter comes to your house and cares for your pets in the comfort of their own home. It’s generally less stressful for your pets, and they aren’t exposed to possible illness from other animals. We do not board pets.
Q: Why do you ask for two keys?
A: We have yet to lose a client’s key, but accidents do happen. Also, we’ve encountered issue with keys, such as a key breaking off in the door’s lock. We like to test the keys at the Meet & Greet to make sure they work, and that we can open the lock. Some of the locks in old New Orleans doors can be tricky! And please, no key chains.
Q: Why do you like to hold keys between appointments?
A: Sometimes a last minute trip is a must. If we have your keys then you don’t have to worry about getting them to us. We aren’t comfortable with keys left under doormats or other hiding spots. If you forget to hide them, we can’t get in. If we leave a key inside on our last visit and your return is delayed, we are not able to get back in to care for your pet. Plus, if you lock yourself out, we can come let you in for $25-cheaper than a locksmith!
Q: How do I know my keys are secure?
A: During a sit, keys are worn around our neck on a lanyard for the whole sit. This way, we can’t set the key down and get locked out of the house. Dog walking keys are secured to the end of a chain hooked to our belt loop. Only the keys we need for any given day are on us. One set of your keys is labeled with your pet’s name, in a locked key box. The other is in a lock box in a separate, hidden location. No keys are labeled with your name or address.
Q: Do you pick up my dog’s waste when you are walking?
A: Yes, we do. We will use the bags you provide but if you run out, we always carry extras.
Q: What is your privacy policy?
A: Petit Pet Care, LLC will safeguard the confidentiality and security of the information we obtain from you. We are committed to protecting your privacy. We use the information we collect for the purpose of your pets’ visits. This notice describes our privacy policy as it relates to the collection, protection and disclosure of such information resulting from financial transactions and client registrations and profiles. The information you provide will be stored in a confidential manner.
RESOURCES
Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (LA/SPCA)
Not just a good place to adopt a pet, their web site is chock full of excellent information for pet owners.
They also offer classes, including the Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR class that I took, obedience classes and more and have a low-cost community animal clinic. la-spca.org
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline: 1-888-426-4435 A fee may apply.
If you are looking for a new friend, Pet Finder has a list of animals for adoption from local and national shelters, as well as pet care tips.
The Animal Rescue Site click the button daily on this web site to help homeless animals.
The Spruce Pets web site has information on all sorts of topics including dogs.about.com, cats.about.com and exoticpets.about.com.
For grooming and boarding, I highly recommend Zeus’ Place. I worked there and can vouch for the high quality of care they provide.
Uptown location: zeusplace.com
Downtown location: zeusplacedowntown.com
They also rescue and adopt out dogs, cats, kittens and puppies. zeusrescues.com
DOG PARKS
City Bark (Requires membership)
(504) 483-9377
30 Zachary Taylor Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 in City Park
nolacitybark.org
Wisner Dog Run (Official city dog run, free)
4877 Laurel Street, New Orleans, LA 70115
Crescent Park Dog Run (Official city dog park, free)
Charters Street in the Bywater, between the Piety Street Ramp and the Mazant Street Ramp.
The Dog House (Requires Membership for your dog)
2736 Banks St.
A dog friendly bar and restaurant with an off leash dog park attached (park requires membership).