Can't I just book you before the initial 20-minute consultation?
No. This is when we can discuss any behavioural issues your pet may have, their quirks, habits and routines. You can also ask me questions and I can make sure I'll be comfortable staying in your home. This first step is essential.
Why do I have to pay 50% of booking fee upfront?
Clients sometimes cancel bookings at very late notice, leaving me without an income for that period. You will have peace of mind knowing that your booking is secure and nobody else can book me in. If your pets were going to kennels, you'd have to pay the full fee upfront. The deposit is non-refundable so please ensure you do actually want
a paid pet sitter. I've had people ring two days before a long sit to say their mum or friend will do it instead.
How do I cancel a booking?
Please call as soon as possible to let me know if you need to cancel.
What happens if Bexhill Pet Sitting cancel a booking?
That will only happen in extreme circumstances, such as ill health or a family emergency. A full refund will be given.
Do you work on Bank Holidays?
I only see my husband at weekends so usually not. I do make exceptions thought I may request that he joins me. There is an extra charge for Bank Holiday weekend bookings and summer holiday dates (this is my busiest time).
I need to go out early, can I book you before your official start time of 8.30am?
Yes, for a small fee I can be available earlier – just ask me really nicely.
Do you offer a discount for regular bookings?
No, I do not. You are placing your beloved pets and your home in my care, and that's an enormous responsibility. I have expenses such as petrol, car insurance, liability insurance, first aid training, pet treats, my meals when I’m on a sit and animal first aid kits. I also factor in the time it takes me to travel to and from a booking. I actually work for half the minimum wage per hour on average. I water plants (large gardens are subject to an extra fee), feed birds, take in deliveries and keep your pets and home safe and secure.
Do you know how to administer first aid to dogs?
Yes, I hold a certificate for Canine First Aid Care. I am not medically trained, though, so if your pet has severe health issues please disclose this at the time of enquiring, not at our one-to-one consultation. I promise to do my best if your pet needs emergency treatment, but I'm not a vet. I can administer medication, but that's as far as I go!
Are you insured and police checked, and do you have references?
Yes, I have full insurance and have been DBS checked. I have testimonials on my website, and a couple of references
I can email to you. Most of my new clients come from existing client recommendations.
Are there any pets you don’t look after?
Yes. I have a phobia of snakes so they’re a no-no, and I don’t look after large breed dogs as I am petite, have a long-term shoulder injury and am in recovery from cancer treatment, so can’t afford to be knocked over or pulled. I do not take on dogs who are aggressive to people or other animals, nor those that are permitted to repeatedly jump up at people. They may hurt me, a child or another dog.
How do I book your services?
Drop me an email at juliette@bexhillpetsitting.com letting me know your full name, address and postcode, and some information about your pet and the dates you'd like to book me for. I’ll send you a form to complete, and if I'm able to take the booking, I'll give you a quick call, then we'll meet you at your home for the 20-minute consultation. Please note that there is a fee of £10 for petrol and travel time for the consultation, redeemable against your first booking.
Is there anything else I need to know before contacting you?
Yes, and it's pretty important. I'm on immunosuppressants and in recovery from cancer treatment. My immune system is next to zero, so I have to be fastidious about hygiene. I can't deal with sticky kitchen cupboard doors, stinky fridges, dirty floors or dust. If you have any doubt that your home isn't really clean, please don't book me. The good news is that if you're sure it is clean, I'll keep it that way! A client once left dirty washing in the machine, dirty dishes in the sink, crumbs all over the floor and dirty sheets on my bed. I don't expect Buckingham Palace levels, but a good standard of cleanliness is essential and I reserve the right to charge a cleaning fee if have to clean upon arrival.