top of page






Joy Russell's Pet Sitting, Pet Walking, Vacation/Travel Visits

FAQ

What animals do you care for?

We can care for dogs, cats, small animals (birds, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs,

miniature pigs, etc). We can also care for large birds and exotics. Any and all farm animals. 

Will you come to meet me and my animals before pet sitting begins?

Absolutely! After you make your first reservation we will set up a time to meet you and your animals, go over all the details of caring for your home and pets while you're away, and answer any questions you may have.

Can you give medications to my pets?

Yes I am skilled in giving medications as needed. I can give oral, liquid, and topical

medications, as well as injections (such as insulin). But I am not a vet. I will not be

responsible if your animal has a allergic reaction to a medication or the blood sugar

level drops low and causes complications and I can not get to the hospital right away.

It is not Bark Around Towns fault the vets do not have after hours. I will do the very

best I possibly can. 

How do you handle my keys?

 I ask for two keys from each client. One stays with pet sitter, an the second stays

in my locked safe. That way should something ever happen to the pet sitter for any

reason, we have a backup key and backup sitter who will make sure your animal

receives all scheduled care. Most clients choose to leave their keys on file with us.

That is your decision.

When is payment due, and what forms of payment do you accept?

Payment is due before your trip. You may leave a check on the day the service

begins. I except cash or check. If you do not leave a check. Payment will be expected within 10 days of your return date. I prefer payment at the time of your departure.

What happens if my trips last longer than expected?

I will continue to care for your animals until we have confirmed that you are

home, and we will bill you for the extra visits when you have returned. If

you are able, please call us to let us know of your delays or changes of

plans as son as possible.

What happens if I come home early from my trip?

I fill that time slot with your request. If you return earlier at no fault of

mine you will not be refunded any money. We do not over book to ensure your animals

are given the attention that they deserve. 

How will you know that I returned home safely from my trip?

I require a phone call or text message letting me know that you

returned home safely from your trip. 

How can I be sure you'll remember my visits?

We take many steps to insure that the visits you've scheduled get done. First, you

will receive a confirmation of your visits 4-5 days before you leave, so you know that

we have you on the schedule. Also we will touch base with you the day before you

are scheduled to leave for your trip. 

What happens if my pet becomes ill when I am out of town?

I will take the pet to the vets at the first available appointment I can get with your vet.

If your vet is not available I will take it to a hospital. You will be financially responsible

for costs to the vets or hospital along with a separate fee from Bark Around Town for

taking your animal. separate rates apply. 

What happens if a problem arises in my home with water lines, furnace, ect....?

Bark Around Town will try and contact you. If you are not available for contact you need

to either give us instruction before you leave. Or have another emergency contact for

which can be contacted to handled the problem. If it is left up to Bark Around Town to

handle the situation we will do so but at no cost of ours. You will be financially responsible

for the entire bill. 

What happens if it snows when I am out of town?

Bark Around Town is a pet sitting service. We would prefer you have arrangements to have your driveway or lane plowed. If we are unable to get to your animals and we have

to shovel your driveway or have it plowed you will be financially responsible for the bill.

While you are away people who have access to your home

It must be brought to my attention if while you are away there would be someone else accessing your home other then ourselves.

Emergency vet visits while you are away

Before leaving for your trip you must leave written content on your counter giving me permission to vet your animal if a medical issue would arise. If I can reach you I will make contact with you before taking your pet. If your vet does not have emergency hours and it would fall during those hours we would transfer to Metzger’s Animal Hospital in State College. You would be responsible for all costs. A plan needs to be in place prior to you leaving. Just like us health emergencies come upon us very quickly.

Contract

You will be required to sign a contract it protects you and myself.

Aggression between animals.

You as the pet owner is responsible for the information to be given at the time of consultation. If the information is not given and there is a problem in the home Bark Around Town is not and will not be responsible. 

Fencing

You the home owner is responsible to make sure the fencing is secure and the dogs or any animal can not exit the fencing. If the area is not secure and Bark Around Town has to secure the area you the home owner will be responsible for all costs. 

Safety of your pets


If you do not have a fenced in yard it is your responsibility to make sure you have proper collars or harness or your dogs for walking and there safety. If you choose not to ensure the proper sizes and they are loose and your animal is able to get out of them that will not be the fault of us.


I will also do my part in making sure they are safe. We do not take dogs out without being on leashes if there is not a fenced in yard.  

Alarm Systems


If there is a alarm system in the home I miUst be notified. If there would be a malfunction you must have the proper protocols in place while you are away.

NOTE If you are needing to use your alarm system as a babysitter for our services this is not the correct avenue for you. At anytime I find out you have cameras in rooms that would be a invasion of privacy when asking for a overnight service the business relationship will end immediately. If at anytime I find out you are recording voices the business relationship will end immediately.


I welcome home security systems but I will not tolerate invasion of our privacy in any manner. Camera’s in any room that a employee is ask to sleep in must be brought directly to my attention.


KEEP IN MIND IF YOU ARE ASKING BARK AROUND TOWN TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR HOME AND YOUR BELONGINGS IN YOUR HOME THEN MAKE SURE WHILE YOU ARE AWAY THAT WE ARE THE ONLY ONES ACCESSING YOUR HOME OR TO HAVE KEYS TO YOUR HOME. IF ANYONE ELSE HAS ACCESS OR KEYS WHILE YOU ARE AWAY BARK AROUND TOWN WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE IN ANY WAY. 

bottom of page