FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why should I use Happy Pet Care as my pet care provider?
Happy Pet Care offers a wide variety of services for many different types of animals. We pride ourselves on being reliable, trustworthy, loving, and flexible, providing both pets and owners with the best service possible. We are also certified in Pet First Aid and CPR by the American Red Cross. We make it our goal to provide your pet with a safe, healthy, balanced, and of course, happy life!
Where does Happy Pet Care provide services?
Happy Pet Care covers Allston/Brighton, Brookline, Chestnut Hill, Fenway/Kenmore, and Newton Corner, MA.
Will my pet be walked or visited by the same person every day?
Yes, we make every effort to have the same person walk or visit your pet every day. In our experience, pets respond very well to consistency. Your pet will quickly form a lasting bond of trust, love, and respect with their special caretaker at Happy Pet Care. We do have other employees available as back up in the event that your usual caretaker is unavailable due to illness or time off.
Will I be able to get confirmation that someone came by to take care of my pet?
Yes, we will always leave you a detailed note after every walk, visit, or stay. The note will include the date and time of the service, as well as other insight into your pet’s service. You can also feel free to check in with us via phone, text, or email if you are concerned about your pet in your absence.
Is Happy Pet Care insured and bonded?
Yes, Happy Pet Care is fully insured and bonded. Our general liability insurance protects your pet, and the bond protects you and your home. We are also members of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International.
How much experience does Happy Pet Care have caring for animals?
Happy Pet Care was founded in August of 2007, and owner, Mary Meagher, has over 20 years of professional pet care experience. She is joined by a team of conscientious and dedicated pet care providers, many of whom have worked at Happy Pet Care for many years. Happy Pet Care has looked after dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, and reptiles of all shapes and sizes, and hope to care for your special animal companion.
Do you have references?
Yes, we feature customer testimonials on our website, and have company review pages on Google+, Facebook, and Yelp.com. We can also provide additional references upon request.
How much time are you going to spend with my pet?
We offer a variety of services, many with several choices of walk or activity length. Please visit our Services page to view detailed descriptions of every service we offer, and the options within each service type.
Can you visit my pet more than once a day?
Yes, we can visit your dog up to 3 times a day, and your cat or small animal up to 2 times a day. When multiple visits are needed, we ask that you give us at least a 2-hour timeframe in which the visit can take place.
Can I change my pet’s services and/or the days and times they take place?
Yes, we make it a priority to be flexible, and provide the services that are best for both you and your pet. You can change your pet’s services according to his/her development and maturity, or even the time of the year and weather conditions. We can also adjust the time and frequency of services to match a switch in work responsibilities or a rotating schedule.
Do you offer dog boarding?
Yes, we offer dog boarding to our dog walking and doggie daycare clients. We most commonly board dogs in the homes of our employees (please visit our Services page to see what a day of boarding entails). On a limited basis, we also offer “in-home” boarding for dogs who need to stay at their own home for medical or behavioral reasons. We do NOT offer cat or small animal boarding. Please try to book your dog’s boarding reservation well in advance, especially over holidays, as those are our busiest times of year.
Do we have to meet in order to begin service?
Yes, we like to meet pets and their owners before starting service, but it is not mandatory to schedule services. In-person or virtual meetings give everyone an opportunity to get acquainted, and discuss the specific needs of your pet. It also gives us an opportunity to review our policies and procedures with the client, so they understand how we operate, and what to expect from us as pet care providers.
Does my pet need to be vaccinated and licensed?
Yes, we require that all pets be fully vaccinated and licensed. We understand that young or “new-to-you” pets may not always be fully vaccinated before you need to start our services. In such cases, we will walk dogs individually and keep other animals indoors, limiting their contact with others, until they have completed their full round of vaccinations.
Does my pet need to be spayed or neutered?
No, your pet is not required to be spayed or neutered for dog walking, or cat and small animal visits. However, we do require it for doggie daycare and dog boarding. Spaying and neutering is an important step in providing your pet with a healthy and balanced life, and can greatly improve a pet’s behavior. We encourage everyone to spay or neuter their animal companion.
Do you offer services on holidays, and are there any additional costs?
Yes, we provide pet care service 365 days a year. On the following major holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, all services must be requested in advance, as all regularly scheduled dog walks and activities are cancelled. There is also an additional holiday fee on the aforementioned holidays.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes, we have a cancellation policy. You can cancel scheduled services before we depart for your home. If we come to your home to find no pet, or are told that service is no longer needed, then you will be charged a flat No Show Fee of $10.
