FAQ
More than 20 years of experience working with small animals. As well as, working in Veterinarian clinics and continuing small animal & business education courses.
I am a Professional Pet Sitter not a Hobby Pet Sitter or kid next door --- I do this full time therefore I am able to provide services throughout the day without worrying about other job commitments, children, etc. I run a legitimate small business. I am Licensed, Insured, Bonded, & CPR/1st aid certified. I have a professional website and social media platforms as well.
My time is valuable like any other worker.
I provide a professional pet sitting software called Time To Pet. This includes a full in depth questionnaire about your pet(s) health, routine, behavior, etc. It also provides invoicing, service confirmation emails, private conversations between me and the client to keep you up to date on your pet and ask questions, and more!
All depending on what service you are requesting. Dog walking, feeding/replenishing water bowl(s), clean ups, administering medications, play/exercise, TLC, retrieving mail, light plant watering, rotating window treatments/lights to give a lived in look while you're away, making sure home is okay, and more!
A lot goes into each and every visit I do for my clients.
Remember the value a Professional Pet Sitter brings to their service, because you don't know the price they've paid to offer it to you
a. Vacation/Day trips: Clients are welcome to cancel services up to 48 hours prior to the first visit at no charge, anything after will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
b. Ongoing Weekly or Monthly Dog Walks or Check in Visits (M-F): Clients are welcome to cancel service by 8PM the evening before at no charge, anything after will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
c. Holidays: Cancellations made within 14 days will incur a 25% cancellation fee. Cancellations made with 7 days will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
As a dedicated pet sitter and business owner, I have a strict no overbooking policy. This means I often have to turn away other clients once I've confirmed a clients booking. When cancellations happen at the last minute, it's usually too late for me to offer those time slots to other clients who might have needed my services. While I understand that unexpected situations arise, frequent cancellations make it challenging for me to accommodate your future service request.
As of 2024, High Five Paws proudly serves St. James and the surrounding neighborhoods in Southport, and Oak Island.
**We do not service downtown/historic Southport, BSL, Bolivia, Caswell beach, and beyond.**
I provide a service that will not exceed even by 2 minutes for many reasons:
Efficient Time Management: Spending less time in the car traveling means I can say yes to more pet sitting requests from my clients.
Punctuality: Being on time to clients homes to care for their pets.
Client Convenience: When clients are within the service area, they can confidently book services without worrying about geographical limitations.
So glad you asked! ;) To get started, simply head here to fill out the New Client Form. I'll be in touch within 24 hours (during business hours) to set up your complimentary Meet & Greet and go over the next steps.
Time to Pet is a pet sitting software. The Time to Pet App makes it simple and easy for Client's to request new services, check scheduled visits, update their pet info, view and send messages/ask questions and make payments. The Time to Pet App can be downloaded directly from the Apple App or Google Play.
If a Client prefers to access their account on their computer, TTP created the Client Portal. The Client Portal provides the same great features as the Client App but from the web browser. Clients can request services, make cancellations, process payments and more.
Clients can update their own profile directly from the App or the Client Portal or I can update their profile. The process of requesting visits should be easy for Client's. Client's can make requests from the App or the Client Portal. All requests are reviewed by HFP before they are approved. Client's can also view all pending or scheduled visits, submit cancellations/change requests and add specific notes when making requests!
Time to Pet makes it simple to generate invoices by linking them with scheduled sevices. It's just as easy for Client's to review their invoices and make payments. HFP accepts credit/debit card or ACH. If you wish to leave behind a written check, please let HFP know. (payments are only made via TTP ONLY, we do NOT accept Zelle, Venmo, Cash App, etc)
Vacation/Day trips:
1. Full payments are due by the FIRST day of services by first service. Email reminder will be sent 24 hours before your service starts.
2. On-Going Weekly or Monthly Walks/Check in Visits: Full payments are due on the LAST day of the month.
**We do not accept early payments, as HFP does NOT issue refunds or credits.**
The Conversation Feed in Time To Pet App/Portal is a great feature to stay connected and organized with messages, questions, and keeping in touch. By default, messages sent through the clients Conversation Feed will be delivered by email as well.
Yes, as long as your pet is okay with me giving them! I highly recommend any pets who are aggressive or severely scared to bring them to a 24-hour Vet Clinic for boarding.
High Five Paws provides indoor care only for dogs, cats, and any pets in a cage or tank enclosure. HFP is not liable or responsible for outdoor pets. If you do have a turtle or koi pond that just requires feeding, I will make an exception. All pets should be inside and only outdoors when they are being supervised.
As for farm animals, High Five Paws does care for chickens only. Chickens MUST have a coop and a secure enclosed area to roam. If chickens do NOT have secure enclosures, HFP has the right to decline services.
I do not recommend this for several reasons:
- Having consistent and reliable care for your pets is key, especially when they may be under more stress while their owners are away. Routine is so essential for your pets. While family and friends may have the best of intentions, because this is not their career, things can get missed, visits can be skipped, medication can be adminstered without notation or communication, etc. Having a professional care for your pet is the best solution for this. :)
- For liability purposes, if other people will be in the home while High Five Paws is caring for your pets, HFP will NOT be held liable or responsible if anything happens to your home or pet.
Puppies must be at least 16 weeks to go on a safe walk in the neighborhood. If they are under 16 weeks, I will do visits in the yard to avoid contracting contagious diseases.
My highest priority is keeping your pet safe and healthy. If your pet has not eaten in 24 hours, has severe bleeding or vomiting, bloody stool, blood in vomit, limping, bloating, seizure, etc., I will notify you and transport your pet to your veterinarian. No matter the severity, High Five Paws will always attempt to keep you informed.
Note: Before beginning services, clients sign an agreement form with more details on how emergencies are handled.
HFP will shorten exercise during heavy rainfall. High Five Paws will not be walking during heavy snow, lightning thunderstorms, extreme heat, or any weather that may affect a dog walking service. In such cases, HFP will still be there for your pet; however, exercise time will be replaced with a potty break, indoor playtime, and TLC.